Shift from marks to mastery gathers ground as schools recalibrate assessment

A large-scale parent-teacher meeting held across parts of Rajasthan on Tuesday signalled a gradual shift in how student performance is being evaluated, with schools placing greater emphasis on competencies rather than raw scores. The exercise sought to familiarise parents with report cards that map learning outcomes and skill development, moving beyond the conventional marks-based system.

Educators involved in the initiative said the new format attempts to capture a more complete picture of a child’s progress, including conceptual understanding, application, and classroom engagement. The approach aligns with broader policy directions that advocate continuous and comprehensive evaluation in place of high-stakes testing.

Technology is playing a supporting role, with some schools using digital tools to track student performance and generate detailed feedback. This, officials argue, allows for timely intervention where learning gaps are identified.

The transition, however, is not without challenges. For many parents and students accustomed to marks as the primary benchmark, adapting to a more layered assessment framework will take time. The success of the shift will depend on how effectively schools communicate its value and implement it consistently across classrooms.