Optional Proficiency Test
As part of aiding students in assessing their proficiency and aptitude in different subjects the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to conduct optional proficiency test for Class X students.
The examination, being introduced as part of CBSE's ongoing examination reforms, is expected to help Class X students in choosing their main subject streams in higher secondary level. The examination will be conducted at the end of Class X next year in all five main subjects — English, Hindi, Social Science, Mathematics and Science.
Apart from setting priorities in their future education plans, the proficiency test will help students and parents to understand how well the student have internalised the related concepts and principles of a subject as well as help in assessing students' abilities in applying subject concepts and principles in everyday life situations.
“The core testing elements of the proficiency test will include observing, comparing, classifying, solving, translating, interpreting, analysing, synthesising, creating, composing, deducing, justifying and judging,” reads a circular issued by the CBSE. The circular is available on the website www.cbse.nic.in.
“What is important is that this proficiency test, which again is optional, has nothing to do with the summative assessment examinations or any other assessment scheme for Class X. This is only a self-assessment test, for the benefit of students and parents, to assess students' aptitude and skills,'' said Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Chattachal, Principal K.O. Ratnakaran.
Students of CBSE schools who have appeared in the Class X final examinations are eligible to write the test. Separate tests of two-and-a-half hour duration will be conducted for each subject.
Each test will have multiple choice questions based on Class IX and X syllabus. A student can appear in one or more subjects of his choice.
Schools where students are willing to take the proficiency test can register online.
The test is proposed to be conducted in May or June 2011. It will be conducted on the same day at all registered schools. Students will have to remit separate examination fees for each subject to appear for the test, the circular said.
The Hindu
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