A comprehensive assessment of students’ educational competencies at the foundational, preparatory, and middle stages was conducted through the State Educational Achievement Survey on November 3, 2023. This nationwide survey, encompassing over 80 lakh students from 3 lakh schools across 5917 blocks, marks a significant milestone in evaluating educational performance at the block level in India. This vast survey included 6 lakh teachers and over 3 lakh field investigators. The survey primarily focus was on Language and Mathematics. All States and Union Territories, except for Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, participated in the survey’s implementation.
Assessment tools were meticulously developed following rigorous scientific procedures to effectively gauge students’ competencies. The assessment methodology employed a paper-pen-based approach, leveraging OMR technology for data capture and analysis. This combination ensured the accuracy and efficiency of data acquisition and validation.
The implementation of the State Educational Achievement Survey 2023 would yield valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement within the educational system. These insights will serve as the foundation for data-driven policies and initiatives aimed at elevating the quality of education for students.
A notable aspect of the State Educational Achievement Survey (SEAS) 2023 conducted by PARAKH was the expansion of the sample size to assess learning gaps at the block level, marking a strategic shift from the district-level approach. This transition was driven by the aim of evaluating a larger cohort of students and gaining a more granular understanding of their performance. Additionally, this approach incorporated teacher professional development programs at the block level.
The State Educational Achievement Survey by PARAKH involved a sizeable sample of around 8 million students. This comprehensive assessment, with the educational block as the granular unit of analysis, will have far-reaching consequences for education policies, including teacher training programs and the development of teaching and learning support materials.
The successful implementation of the SEAS marks a substantial step forward in elevating the quality of education in India. The valuable insights gleaned from this survey will pave the way for evidence-driven decision-making and the implementation of initiatives designed to strengthen the education system. Expectations are high for the transformative impact that the PARAKH survey will have on the nation’s educational landscape.
Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, the National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), has been established as a central authority to define norms, standards, and guidelines for student assessment and evaluation across all recognized school boards in India. PARAKH will also serve as a guiding body for the State Achievement Survey (SAS), conduct the National Achievement Survey (NAS), monitor the attainment of learning outcomes, and encourage and support school boards in transitioning their assessment patterns to meet the skill requirements of the 21st century.
