The Central Board of Secondary Education has started a novel test cycle – Structured Assessment For Analyzing Learning (SAFAL) to assess students’ understanding of core concepts.

CBSE which has been in news for reforms introduced in the examination cycle is trying to release steam with the introduction of “a non-preparation exam” as opposed to the conventional exam which requires rote learning.

The CBSE conducted a pilot project for the same in 2022. The board sent a notification to its affiliated schools asking them to register for the same along with a FAQs list with clarification. The move is in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 which calls for doing away with exam fear among students.  

The CBSE said that the SAFAL test will help assess students’ proficiency at four learning levels. On the basis of their knowledge, they are graded as having below basic, basic, proficient and advanced proficiency levels.

The examination will be conducted for students in grades 5 and 8. Safal is not merely envisioned to evaluate the intellectual growth of a student but also to enhance innovation in the teaching-learning process.

The ultimate goal is to enhance educational activities and teaching methodologies through innovation, guiding students away from rote learning and fostering a path of simple intellectual development.

 SAFAL test cycle 2024 will test competencies of students in science, maths and languages. While this year, 11,000 schools have joined the SAFAL test initiative, the board is hopeful of introducing the same across its 30,000 schools by 2025. 

Also read: CBSE considering how and when to conduct board exams twice a year