The education system in Manipur is currently witnessing a transformative change. Moving away from traditional marks-based evaluation, the state is preparing for a complete overhaul of its grading system. This change follows the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy emphasizes a multi-dimensional approach to learning. By focusing on holistic student assessment in Manipur, the state government aims to nurture well-rounded individuals. They want to move beyond simple academic achievement.
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The Foundation of Assessment Reform
To kickstart this transition, a five-day workshop recently began on January 5, 2026. This workshop focuses on the “Holistic Progress Card (HPC) for Secondary Stage.” It also covers the standardization of question papers. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM) and PARAKH. PARAKH serves as the national assessment center. Teachers from across the state have gathered to learn about this new framework. Consequently, this training ensures that educators can guide students through a new pedagogical landscape.
Understanding the Holistic Progress Card
One significant feature of this reform is the Holistic Progress Card. Traditional report cards only listed numerical scores. In contrast, the HPC is a 360-degree multidimensional report. It reflects the uniqueness of each learner across various domains. These include cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills. For the first time, holistic student assessment in Manipur will include self-assessment. It will also feature peer-assessment alongside teacher evaluations. This approach allows students to reflect on their own learning journey. It fosters a sense of accountability and self-awareness from an early age.
Integrating Project-Based Learning
Furthermore, the new system integrates project-based learning into the formal record. It also includes inquiry-based activities. Teachers will now track a student’s progress in several areas. These include quizzes, role-plays, group work, and portfolios. This shift is essential because it recognizes that learning happens outside textbooks. By documenting these diverse activities, the holistic student assessment in Manipur provides a clearer picture of growth. It enables parents and educators to identify specific strengths. This data is vital for informed career guidance later in life.
Empowering Teachers for Change
In addition to student-centric changes, the reform emphasizes teacher capacity. COHSEM Chairman Takhellambam Ojit Singh highlighted this need. He stated that equipping teachers with new skills is crucial for success. During current workshops, educators are learning to design competency-based question papers. These papers test higher-order skills like critical thinking. They move away from testing rote memorization. As a result, the classroom environment will become more interactive. It will also become less exam-centric. This shift reduces the mental stress often associated with high-stakes testing.
National Standards and Uniformity
The role of PARAKH is central to this transition. As the national standard-setting body, PARAKH ensures high quality. It helps the assessment system in Manipur remain at par with national standards. Professor Indrani Bhaduri, CEO of PARAKH, emphasized the goal of parity. The board wants to create equality among various school boards. This means a student from a remote village in Manipur meets the same standards as a city student. This level of uniformity is a key pillar of holistic student assessment in Manipur.
Longitudinal Tracking and Future Growth
There is also a strong focus on longitudinal tracking. The Holistic Progress Card will maintain a comprehensive record of development. This record follows the student from Class 1 through Class 12. Such long-term data helps in identifying learning gaps early. Therefore, teachers can provide timely interventions. Instead of a “pass or fail” mentality, the focus shifts to growth. By implementing these changes, Manipur is positioning itself as a leader in the Northeast.
In addition, the shift toward holistic student assessment in Manipur marks a new era. The transition may take two to three years to fully roll out. However, the state is laying the foundation today. Manipur is exploring new territories of intelligence and creativity. It is ensuring its students are ready for the challenges of the 21st century. The vision is clear: create an education system that is inclusive and joyful. This system will finally connect with the true potential of every child.
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