J&K Govt Issues Order for Conduct of Annual Summative Assessments for Class 8 under NEP 2020 Framework
Srinagar, October 11: In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a comprehensive order for the conduct of Summative Assessments/Annual Examinations for Class 8. The move marks a significant shift from rote-based learning towards a holistic, competency-based evaluation system aimed at fostering critical thinking and conceptual clarity among learners.
According to the Government Order No. 629-JK(Edu) of 2025, issued by the School Education Department, all government and recognized private institutions will conduct Summative Assessments for Class 8 students beginning from the academic session 2024–25 onward. The framework emphasizes continuous regular assessment, remedial support, and competency-based learning to ensure the academic growth of every student.
General Framework
1. School-Based Assessments (SBA):
Regular formative assessments will be conducted across all grades as part of the School-Based Assessment system.
2. Annual Examinations:
Summative Assessments/Annual Exams will be held for all classes, with particular emphasis on Classes 5 and 8, which mark the terminal stages of the Preparatory and Middle Stages under NEP 2020. These assessments will be organized at the school level under the supervision of the respective Complex/Cluster Heads.
3. Remedial Teaching:
Students who do not achieve the expected competency levels will receive additional remedial teaching. Supplementary exams will be arranged for such students once they meet the identified competencies.
4. Data Management:
A comprehensive database of all Class 8 students will be maintained by the District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) through Cluster Heads to track learning progress and outcomes.
Role of SCERT and DIETs
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and DIETs will play a pivotal role in implementing the assessment framework. Their responsibilities include:
Designing competency-based assessment tools and model question papers up to Class 8.
Promoting the use of Holistic Progress Cards (HPCs) for reflecting student growth.
Conducting orientation programs for teachers and school heads.
Developing tools aligned with PARAKH Rashtriya Samiksha (NAS) and ensuring effective data management and evaluation.
Coordination and Supervision
School Heads will prepare common assessment tools with special attention to competencies identified in the PARAKH Rashtriya Samiksha 2024 Report. Meanwhile, DIETs, in collaboration with Chief Education Officers, Cluster Heads, and Zonal Education Officers, will issue date sheets for the Summative Assessments under the overall supervision of the Director of School Education.
Schedule for Results and New Sessions
Winter Zone: Results will be declared before 25th October, and new classes will commence from 1st November.
Summer Zone: Results will be declared before 20th March, and new classes will begin from 1st April.
Additionally, Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) will be institutionalized to ensure continuous engagement with parents and to share progress reports effectively.
