Rastriya sarvekshan Report : PARAKH

10.07.2025

Rastriya sarvekshan Report : PARAKH
 

Context

The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan Report 2024 highlights major learning gaps among students in language, mathematics, and science across Grades 3, 6, and 9.

About the Report

• PARAKH stands for Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development.
• It is a national-level competency-based assessment, replacing the earlier National Achievement Survey (NAS).
• Conducted by NCERT in December 2024, under the Ministry of Education.
• Aims to track learning outcomes aligned with NEP 2020 goals.
   

Key Learning Insights from the Assessment

Grade 3 Findings:

• Language Skills:
   Approximately six out of ten students were able to understand basic stories and instructions. Around two-thirds demonstrated the ability to use everyday vocabulary in communication.
• Mathematics Skills:
   Just over half of the students could properly sequence numbers up to 99. A similar portion was capable of adding and subtracting two-digit figures, while only about half showed a grasp of multiplication and division. Roughly 50% managed to recognise geometric figures and handle basic money calculations involving amounts up to ₹100.

Grade 6 Findings:

• Mathematics Competency:
   Only 38% could solve simple arithmetic problems linked to real-life contexts. Less than one-third could confidently use fractions, while 42% could estimate area, volume, or perimeter.
• Environmental & Social Awareness:
   Nearly 44% showed the ability to describe natural or social elements around them. Just 38% could identify environmental patterns like moon cycles or seasonal customs. Over half the students could explain the roles of key institutions such as gram panchayats, banks, and schools.

Grade 9 Findings:

• Language Comprehension:
   About 54% could pick out central ideas from editorials, news articles, or reports, indicating partial development of reading comprehension.
• Mathematical Reasoning:
   Only 28% to 31% could apply percentage or fraction knowledge to real-life situations. Roughly one-third had clarity on the concept of number sets, including integers, rationals, and real numbers.
• Scientific Understanding:
   Close to 34% could differentiate living from non-living characteristics. About 37% were able to interpret scientific phenomena involving pressure, temperature, or density. Just around one in three could correctly explain concepts such as electric circuits, hormonal functions, or magnetic effects.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen foundational learning:
    Introduce bridge programs and activity-based learning from primary grades, especially in numeracy.
2. Subject-specific teacher training:
    Upskill teachers in competency-based pedagogy, especially for math and science in Grades 6–9.
3. Targeted district support:
    Focus reforms in low-performing districts like Garo Hills and Shi Yomi through district-specific plans.
4. Real-life learning application:
    Encourage project-based assessments to improve conceptual clarity and real-world application.
    

Conclusion

The PARAKH report exposes serious learning deficits among Indian students. Addressing these early through focused reforms is vital for achieving the educational vision set out in NEP 2020.