JAMMU: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), J&K, Divisional Office Jammu, today organised a two day orientation programme on “Reforming Assessment Practices through Holistic Progress Cards to Address Rashtriya Sarvekshan Findings with Competency-Based Assessment” at Kissan Kendra, Talab Tillo.
The objective of the event was to strengthen the assessment practices in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curricular Frameworks.
Commissioner Secretary Education, Ram Niwas Sharma, presided over the programme while Director, School Education Jammu and Director, SCERT J&K, Dr. Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, was the guest of honour.
Senior officers of the Directorate of School Education Jammu including Manisha, Personal Officer, Mohd. Mushtaq and Anil Salgotra, Joint Directors, DSEJ were also pre.
The participants included Chief Education Officers (CEOs), Principals of District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) from Jammu Division. They are being provided an important platform for deliberations on contemporary assessment reforms and their effective implementation across schools.
In his address, Ram Niwas Sharma underscored the importance of translating the vision of NEP 2020 and the National Curricular Frameworks into tangible improvements in school education. He emphasised the need for a fundamental shift from rote memorisation and examination-driven instructions towards conceptual understanding, critical thinking and the practical application of knowledge.
The Commissioner Secretary also highlighted the collective responsibility of educational administrators and institutional heads in ensuring effective implementation of assessment reforms and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across schools.
Addressing the participants, Director SCERT, emphasised the critical role of educational leadership in translating national policy provisions into effective institutional practices. He highlighted the need for systematic academic planning, sustained professional capacity-building and evidence-based interventions to address the learning gaps identified through Rashtriya Sarvekshan. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among the educational functionaries to strengthen school-level academic processes and improve learning outcomes.
Rakesh Kumar Chobber, Coordinator of the Programme, presented the concept note, outlining the rationale, objectives and significance of the orientation. He highlighted the need to move beyond conventional examination-oriented practices towards learner-centred, competency-based and formative assessment approach in consonance with the vision of NEP 2020.
As part of the inaugural proceedings, SCERT J&K presented key academic publications including SAMVAAD, A Compendium on NEP 2020 Implementation for Jammu Division and TAP (Talent Acceleration Programme), to the Commissioner Secretary. The documents SAMVAAD and TAP were prepared by Dr. Rohini Sharma while the NEP 2020 Implementation Compendium for Jammu Division was prepared by Monica Sharma, Manu Vasudeva and Rakesh Kumar Chobber.
The occasion also witnessed the launch of मनस्पर्श (MANSPARSH) 2026, World Mental Health Awareness Quiz on the DIKSHA platform as part of World Mental Health Month 2026. The quiz was developed by Vivek Jandial, DIKSHA Coordinator, SCERT J&K.
Earlier, Professor Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director, SCERT J&K, Divisional Office Jammu, highlighted the significance of the orientation in fostering a shared understanding of evolving assessment practices and strengthening institutional commitment towards improving the quality of school education.
The programme also featured an exhibition of educational resources and academic materials developed by SCERT J&K. The display showcased a diverse range of resource books, teaching-learning materials, curriculum-support resources, research-based publications and other academic initiatives.
In recognition of their commendable professional contributions and dedication to the teaching fraternity, the SCERT felicitated Mohd Ayaz Raina, Lecturer in Botany, GHSS Dalhori, District Rajouri and Kuldeep Gupta, Lecturer in Zoology, GHS Jindrah, District Jammu.
The technical sessions covered a wide range of themes, including National Education Policy 2020: From Policy to Practice; Implementing National Curricular Frameworks in Schools; Understanding the Holistic Progress Card (HPC): A Comprehensive Approach to Learners; Assessment Reforms under NEP 2020; Digital HPC and Understanding the Findings of Rashtriya Sarvekshan.
The sessions were facilitated by SCERT faculty members Rajesh Hali, Monica Sharma, Rakesh Kumar Chobber and Manu Vasudeva, along with Shahnawaz Gani, Teacher Educator, DIET Ramban.
