The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched a structured competency-based assessment for students in Classes 6 and 9 for the 2025–26 academic session, marking a significant shift towards measuring real learning levels rather than rote achievement. The evaluation, which began on 10 November and will run until 24 December, is being rolled out in more than 35 CBSE-affiliated schools in Bhagalpur district alone.
The board said the initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and is designed to gauge students’ subject understanding and skill development across language, mathematics, science and environmental studies. Unlike conventional examinations, the assessment is not competitive; instead, it aims to identify strengths and learning gaps to help schools improve classroom practices.
The test will be conducted on a CBSE-designed digital platform that will allow schools to access detailed analytical reports immediately after completion. These reports will highlight areas where students need targeted support.
According to the schedule issued by the board, the Class 9 assessments are taking place first: language on 10–11 November, mathematics on 13–14 November, science on 17–18 November and a “club day” activity between 19 and 21 November. Assessments for Class 6 will follow from 24 November to 6 December. Local officials said the process in some schools would begin after the conclusion of election-related duties.
Teachers have received specialised training to ensure the new evaluation system is implemented accurately and transparently. CBSE officials said the competency-based model represents a long-term shift towards quality-focused education, with regular diagnostic assessments expected to become a core part of school learning in the coming years.
