‘Holistic Report Cards’ to Transform Student Evaluation in West Bengal Schools: Details

In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, West Bengal will introduce a comprehensive report card to enhance the personality and life skills development of students. This initiative, named the 'Holistic Progress Report Card’, adheres to the guidelines set by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

Starting from this academic year, the holistic progress report card will provide an overarching view of students' progress from classes I to VIII. Unlike the traditional class-wise assessments, these new report cards will capture the overall development of students, including academic performance and personal growth. Schools have already received the report cards in booklet form, and evaluations will occur monthly.

The Holistic Progress Report Card will detail not only students' knowledge acquisition but also their personal and social development. Information such as the student's name, address, Aadhaar number, and blood group will also be included.

The new assessment framework emphasises physical, mental, and intellectual development. According to the West Bengal Department of Higher Education, the report cards will grade students on their organisational skills, emotional control, friendship building, and leadership capabilities. Additionally, teachers can note any deficiencies in writing.

The state school education department has mandated the implementation of these report cards beginning in the academic year 2024-25. In the present academic year, all classes will receive the Holistic Progress Report Cards, but starting next year, they will be given exclusively for class I students.