Question : PISA Test

(a) whether the programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) a global test that assesses students Mathematics , reading and science literacy has been conducted;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the country had participated in the said test;
(d) if not, the reasons therefor;
(e) the Government has decided to join hands with SAARC nations to attempt a regional version of global test to assess learning outcomes;
(f) if so, the details thereof;
(g) whether UNESCO has also agreed to help to develop such test; and
(h) if so, the details thereof and the time by which a decision is likely to be taken in this regard?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) to (d) India participated in PISA 2009 only through schools in two states, i.e., Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh. India has not participated in the PISA Test after 2009 as India has developed its own student assessment system called the National Achievement Surveys (NAS), which are independently conducted by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) across the country on the latest international Item Response Theory (IRT) methodology. The NAS is conducted for classes III, V, VIII & X, i.e., the critical stages of education, early primary, end of primary, upper primary and secondary levels. The NAS is conducted every three years and provides detailed information on learning outcomes which is useful for teacher training, curriculum development and for improving quality of education.

(e) No, Madam.

(f) Does not arise.

(g) No, Madam.

(h) Does not arise.

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