NIOS : The Way Forward - The National Institute of Open Schooling

NIOS: The Way Forward / 37
5
ASSESSMENT AND
CERTIFICATION IN NIOS
Through Conventional and Digital Modes
This chapter gives an inside view of the complexity of the processes of
conducting two public examinations in a year by the NIOS and its academic
results.
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Types of Assessment
5.3 Public Examinations
5.4 Special Privision for those with
Special Needs
5.5 On Demand Examinations
5.6 Learners Certified in NIOS
exams
5.7 Examination Reforms
5.8 Credit System
5.9 Grading System
5.10 Certification Criteria
5.11 Summing up
5.1 Introduction
Assessment of one’s learning
achievement is what every student
desires. Many have a short term purpose,
namely to know if they have passed or
failed. Pass will often mean a door open
to a job or a better job. This is the
summative aspect of assessment. In the
formal system, where the students and
teaching community are together for a
period of 10-12 years, there is a
formative and on-going feed-back
mechanism. However, this aspect has
only limited application in the ODLS.
5.2 Types of Assessment
Continuous self assessment of students: The SIM format of the lessons provide
the students with an instant feedback, without the damage caused by the
stigma of failure. After further study, the student can again answer the questions
and verify if he/she has mastered the lesson. While the formal system is
adopting a system of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) of
students, the NIOS students will have an accommodated system for use.
At the study centre, the students have a chance to get one’s work and progress
assessed. Tutor Marked Assignments are a help in this regard.
5.3 Public Examinations
Public Examination at the end of the course: As a student friendly system,
NIOS conducts two full scale public examinations each year. An enormous