Himachal news: ‘360-degree’ digital report card unveiled in Shimla & Kangra

In a shift aligned with the National Education Policy, the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) has introduced a “360-degree” student assessment model through a Digital Holistic Progress Card (HPC).

The initiative was launched on Monday as a pilot project in select schools across Shimla and Kangra, marking a shift from traditional marks-based evaluation to a more comprehensive and student-centric system.

In the first phase, 10 schools from the two districts have been selected, representing a mix of government and private institutions as well as rural and urban settings. The pilot aims to assess the system’s effectiveness, adaptability and on-ground challenges before a statewide rollout.

HPBOSE Chairman Dr Rajesh Sharma said the HPC framework had been developed with academic and technical support from PARAKH and NCERT, New Delhi. It currently covers students from Classes IX to XII and is entirely digital, ensuring efficient data management, transparency and real-time access for teachers, students and parents.

The Holistic Progress Card marks a significant departure from conventional report cards by evaluating multiple aspects of a student’s development. Beyond academic performance, it includes parameters such as conceptual understanding, creativity, critical thinking, communication skills and socio-emotional learning. Behaviour, co-curricular participation and overall personality development are also factored into the assessment.

To ensure relevance, the board has introduced class-specific formats aligned with age-appropriate competencies and learning outcomes. The digital platform enables continuous monitoring, allowing parents and students to track progress regularly and seek timely support when needed.

Teachers are expected to benefit from a more structured evaluation framework that encourages skill-based learning over rote memorisation. The system is designed to foster deeper engagement in classrooms and promote experiential learning practices.

The introduction of HPC reflects the broader vision of NEP-2020, which emphasises competency-based education and the holistic development of learners. By integrating academic and non-academic indicators, the initiative aims to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with essential 21st-century skills.

The Board plans to expand the system across the state in a phased manner after reviewing the pilot’s outcomes. He added that feedback from stakeholders would play a crucial role in refining the model, said Sharma.

The move is expected to bring a fundamental shift in assessment practices, making education in the state more inclusive, dynamic and aligned with modern learning needs, he added.