CBSE to launch new aptitude test for Class IX students

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is all set to roll out a new psychometric test to determine the aptitude of the students of its schools. The test, designed by a group of experts, including those from the Defence Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, will soon be launched for Class IX students.

The board may also allow students of Class X and above to take the aptitude test, which has been given a final shape after several rounds of brainstorming by an expert committee constituted last year.

“This will be mainly rolled out for Class IX students as this is the level at which students need to plan their careers. The board is keen on launching the test by October,” an official source told.

The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry had initiated the move in view of the pressure on students with regard to their performance and career choices. “In many cases, students are confused as to which career they should choose, and most of the times, the choices they make become a burden later,” the source said.

style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">The aptitude test will help students make an informed choice of their career as it will assess their aptitude and skills. The results of the test should also help parents support their wards in planning a “realistic” career. “Students would not require any preparation for the test. The questions will make an assessment of their inherent qualities, capabilities and frame of mind,” he said.

The aptitude of the children will be determined through psychometric tests comprising questions on numerical, verbal and diagrammatic reasoning, he added.

The CBSE has been conducting an aptitude test for Class IX students for the last few years. “The test is different from the one already in place for the Class IX students. It is much better in terms of accuracy in its assessment of the aptitude of students because it has been designed by a bigger group of experts in the field,” a source  said.