
Punjab unveils next-level education reforms: Question papers to be co-created by teachers, students
2
3
Mohali: In a landmark move aimed at reshaping the examination system, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) announced that it will contribute high-quality, competency-based questions to a national question bank in collaboration with PARAKH — the National Assessment Centre under NCERT.
The initiative is set to benefit lakhs of students preparing for competitive exams like NEET, CUET, and JEE.
The announcement was made during the national conference on "Rethinking Education Framework for Next Generation Learning," where PSEB chairman Dr Amarpal Singh outlined a new vision for student assessment, shifting the focus from rote learning to conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and innovation.
"We are preparing our students not just to pass exams, but to stand tall on national platforms," said Dr Singh. "Every question paper in Punjab will now test real understanding, not just memory."
Punjab will now contribute its best question papers to a centralised national databank, allowing local students to gain familiarity with the pattern and difficulty level of national-level assessments. Teachers across the state are being trained to frame questions in core subjects that test deeper learning and problem-solving abilities.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription
Techno Mag
Learn More
Undo
Exams Reimagined: Students as Question Creators
One of the most forward-looking elements of this reform is the inclusion of students in the assessment process. Students — especially at the junior level — will be encouraged to frame their own questions. Selected entries will not only be recognised but also have the potential to feature in national-level assessments.
"It's a proud moment. Punjab's teachers and students will now help shape the way India's children are tested and trained for the future," said a PSEB official.
Dr Indrani Bhaduri, CEO of PARAKH, commended Punjab's leadership: "When students start asking questions, not just answering them, real learning begins. Punjab is setting a national example."
Technology-Driven, Transparent Exams
The reform initiative also includes a strong push for secure and transparent assessments. Future board exams will be monitored via live CCTV feeds, with district-level control rooms — a model inspired by Himachal Pradesh.
Additionally, OMR-based evaluation and standardised rubrics will be introduced to ensure fairness and consistency.
Monica Chawla, a CBSE resource person, conducted a workshop for teachers on reforming classroom-level assessments. She urged educators to move beyond outdated formats and embrace methods that reward creativity and higher-order thinking.
To incentivise innovation, PSEB will launch a state-level competition to honour teachers who design the most effective and student-friendly question papers.
These efforts aim to make assessments a tool for learning rather than a source of stress.
Dr Singh concluded the session with a powerful message for Punjab's schoolchildren, saying, "You are not here just to answer questions. You are here to ask better ones, create new ones, and change how we learn forever."
With Punjab now actively contributing to the national question bank, a question created by a teacher in Sangrur or a student in Gurdaspur may soon appear in exams across India — marking a new chapter in educational equity and excellence.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Gig workers with disabilities unable to access lounges
Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation has set up lounges with air conditioning, power outlets and toilets in Anna Nagar and T Nagar for gig workers to relax between orders, but the spaces remain inaccessible to people with disabilities (PwDs). K Sasikumar, a food delivery partner, says being on the road all day on his battery-powered wheelchair is physically exhausting as his app algorithm forces him to travel to faraway locations. "Since I take my wheelchair to faraway locations, using the wheelchair on these roads induces severe body pain. I tried using the lounge once, but there is no way to access it as it's on a pavement with no way to get on it with my wheelchair. Also, the entrance has an extended door frame that hinders the path. It's nice the govt is coming up with such initiatives, but when they build such structures, they should keep us in mind," he said. S Namburajan, vice-president of Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers (Taratdac), said the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD Act), 2016 in India mandates accessibility across various sectors, including physical infrastructure, transportation, information and communication technology (ICT), and public services. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The Act also states that the govt should ensure all public buildings and spaces that are already constructed be made accessible through modifications. "Despite such an Act in place, policy makers continue to build places that are inaccessible. It needs to be strictly enforced during planning phase." You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai While GCC plans similar lounges in Thiruvanmiyur, Villivakkam, Royapettah, Mylapore, and Nungambakkam, activists say small retrofittings can make a huge difference. Sathish Kumar, an activist, said a ramp should be made that connects the road to the entrance. "There should be a charging space for wheelchairs and the width of the toilet door should be 3 feet. The toilet also should be accessible and be made spacious according to space available. " "We've taken note of the issue and are planning to install a temporary ramp as we work on constructing a permanent one," said GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Assam NEET UG 2025: First round of counselling schedule released at dme.assam.gov.in, online registration opens July 24
First round of Assam NEET UG 2025 counselling begins online at Assam NEET UG 2025: The Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Assam, has announced the schedule for the first round of online counselling for admission into first-year MBBS and BDS courses in government medical and dental colleges of Assam for the 2025 session. Eligible candidates who have qualified the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025 and meet the state quota criteria can participate in the counselling process through the official website Online registration for the counselling will begin on July 24 and continue until July 29, 2025, with the deadline set at 11:55 PM. This round of counselling is specifically for candidates seeking admission under the state quota seats, including general, PwD, reserved, and special categories. Counselling schedule and seat allotment process Candidates must complete several steps within specific timelines to secure their seats. After registration, online choice filling will be available from July 30 to August 2, with choices needing to be locked by 11:55 PM on August 2. If candidates do not lock their choices manually, the system will lock them automatically at the deadline. Seat allotment processing will take place from August 3 to August 5. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like I lost my wife, now my son is in danger, please help him! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo The provisional result and admission modalities will be published on the official website on August 6. Candidates applying under special quotas such as Freedom Fighters, Martyrs of Assam Movement, extremist violence victims, Ex-Servicemen, serving defence personnel, and sports quotas must attend physical document verification on July 18 at the DME office in Guwahati. Those found eligible must also participate in the online counselling. Important dates for Assam NEET UG 2025 counselling Activity Dates Time Online registration July 24 to July 29, 2025 Until 11:55 PM Online choice filling July 30 to August 2, 2025 Until 10:00 PM Online locking of choices August 2, 2025 5:00 PM to 11:55 PM Seat allotment processing August 3 to August 5, 2025 Result publication August 6, 2025 Eligibility and categories covered The counselling is open to candidates under the General category, persons with disabilities (PwD), and reserved categories including SC, ST, OBC-MOBC (non-creamy layer), and other Assam-specific categories such as Moran, Motak, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Koch Rajbongshi, TGL/Ex-TGL, along with special categories mentioned above. Candidates belonging to OBC/MOBC creamy layer are advised to apply under the General category. Steps to register for Assam NEET UG 2025 counselling online 1. Visit the official website: Go to and locate the NEET UG 2025 counselling portal. 2. Create a login account: Register using your NEET roll number, personal details, and contact information. 3. Complete the online registration form: Fill in all mandatory fields accurately as per your NEET credentials and personal data. 4. Upload necessary documents: Scan and upload required certificates and documents as per admission rules. 5. Submit the form: Review the information, submit the form before the deadline, and download the confirmation receipt for future reference. Candidates are advised to keep all relevant documents ready in advance as per the MBBS/BDS Admission Rules 2017 (Amended up to 2025). No offline counselling will be conducted for state quota seats; all processes are to be completed online except for special quota document verification. For further updates and details, candidates must regularly check the official website Information regarding counselling for NRI quota seats will be published separately in due course. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!


The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Gujarat's Banni Grasslands ready to host cheetahs, say officials
The Banni Grasslands in Gujarat, the largest such expanse in the Indian subcontinent and one of the 10 sites selected for cheetah rehabilitation in the country, is now fully prepared to host the big cats, officials said on Wednesday (July 16, 2025). Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Gujarat, told PTI that a breeding centre for cheetahs has been set up and efforts are underway to further enhance the prey population of chital and sambar. "We are ready with everything, including quarantine and soft release bomas [enclosures]. However, the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Cheetah Project Steering Committee will decide when the animals will be brought here," he said. Mr. Singh said a 600-hectare enclosure has been developed, the herbivore population has been increased, and facilities such as CCTV monitoring and a dedicated veterinary centre have been established. Fences have been installed to prevent the infiltration of other large carnivores into the cheetah enclosures. Veterinarians have also been trained at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, the first site in India to host cheetahs translocated from Africa, he added. According to the plan to introduce cheetahs in the Banni Grasslands, the natural habitat preferences of cheetahs in Africa include grasslands, savannahs and scrublands, and the habitat conditions in Banni closely match these. Vantara, a Jamnagar-based rescue, conservation and rehabilitation facility of the Reliance Foundation, posted on Instagram that in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest Department, it has reintroduced spotted deer into the Banni Grasslands. "The introduction of spotted deer marks a key step in restoring ecological balance in Banni. As a committed partner, Vantara supports this effort with scientific expertise, veterinary care and technical support, working alongside the government to protect India's natural heritage," it said. Mr. Singh said the move is part of broader efforts to increase the prey population in the arid grassland landscape. Officials said that cheetahs are likely to be introduced in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh before they are sent to the Bunni Grasslands. The State government officially declared Veerangana Durgavati a tiger reserve in September 2023. Located about 20 kilometres from Bhopal, it spans 2,339 square kilometres and covers parts of Narsinghpur, Sagar and Damoh districts. An NTCA team reviewed the preparations in the tiger reserve in June. Thereafter, officials said, cheetahs will be introduced into the Bunni grasslands in Gujarat's Kutch district and then in the Shahgarh Bulge region in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. The 10 potential sites listed in the action plan for cheetah introduction are: Guru Ghasidas National Park in Chhattisgarh; Banni grasslands in Gujarat; Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanjay National Park, Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary, Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary (now Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve) and Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh; Desert National Park and Shahgarh grasslands in Rajasthan and Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. Seventy years after cheetahs went extinct in India, the government launched the Project Cheetah to establish a sustainable population of the big cat in the country. As part of the reintroduction effort, 20 African cheetahs were brought to Kuno National Park: eight from Namibia in September 2022 and 12 from South Africa in February 2023. Eleven of them have survived, including two that were transferred to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in April. Since the introduction of African cheetahs, 26 cubs have been born in India, of which 17 have survived.