Quick answer
Competency-based assessment measures whether students can apply knowledge and skills to real or unfamiliar situations, rather than recall memorised answers. Competency-based questions use case studies, data, sources, and real-life contexts. CBSE has been increasing their share in Class 10 and 12 board exams, in line with NEP 2020 and the shift to competency-based education.
- Tests application, analysis, and reasoning, not memory alone.
- Uses case studies, data, passages, and real contexts.
- CBSE has increased competency-based questions in board exams.
- Teachers need practice writing and marking them.
How are competency-based questions different?
| Rote question | Competency-based question |
|---|---|
| Define photosynthesis. | A plant on a dark shelf is turning pale. Explain why and suggest a fix. |
| State Ohm’s law. | Using the table of readings, find the resistance and explain any anomaly. |
| Name the causes of the revolt of 1857. | Read the two sources. Which gives a more reliable account, and why? |
What types of competency-based questions are common?
- Case-based questions with a short scenario and several parts.
- Source-based questions using a passage, map, or document.
- Data interpretation using tables and graphs.
- Assertion and reason questions.
- Multiple-choice questions that require reasoning.
- Open-ended problems with more than one valid approach.
How do teachers write a competency-based question?
- Pick a competency. Choose the skill, such as interpreting data or explaining a cause.
- Find a context. Use a realistic, age-appropriate situation students have not memorised.
- Provide information. Give the data, passage, or scenario needed.
- Ask for thinking. Use verbs like explain, compare, predict, or justify.
- Plan the marking. Write a marking scheme with acceptable variations.
What does CBSE say about competency-based questions?
CBSE has been raising the share of competency-focused questions, such as case-based, source-based, and multiple-choice questions, in Class 10 and 12 board exams, and publishes sample papers and question banks. Check the current sample papers on the CBSE academic website for the exact pattern each year.
How can schools prepare students?
- Use competency-based questions in regular class work, not only before exams.
- Teach students to read the context carefully.
- Discuss model answers and marking schemes.
- Build a shared question bank by subject and outcome.
- Use formative assessment to find weak skills early.
A question bank with tags for competency, outcome, and difficulty, held in the school LMS, saves time for every teacher.
Frequently asked questions
What is competency-based assessment?
Assessment that measures whether students can apply knowledge and skills in new situations.
What are competency-based questions?
Questions based on cases, data, or sources that require application and reasoning.
Does CBSE use competency-based questions?
Yes. CBSE has increased their share in Class 10 and 12 board exams.
Are MCQs competency-based?
They can be, if they require reasoning rather than recall.
How do students prepare for competency-based questions?
By practising application questions regularly and understanding concepts rather than memorising answers.
What is the link with NEP 2020?
NEP 2020 calls for assessment that tests core capacities and competencies.
Are competency-based questions harder?
They need different skills. Students who understand concepts usually find them manageable.