Coronavirus pandemic continues to affect academic plans across the spectrum. The latest casualty is Programme for International Students Assessment (PISA). India is expected to participate in PISA 2021, for which a trial run was to be conducted this year. However, given the COVID-19 crisis, MHRD has decided to postpone the field trial.
In the cabinet meeting held in the month of March, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) decided to request OECD for postponing Field Trial of PISA to July 2020.
India first participated in PISA a decade ago, when it came at 72nd place among 74 participating countries. After the dismal performance, the then UPA government boycotted PISA, blaming 'out of context' questions for India's low rank in the exam.
PISA was launched in 2000 by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and tests a student's knowledge and skills through a metric which is internationally agreed upon.
Every PISA test assesses a student's knowledge and skills in reading, mathematics and science. The test is meant for students between the ages of 15 years and 3 months and 16 years and 2 months.
PISA test is held every three years. The last PISA test was held in 2018. India decided to participate in 2018 and is due to appear for the test in 2021. The application process for PISA takes three years.
In 2021, students from Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and from the Union territory of Chandigarh will participate in the PISA exam.
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