Assessment of Student Performance Course | NPTEL Faculty Development
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1425 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Multidisciplinary, Faculty Domain - Fundamental, Faculty Domain - Advanced |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 16 Feb 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Assessment of Student Performance: A Foundational Pillar for Quality Education
In the evolving landscape of higher education, particularly in engineering and technical programs, the assessment of student performance stands as a critical determinant of educational quality and student success. It is the bridge between teaching intentions and actual learning outcomes. Recognizing this pivotal role, a distinguished team of academic experts has curated an essential 8-week NPTEL course designed to empower educators with the advanced skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate effective assessments.
Meet the Esteemed Instructors
This course brings together a powerhouse of experience from India's premier institutions:
Prof. R. Chandrashekar (IIIT Bangalore): A veteran with over 25 years in computing, Prof. Chandrashekar has been a cornerstone of IIIT-B since 2007. His expertise in data science, software engineering, and large-scale applications is complemented by a deep passion for educational technology. Currently heading research centers funded by the Government of Karnataka, his work focuses on leveraging technology to enhance learning. Recognized among the Top 10 Data Science Academicians in India, he provides a unique, data-driven perspective on assessment analytics.
Prof. Shilpi Banerjee (Azim Premji University): An expert in educational assessment with a PhD from IIITB, Prof. Banerjee combines her engineering background with specialized research in assessment systems. Her hands-on experience with national projects like the Online Assessment and Evaluation System (OAES) for NIELIT and her work with various educational boards make her insights exceptionally practical and relevant for real-world classroom and examination challenges.
Prof. N.J. Rao (IISc Bangalore): A seasoned academic leader and former chairman of key departments at IISc, Prof. Rao brings decades of experience in system dynamics, accreditation processes (NBA, NAAC), and faculty development. His current mission focuses on improving learning quality in higher education through curriculum design, Outcome-Based Education (OBE), and pedagogical innovation, including popular NPTEL MOOCs like TALE and TALG.
Why This Course is Essential for Every Educator
Assessment is far more than just grading. It is a systematic process of gathering and interpreting evidence to understand where students are in their learning journey. In the Indian context, with the mandatory adoption of the Outcome Based Education (OBE) framework by AICTE, NBA, UGC, and NAAC, the alignment of Course Outcomes (COs), instruction, and assessment has become non-negotiable.
This course addresses the core challenge: How do we design assessments that accurately and fairly measure the intended learning outcomes? Poorly designed assessments can misdirect student effort, provide inaccurate feedback, and ultimately undermine the educational process. This course provides the toolkit to prevent that.
Course Overview and Structure
Designed at the Postgraduate level, this 8-week journey is structured to build competency from foundational concepts to advanced applications, including the use of cutting-edge technology.
| Week | Focus Area | Key Learning Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Foundations | Understand the role and nature of student assessments. |
| Week 2 | Assessment Quality | Learn the criteria for high-quality, valid, and reliable assessments. |
| Week 3 | Formative Assessment | Design effective assessments for learning (formative) to guide instruction. |
| Week 4 | Summative Assessment | Design assessments of learning (summative) and create robust assessment instruments. |
| Week 5 | Instrument Design | Master the design of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and meaningful assignments. |
| Week 6 | Performance Assessment | Create detailed rubrics for reports, presentations, group activities, and projects. |
| Week 7 | Specialized Assessments | Learn to design assessments for internships and surveys. |
| Week 8 | Technology Integration | Explore the use of Generative AI to design assessment items and build item banks. |
Who Should Enroll?
This course is specifically designed for:
- Prospective and practicing faculty in engineering, science, and general higher education institutions.
- Teacher educators and academic administrators.
- Education functionaries involved in curriculum and examination design.
Prerequisites and Industry Relevance
Prerequisites: A BE/ME degree and prior completion of foundational courses like TALE (Teaching and Learning in Engineering) or NATE on NPTEL are required. This ensures all participants have a common understanding of basic pedagogical principles and OBE.
Industry Support: This course is directly relevant and supported by Engineering Colleges nationwide striving to meet NBA accreditation standards and improve their educational outcomes. The skills taught are critical for institutions implementing OBE and seeking to enhance their assessment practices.
Transform Your Teaching Practice
By the end of this course, educators will be equipped to:
- Articulate the purpose and principles of effective assessment within an OBE framework.
- Design a variety of assessment instruments aligned precisely with course outcomes.
- Construct reliable and valid MCQs, assignments, and performance-based tasks.
- Develop clear, fair, and consistent rubrics to evaluate complex student work.
- Leverage modern tools like Generative AI to enhance assessment efficiency and creativity.
- Contribute meaningfully to their institution's quality assurance and accreditation goals.
In a world where assessment drives learning, investing in the science and art of assessment design is an investment in student success. This course, led by Prof. Chandrashekar, Prof. Banerjee, and Prof. Rao, offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best and transform your approach to evaluating student performance.
For further reading and resources, visit: https://higheredu.org.in/
Enroll Now →