CBSE CCE grading: What is CCE? Advantages & Disadvantages

Assessment methodologies in education system evolve from time to time, not for the sake of educational boards themselves, but to ease the burden of examination on students and improve the quality of education. Continuous & Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system is the product of such an evolution, which was carefully masterminded by education professionals to change the dynamics of the evaluation process. Just like any other assessment system, CCE grading system, too, bears certain advantages and disadvantages.

What is CCE grading system?

CCE grading system is a process of assessment, mandated by the Right to Education Act, of India in 2009. The primary purpose of CCE is to assess every aspect—academic and non-academic aspects—of students during their schooling and thereby take the edge off the pressure of passing held by students during/before exams.

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Unlike older assessment method, where students were evaluated by one final exam at the end of an academic year, in the CCE system, the students are evaluated in two stages of examination, namely the formative and the summative, throughout the year. The aim of the method is to reduce the workload on the students by allowing them to take a number of small tests throughout the year in place of one single test at the end of the academic program. This way, students can showcase their talent in other fields such as arts, sports, music, athletics, etc. and also keeps them motivated.

Formative tests

Formative tests are the evaluation of student's classroom performance and homework, and this includes student's performance in oral tests and quizzes, projects, models and charts, group work, worksheet, survey, seminar, occasional small tests, assignments submitted by the student.

Formative tests are conducted four times in an academic year and carry a 40% weightage for the total aggregate.

Summative assessment

The summative assessment is a long-hours written test conducted twice a year. The first summative is conducted after the first two formatives are completed, and the second one carried out following the completion of the next two formatives. Each summative carry a 30% weightage and tally to 60% weightage for the aggregate.

Advantages of CCE grading system

• The CCE grading system helps in reducing the pressure and stress often build up in students during and after the examination.
• The students will have more time in their hands to concentrate on their interests, passion, extra-curricular activities, hobbies, personality development, etc.
• The system helps schools with holistic development and overall development of students.
• It will also help in the reduction of dropout rate as there will be less fear and fretfulness related to excellence and performance.
• The system will empower the students, parents and teachers to make the right choice about subjects.
• The CCE grading system will allow the teacher to formulate curriculum and syllabus better.
• The system will contribute to creative and critical thinking; emotional, social and coping skills in students.

Disadvantages of CCE grading system

• An argument exists among people that CCE makes the students take the board exams lightly.
• The system requires teachers to formulate an effective test plan to assess students every step of the way, which can be tiresome.
• The grading system groups students scoring 90 and 99 marks in the same category, Grade A+.
• Students are required to study throughout the year, which likely gives them no rest at all.