Competencies Based Education: A Short Note

For quality education, the Outcome-Based Education (OBE), also referred to as Competencies Based Education (CBE), is the most favored model worldwide. It is a learner-centered instructional approach where the established curriculum and assessments are crafted around specific goals known as competencies, or "outcomes," that students are expected to achieve by the conclusion of a course.

In various OBE programs, what students are capable of knowing, doing, and applying in real-life scenarios is evaluated, assisting both teachers and students in engaging in deeper and more relevant learning experiences. In this model, assessment is utilized to determine whether students have shown these particular competencies.

The NEP 2020 and Outcome-Based Education (OBE) are synchronized to promote the creation of a student-centered, competency-oriented education system by transitioning from rote memorization to specific skills and practical applications in real-life contexts. It is asserted that OBE aligns with the policy vision by redefining success through measurable outcomes, critical thinking, and creativity, rather than merely rote learning and the memorization of sterile content.

Under the NEP 2020, this alignment encompasses a flexible curriculum, competency-based assessments, and the integration of vocational, arts, and sports education to equip students as the workforce for the 21st Century skills.