CBSE SAFAL 2025‑26 Competency Assessment Rollout: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to transform classroom evaluation with the Structured Assessment for Analysing Learning (SAFAL) becoming mandatory for all its affiliated schools from the 2025‑26 academic session. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, SAFAL shifts the focus from rote memorisation to evaluating real understanding, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills among students.
After a successful pilot involving over 10,000 schools in 2024, CBSE will now assess Class 6 and 9 students—those who completed Classes 5 and 8 in 2024‑25. Schools must register on the official SAFAL portal between July 8 and July 22, 2025, to participate in this non‑competitive, diagnostic tool designed to inform teaching strategies and address learning gaps.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Assessment Name | Structured Assessment for Analysing Learning (SAFAL) |
| Applicable Classes | Class 6 and Class 9 (students who completed Classes 5 & 8 in 2024‑25) |
| Registration Window | July 8–22, 2025 |
| Registration Portal | cbsesafal.in/login |
| Assessment Period | To be scheduled by individual schools during the academic year |
| Core Subjects | – English (Reading) – Mathematics – Science |
| Key Competencies Assessed | – Conceptual understanding – Critical thinking – Problem solving – Application of knowledge |
| Outcome Reports | – School‑level performance diagnostics – Competency gap analysis – Actionable recommendations for teachers |
| Confidentiality | Results used internally for improvement; no public rankings |
| Alignment | National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Competency‑Based Education framework |
| Important Note | No special preparation required—regular classroom learning suffices |
| WhatsApp Official Channel | Join WhatsApp Channel |
| Telegram Official Channel | Join Telegram Channel |
SAFAL 2025‑26 Rollout and Registration Details
CBSE has streamlined SAFAL registration through a dedicated portal. School administrators must log in using their existing List of Candidates (LOC) credentials to submit Class 6 and 9 student lists and confirm participation by July 22. Post‑registration, schools will schedule assessments at convenient times within the academic session, ensuring minimal disruption to normal teaching.
SAFAL Framework: Competencies Assessed and Feedback Mechanism
SAFAL evaluates three core subjects—English (Reading), Mathematics, and Science—across targeted competencies. Each assessment:
- Focuses on understanding rather than recall.
- Includes real‑world problem scenarios to gauge application skills.
- Yields a detailed diagnostic report, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement at the school and student levels.
These insights guide teacher training, curriculum adjustments, and individualized support to elevate learning outcomes.
Impact on Teaching Practices and Next Steps
By embedding SAFAL into the academic calendar, CBSE aims to:
- Empower educators with data‑driven strategies.
- Engage parents through clear reports on their child’s learning progress.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement rather than high‑stakes testing.
CBSE has clarified that SAFAL results are proprietary to each school, ensuring a supportive environment. As schools implement competency‑based assessment, the board will gather feedback to refine the framework and potentially expand SAFAL to other classes in subsequent years.
The CBSE spokesperson stated, “SAFAL is a cornerstone in our journey toward meaningful learning under NEP 2020, equipping teachers and learners to focus on real competencies.”
