CBSE’s assessment direction places increasing emphasis on conceptual understanding, application and higher-order thinking. Its SAFAL framework, for example, describes competency-based assessment as assessing core concepts, application of knowledge and higher-order thinking skills. citeturn0search3

What is a competency-based question?

It asks students to use what they know in a situation rather than simply reproduce a memorised sentence. A question may present data, a case, a diagram, an unfamiliar situation or a problem requiring multiple steps.

How to solve one

1. Read the complete situation.
2. Identify the concept being tested.
3. Separate relevant information from extra information.
4. Apply the concept step by step.
5. Explain the reasoning in the final answer.

Practice strategy

For every chapter, combine direct questions with application, case-based and higher-order questions. This helps students develop the reasoning that competency-focused assessment is designed to measure.