Traditional Evaluation vs. Modern Trends in Evaluation in today

Evaluation within education has changed drastically from a restrictive, exam-based system to the more comprehensive, competency-based system. In the Indian context, previously, evaluation was limited to using summative assessments or evaluating memory recall or standardized testing in measuring academic achievement. However, national education policy (NEP) 2020 ushered in a new educational policy and practice reform within education globally, changing the approach in education to continuous, comprehensive, learner-centred assessments. During this period, significant contemporary approaches focus on formative feedback, digital usage, performance-based tasks, and skills-based evaluation focusing on 21st century outcomes. This paper discusses both the theoretical and practical variations between, traditional and modern evaluation practices in the Indian context. Using education textbooks and meta-analysis, this paper discusses how the outcome of education policy reforms, the use of technology, and global influences in pedagogy have reshaped the purpose of evaluation, evaluation, and evidence in education. The paper also considers the implications of these approaches for teachers, curriculum writers, and education policymakers, arguing for the need to balance reliability, inclusivity of information, and growth as part of assessment systems.