Internal Assessment and External Examination
Assessment for Learning · Pre-class Reading Note
Think of your own B.Ed. course. Your teachers give you marks for practicum, assignments and internal
tests during the year. At the end, the university sets a paper that you write in an exam hall. The first is
internal assessment; the second is external examination. Both together decide your final result.
1. Meaning
Internal assessment
External examination
Assessment done by the teachers of the
institution itself, continuously during the course.
Examination planned and conducted by an
outside body, such as a university or a board,
usually at the end.
Examples: class tests, assignments, projects,
practicals, seminars, internship work.
Examples: university semester exams, SSC and
HSC board exams.
2. Significance
Internal assessment
External examination
Checks learning regularly, so gaps are found early
Uses the same paper and standard for all students
Covers skills that a paper cannot test, like
practicals and attitudes
Is more objective, as the examiner does not know
the student
Gives quick feedback and keeps students working
all year
Gives certificates that are accepted everywhere
Reduces fear of one final exam
Helps compare students across colleges and
schools
3. Problems
Stage
Common problems
Planning
Papers without a blueprint; questions outside the syllabus or testing only memory;
unclear instructions
Conduct
Copying and weak supervision; paper leaks; late papers; poor seating; stress among
students
Assessment
Different examiners give different marks; bias or favouritism in internal marks;
hurried checking; results declared late
4. Measures to improve
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Prepare every paper from a blueprint that covers all units and all levels of thinking.
Use a clear marking scheme and moderation, so all examiners mark the same way.
Train teachers and examiners, and keep internal assessment open and well recorded.
Ensure strict supervision, safe handling of papers and a proper seating plan.
Use technology for question banks, online marking and quick results.
Balance both: internal assessment for regular growth, external exams for fair final judgement.