PISA stands for the Programme for International Student Assessment. It is a global study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that evaluates the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students in mathematics, reading, and science.
The PISA test is conducted every three years, providing a regular snapshot of student performance across participating countries.
India first participated in PISA in 2009 to evaluate its education system's performance in comparison to other nations. The Indian government agreed to participate in the 2021 round after a hiatus.
During its initial participation in 2009, India ranked 73rd out of 74 countries, placing second-last, just above Kazakhstan.
India withdrew from PISA after 2009 primarily due to concerns about low scores, which many attributed to a "cultural disconnect" with the test questions. Additional criticisms were raised regarding the test being administered only in English, despite the fact that the test is typically conducted in the medium of instruction of the students.
In 2021, India again opted out of the assessment citing the challenges posed by school closures and learning gaps resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite earlier intentions to participate, the Indian government has recently declined to be involved in the 2025 PISA testing.
PISA emphasizes the application of knowledge in real-world scenarios rather than rote memorization. It assesses how well students can extrapolate from what they have learned and apply it in unfamiliar contexts.
The core subjects assessed in PISA include mathematics, reading, and science. In certain years, an "innovative domain" is also evaluated, such as creative thinking, which was featured in 2022.
PISA offers valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of national education systems, assisting governments in identifying areas requiring further attention and improvement.
Interestingly, some countries, like England, were able to enhance their PISA scores in specific areas despite the widespread disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Like any assessment, PISA faces criticism. Initial claims of cultural bias were raised, although the OECD has made efforts to create questions that are culturally neutral.
Participation in PISA offers crucial data for shaping education policy and fostering improvements. It allows countries to benchmark their education systems against others globally and identify gaps in critical thinking and application skills among students.
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