The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the Structured Assessment for Analysing Learning (SAFAL) – Key Stage Assessment (KSA) will be mandatory for all CBSE-affiliated schools starting from the 2025-26 academic session. This initiative, launched in July 2021, aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, specifically para 4.40, emphasizing a shift towards competency-based education1.
What is SAFAL – KSA?
SAFAL – KSA is a diagnostic assessment designed to help schools and teachers understand students’ competency levels at their respective grade levels. This valuable insight empowers educators to enhance their instructional practices and effectively cater to the diverse learning needs of students2. The Board successfully conducted SAFAL 2024-25, witnessing participation from approximately 10,000 CBSE-affiliated schools both in India and abroad3.
Mandatory for Grades 6 and 9
For the 2025-26 session, SAFAL – KSA will be conducted for students currently in Grades 6 and 9 (those who studied in Grades 5 and 8 respectively in 2024-25)4.
Registration Details
Schools eager to participate in the upcoming SAFAL – KSA must register between
July 8, 2025, and July 22, 20255. Registration can be completed by logging into the CBSE SAFAL portal using LOC credentials via the link:
Digital Assessment with a Pen-Paper Option
SAFAL – KSA will primarily be conducted in a digital mode for schools equipped with the necessary digital infrastructure, as per CBSE Circulars No. 10/2023 and 02/2024777. Schools are strongly encouraged to ensure they possess the required digital infrastructure8.
However, for this session only, schools unable to participate digitally due to unavoidable circumstances will have a one-time opportunity to opt for the OMR-based pen-paper mode9. Such schools will be required to submit an undertaking, jointly signed by the Manager and Principal, committing to upgrade their digital infrastructure during this academic session10.
Important Dates to Remember
- Registration Start Date: July 8, 2025 11
- Registration Last Date: July 22, 2025 12
- SAFAL Assessment Period: November – December 2025 13
- Report Generation: April 2026 14
For any queries regarding the registration process, schools can contact CBSE at +91-9968313254 or +91-9968663255 (Phone and WhatsApp) during office hours (9:30 AM – 5:30 PM), or email [email protected]15.
SAFAL – KSA represents a significant step towards reinforcing competency-based learning and providing valuable insights to improve educational outcomes for students across CBSE-affiliated schools.
Note:
Link to Official Notification : https://cbseacademic.nic.in/