Aptitude reflects the inherent capacity, or talent of an individual. Aptitude assessment is a student-friendly, universally accepted mode of rating capabilities for a particular activity. Aptitude assessments are known to be reliable predictors of future scholastic achievements as they provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses of a student.  

Genesis of SGAI

The CBSE SGAI was designed for class X students as an optional activity.

A random survey was conducted in schools by devising a questionnaire to primarily gauge whether the schools, parents and students were aware of Aptitude assessment, at what stage these assessments should be conducted and parents attitude towards Aptitude assessment. The responses received were studied by a group comprising of psychiatrists, psychologists, experts in Psychometrics and practicing counsellors. After analysing the feedback, it was decided to develop an Aptitude test suited to CBSE clientele.

Methodology

Prior to the administration CBSE SGAI is pre-tested for its efficacy.

Pilot Test

A pilot test was conducted on a sample of secondary level students drawn from CBSE affiliated Private, Government and Aided schools from different parts of the country.

The Micro Pilot Test

SGAI was further tested after making modifications on the basis of pilot test and feedback received from the schools.       

Strength of SGAI

A team of Experts in psychometrics, practicing psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors developed SGAI tool and its assessment scheme.

Resource Material & Advocacy of SGAI for wider sensitization and climate building amongst Parents, Teachers and Schools. Activities Manual and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)were updated and published in English and Hindi. The material was also made available on-line.       

Assessment of CBSE SGAI was done under the supervision of an expert panel and assessment reports were issued by the Board.

Salient features of SGAI

§   The CBSE SGAI is an optional activity meant for class X students studying in CBSE affiliated schools across the world.

§   CBSE SGAI is an assessment of aptitudes and interests.

§  Unlike the conventional Aptitude assessment, which indicate professional orientations the CBSE SGAI attempts to indicate academic orientations at +2 level.

§ It has been customized to suit the Indian context and variety of student population in CBSE affiliated Private, Government and Aided Schools.

§   CBSE SGAI is not an examination.

§   There is NO negative marking, pass or fail.

§   No syllabus and special preparation is required for CBSE SGAI.

§   Mental preparedness and sincere responses are the pre- requisites for this assessment as SGAI assessment may depend upon child’s environmental stimulus and motivation level.

§   CBSE- SGAI should be taken only as an indicator or a facilitator.

§  The purpose of CBSE SGAI is to help the larger population including parents, teachers and students to initiate a dialog on academic choices that may lead to effective career planning later in life.

§  Final decision on the academic choices may be taken in consultation with the school and parents.

The First ever Online SGAI 

In the last 5 years of having conducted the SGAI, the Board has constantly strived to improve the assessment and delivery format in ensuring its goal of helping students in their subject choices for Class XI through a more scientific and self-exploratory manner.

CBSE SGAI until 2013 was a simple paper-pencil assessment of 1:30 to 2:00 hours duration. However,  an improvised version of the SGAI was used for the Fifth edition, which for the first time conducted online (computer based) in affiliation schools, in India and abroad. Approximately 1.8 lakh students registered for the 5th edition of Online SGAI.

Keeping abreast with the technology and the need to provide hassle free guidance to students, this online edition allowed students to instantly access their SGAI reports after completing the assessments.

CBSE SGAI: Some Statistical Facts

About 8, 00, 000 students from all over India and abroad have taken CBSE SGAI in 2011, 2012, January 2013, November 2013 and 2014 from CBSE and HP Board.

CBSE SGAI: for Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education

CBSE has conducted SGAI twice for secondary school students of Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education in 2012 and 2013 on request.