PRAYAGRAJ, Aug. 11 -- The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP), also known as the UP Board, has introduced a new set of competency-based question papers for classes 11 and 12. The new model question papers have been prepared for History, Civics, Geography and Economics. They aim to move beyond rote learning and assess students on a wider range of skills, including conceptual understanding, analytical and critical thinking, application of knowledge, problem-solving, logical expression and higher-order thinking. For the first time, subject experts from the State Institute of Education have prepared these model papers with a focus on helping students understand concepts instead of memorising facts. The papers encourage students to analyse evidence and sources, compare different viewpoints, and present arguments supported by logical reasoning. UP Board secretary Bhagwati Singh said a strategy had been developed to prepare balanced question papers that provide a holistic, multidimensional and competency-based assessment of students. He said the new papers had been designed in line with this approach. Recently, Rajendra Pratap, principal of the State Institute of Education, presented a copy of the compiled collection of question papers to UP Board secretary Bhagwati Singh. The initiative is expected to bring the state's assessment system in line with the standards promoted by PARAKH, the national assessment centre established under NEP 2020. Officials said the move marks a significant shift in the state's examination system. Instead of testing students mainly on their ability to memorise textbook content, the new question papers will assess how well they understand concepts, apply knowledge and use reasoning to solve problems....