Currently, CBSE is developing a cohort of oral examiners to be involved in testing of speaking and listening skills in English. The Board has asked schools to identify and forward the names of teachers who could be trained to conduct the test."These are like practical tests. The teachers will identify the weaknesses of students in their listening and speaking skills during the test, like whether the students are able to grasp what they are listening to and whether they are able to communicate an idea properly in English. Many students write well but falter while speaking on the same subject. As part of the formative assessment, the students will get credits and these will be accounted in the final grades," said Joshi.

Students will get credits for these skills and these credits will be included in the final grades. The board will start assessing these skills from class IX this year.Aimed at improving communication skills among students, the Board is planning to integrate all language skills into the English language curriculum at schools. "Communication has become an important tool for success these days and it should be inculcated at school level. Therefore, the Board has decided to introduce, initially as a pilot run, testing of speaking and listening skills," said CBSE chairman, Vineet Joshi.

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