The International Association for Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) is an international cooperative of national research institutions, government research agencies, scholars and analysts working to evaluate understand and improve education worldwide. IEA is a non-profit and independent organization. More than 60 countries are actively involved in the IEA network, and over 100 education systems participate in its studies.

Since 1958, the IEA has measured students’ mastery of subjects such as mathematics, and science, to help understand effective practices in education and develop evidence-based policies to improve education. Its comparative studies of education systems across the world enable better understanding of the policies and practices that promote educational progress, and play a critical role in helping countries build their own knowledge and research capacity.

By linking research, policy and practice, and measuring how well education systems are preparing children for the future.

IEA’s International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 1995) was the first in a four-year cycle of assessments in mathematics and science, covering the years 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015.

With 46 countries participating, and over half a million students in five grades, the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study is the largest and most ambitious study of comparative education undertaken. All of these assessments were conducted at the fourth, eighth, and final grades at school.

The National Centre for Human Resource Development is the only accredited national agency for conducting TIMSS for grade 8. Its engagement started in 1999, followed by 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015. NCHRD is looking forward to its participation in the forthcoming cycle of assessment, in 2019.