In a major shift in school education, the Centre has decided to end the ‘no-detention policy’ for students in classes 5 and 8. The new policy will impact students who fail to meet the promotion criteria.
What Is the ‘No-Detention Policy’?
The ‘no-detention policy’ was introduced under the Right to Education (RTE) Act in 2009, aiming to prevent students from being held back in their academic journey due to poor performance. This policy allowed automatic promotion to the next class, irrespective of students’ exam results. Its primary goal was to reduce school dropouts and ensure equal opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds to complete elementary education.
Why Has the Government Scrapped the Policy?
The Centre has decided to end the policy due to concerns that it allowed students to progress without mastering the necessary academic fundamentals. A key reason for this shift is to improve learning outcomes, ensuring that students are adequately prepared for future academic challenges. The decision also aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes improving quality education and student learning outcomes.
What Does This Mean for Students?
Under the new policy, students in classes 5 and 8 who do not pass their year-end exams will be marked as failing. They will have a chance to retake the exams within two months of the result declaration. If they still fail, they will be retained in their current grade. During this time, class teachers will work closely with the students and, if necessary, their parents, providing targeted support to address any learning gaps.
How Will Students Be Supported?
The government has ensured that students who fail to meet the promotion criteria will not be left without support. They will be given an opportunity to retake exams after additional instruction. The emphasis will be on personalized attention, with teachers helping students address their specific academic weaknesses. This process aims to improve their overall learning and better prepare them for future education.
Which States Have Scrapped the Policy?
The ‘no-detention policy’ has been scrapped in over 15 states, including:
- Assam
- Bihar
- Gujarat
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Jharkhand
- Madhya Pradesh
- Meghalaya
- Nagaland
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Sikkim
- Tripura
- Uttarakhand
- West Bengal
Additionally, two Union Territories (UTs)—Delhi and Daman and Diu & Dadra and Nagar Haveli—have also discontinued the policy.
Which States Will Continue the Policy?
Several states and Union Territories will continue to follow the ‘no-detention policy’ for students in classes 1 to 8, including:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh
- Goa
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Maharashtra
- Manipur
- Mizoram
- Odisha
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Chandigarh
- Ladakh
- Lakshadweep
Notably, Tamil Nadu has also confirmed it will continue the policy up to class 8. However, Haryana and Puducherry are yet to make a decision regarding its implementation.
What Does the Notification Say?
According to the latest government notification, students failing to meet the promotion criteria will be given a chance to retake the exams. If they fail the re-examination as well, they will be held back in the same class. The examination process will focus on competency-based assessments aimed at holistic development rather than memorization.
Impact on Central Schools
The scrapping of the ‘no-detention policy’ will impact approximately 3,000 Central schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools. These schools will now be required to follow the revised policy.
This reform marks a significant shift in India’s education system, emphasizing academic accountability and better learning outcomes for students. While the policy change has been met with mixed reactions, it is seen as a necessary step towards improving educational quality and ensuring students are better equipped for future academic challenges. The implementation of this change is expected to impact both students and teachers, bringing more focus to individual student progress.
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