Schools now allowed to fail students in classes 5 and 8, centre notifies new rule

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New Delhi: The Ministry of Education has introduced a major change to the school education system, allowing for the retention of students in classes 5 and 8 if they fail to meet academic standards.

Prior to this amendment, there was no provision for failing students until class 8. The elimination of board examinations for these grades in 2010-2011 led to concerns about declining academic standards and subsequently impacted the performance of students in higher classes.

Under the new "Right to Free Compulsory Child Education Amendment Rules 2024," students who fail the annual examination in classes 5 and 8 will be given a second chance to appear for the exam within two months. However, repeated failure will result in the student remaining in the same class for another year.

This move aims to improve academic rigor and address concerns about declining educational quality. State governments now have the flexibility to implement these rules and conduct the necessary examinations.

The Ministry emphasizes that retained students will receive dedicated support and guidance from teachers, including personalized attention and parental involvement.

Several Indian states, including Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Delhi, have implemented policies allowing for the detention of students who fail in Classes 5 or 8. However, the Karnataka High Court recently struck down the state's attempt to reintroduce regular, public examinations for these grades, as well as Classes 9 and 11.

The Right to Education (RTE) Act originally included a "no-detention policy" that prohibited the retention of elementary school students in the same grade, regardless of their academic performance. This policy aimed to prevent the negative impact of early academic failure on children's education and well-being.