Centre Ends No Detention Rules In Schools

The government of India abolished the ‘No-detention policy’ for students in class 5 and 8 who fail their year end exams. This significant amendment to the Right of children to free and compulsory education rules, 2010 is aimed at improving learning outcomes among students. The revised policy mandates that students who failed their annual exams will be required to retake within two months, failing which they will have to repeat the academic year.

Key Points

Policy Amendment

• The no-detention policy, which ensured automatic promotion for students up to Class 8, has been abolished for Classes 5 and 8.
• Students failing their year-end exams will retake the exams within two months.
• Failure in the retake will result in repeating the academic year.

Applicability

• The rule applies to over 3,000 centrally run schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, and Navodaya Vidyalayas.
• School education remains a state subject, allowing states to decide independently.
• Currently, 16 states and two union territories, including Delhi, have already implemented this rule, while Haryana and Puducherry are yet to finalise their decision.

Support For Students

• Teachers, in coordination with parents if needed, will guide students held back in their academic progress.
• Specialised teaching inputs will address learning gaps identified during assessments.

Impact On Elementary Education

• The Ministry of Education ensures no student will be expelled from school before completing elementary education.
• The decision aligns with improving academic standards and enhancing learning outcomes among students.

Previous Policy

• The earlier no-detention policy guaranteed promotion to the next class, even if students failed their Class 5 or Class 8 examinations.