By our correspondent 

Tejas Navale

Pune: The government has introduced a significant policy shift by instituting comprehensive examinations for students in grades 1 to 8, marking an end to the practice of promoting students irrespective of their academic performance. Under the new directive, students failing to meet quality standards will face the possibility of failing their respective grades, signaling a departure from the previous lenient approach mandated by the Free and Compulsory Education of Children (RTE) Act.

According to the latest government decision, students who fall short of meeting the prescribed quality marks will be deemed unsuccessful in their examinations. However, they will be provided with an opportunity to rectify their performance by appearing for supplementary examinations in June. These supplementary exams aim to offer students a chance to pass and progress to the next grade, provided they demonstrate improved academic proficiency.

The examination structure has been designed to encompass key subjects such as language, mathematics, science, social science, and local studies, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of students' knowledge and skills. Students in grades V to VIII will be assessed through a series of papers tailored to their respective grade levels.

The implementation of rigorous evaluation measures is expected to enhance overall educational standards, particularly in rural areas where students have been facing challenges in accessing quality education. The shift towards a merit-based promotion system is anticipated to instil a sense of accountability and motivation among students, prompting them to devote greater attention to their studies.

The decision has garnered support from parents, who believe that the introduction of rigorous examinations will force students to study diligently. With the looming possibility of failure for underperforming students, parents express optimism that their children will be incentivized to prioritise their studies.

The supplementary examination provision offers a safety net for students who may initially struggle to meet the prescribed standards, providing them with an additional opportunity to succeed. However, failure to pass both the original and supplementary exams will result in the student being retained in the same grade.