Centre Abolishes No Detention Policy for Classes 5 and 8

Under the revised policy, students failing their annual exams in classes 5 and 8 will no longer be automatically promoted.

The Union Education Ministry has abolished the ‘No Detention Policy’ for classes 5 and 8, signaling a shift toward enhancing academic accountability in schools. This move will affect over 3,000 central government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools, and comes as schools gear up for the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 Board exams, scheduled to begin on February 15, 2025.

Under the revised policy, students failing their annual exams in classes 5 and 8 will no longer be automatically promoted. These students will have an opportunity to retake the exam within two months. However, if they fail the re-examination, they will be required to repeat the same grade. Despite this, the government has emphasized that no child will be expelled from school before completing elementary education.

Explaining the rationale, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Education, said, “This move aims to ensure that students acquire the foundational skills necessary for their academic journey. The focus will be on identifying and addressing learning gaps rather than simply promoting students to higher grades.”

Focus on CBSE Schools and RTE Compliance

This policy change is particularly significant for CBSE-affiliated schools, which play a crucial role in the national education framework. The decision aligns with the 2019 amendment to the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which allowed states to make their own decisions about the no-detention policy.

So far, 16 states and 2 Union Territories, including Delhi, have already abolished the policy for classes 5 and 8. Haryana and Puducherry are yet to announce their decisions, while other states have opted to continue with the policy.

Guidance for Struggling Students

To support students who fail to meet the promotion criteria, schools are mandated to provide targeted interventions. Teachers will work with students and their parents to identify specific learning gaps and offer specialized guidance. This ensures that students who are held back receive the support they need to catch up academically.

Broader Implications and Challenges

The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Many educators believe this change will improve academic rigor and better prepare students for key milestones, such as the CBSE Board exams, which are considered a critical academic benchmark. Parents have voiced concerns about the potential stress on younger students and questioned whether schools have the resources to implement the new policy effectively.

As the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 Board exams approach, the Ministry of Education is optimistic that the abolition of the no-detention policy will lay the foundation for a stronger and more accountable education system. By addressing learning gaps early and fostering a culture of academic responsibility, the government aims to ensure that every student is equipped to succeed in their academic journey.

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