Centre Abolishes No-Detention Policy for Class 5 & 8 Students
The Central Government has officially abolished the ‘No-Detention Policy’ for students in classes 5 and 8. This marks a significant change in India’s education system. Under the new rules, students who fail their year-end exams will no longer be automatically promoted to the next class. Instead, they will have to retake the exams within two months. Failing again will require the student to repeat the academic year.
Key Changes in Policy
Previously, under the no-detention policy, students in classes 5 and 8 were not held back. This applied even if they failed their annual exams. This policy, part of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, aimed to ensure that no child left school before completing elementary education.
The latest amendment, however, retains the principle. No child will be expelled from school until the completion of elementary education. The Ministry of Education clarified that these measures aim to improve learning outcomes among children.
To assist students who face academic challenges, the policy mandates that class teachers guide both students and their parents. Specialized interventions will be provided to address identified learning gaps at various assessment stages.
“During the holding back of the child, the class teacher shall guide the child as well as the parents of the child, if necessary, and provide specialized inputs after identifying the learning gaps,” according to the ministry notification.
The revised rules will apply to over 3,000 schools under the Central Government, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools. Education being a state subject, individual states retain the authority to decide on implementing the policy.
Currently, 16 states and 2 Union Territories, including Delhi, have already abolished the no-detention policy. Haryana and Puducherry have not reached a decision yet, while others continue to follow the old policy.
The Ministry of Education stated that the removal of the no-detention policy aligns with efforts to enhance academic rigor and accountability in schools. By identifying learning gaps and providing additional support, the revised rules aim to create a more robust education system.
