Govt scraps no-detention policy for classes 5 and 8

The central government has abolished the no-detention policy for students in classes 5 and 8, allowing schools to hold back students who fail annual examinations.

- Sanjay Maurya

The change affects more than 3,000 central government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Sainik Schools.

"We want access, but we also want to improve learning outcome among students under New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Through changes in the rules, we will be able to pay attention to those students who are not good at studies due to some reasons," said Sanjay Kumar, school education secretary, on Monday.

The policy change, notified on December 16 through amendments to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010, introduces what it calls a balanced approach to student assessment. While allowing schools to hold back students, it mandates remedial instruction and re-examination opportunities.

Under the newly notified Rules, schools must provide failed students with additional instruction and a chance to retake examinations within two months. These assessments must be "competency-based examinations to achieve the holistic development of the child and not be based on memorisation and procedural skills," the education ministry said.

The policy maintains crucial safeguards for student rights.

Schools cannot expel any student before completing Class 8.