TV
In a significant overhaul of the state’s elementary education policy, the Odisha government has announced the reintroduction of annual examinations for Class V and VIII students in both government and private schools. Under the new rule, students who fail to meet promotion criteria, even after a re-examination, will be held back.
The changes are part of the Odisha Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which revise the original 2010 guidelines. The amended rules will come into effect from the 2025–26 academic year, according to a gazette released by the School and Mass Education Department.
Two Chances to Qualify, Or Be Held Back
As per the revised norms, all Class V and VIII students will appear in an annual examination at the end of the academic session.
Those who fail to qualify will be given two months of remedial instruction by their teachers, following which they must appear for a re-examination. If they again fail to meet the promotion criteria, they will not be promoted to the next grade.
However, the government has clarified that no child shall be expelled from school before the completion of elementary education (up to Class VIII), as per existing provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
During the remedial period, teachers will also work closely with parents to address specific learning gaps identified during assessments.
Pre-Primary Support Also Strengthened
The amendment comes close on the heels of another major initiative to boost early childhood education. In June, the state government approved the appointment of ‘Sishu Sebikas’ or caregiving aides for pre-primary classes (Sishu Vatikas) operating in over 45,000 government schools.
These aides will assist teachers by supervising children aged 5–6, helping them adjust to classroom routines, and ensuring their emotional and physical well-being. Sishu Sebikas are strictly barred from performing teaching or disciplinary duties but are expected to support logistical and caregiving responsibilities.
