India Ends 'No-Detention Policy' for Classes 5 and 8 in Central Schools

The new rules allow students failing year-end exams to be held back, with provisions for re-examination and remedial support.

The central government has officially abolished the 'no-detention policy' for Classes 5 and 8 in schools under its jurisdiction, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Sainik Schools.
Students who fail year-end exams will receive additional instruction and a chance to retake the test within two months; if they fail again, they will be retained in the same grade.
The change aims to improve learning outcomes, with competency-based assessments focusing on holistic development rather than rote memorization.
The policy applies to over 3,000 central government schools, while states and Union Territories retain the authority to decide whether to implement similar rules.
Tamil Nadu has announced it will continue to follow the 'no-detention policy' for elementary education, opposing the central government's directive.