According to a govt order, all government and recognised private schools will conduct in-house summative or annual exams for Class 8 under the supervision of Cluster or Complex Heads starting from the 2024–25 academic session.

The new system includes regular formative assessments, remedial teaching for weak students, and supplementary attempts to ensure every child reaches Class 9 successfully. DIETs will maintain data of all students and coordinate implementation through Cluster Heads.

The order, issued by the Secretary of School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma (IAS), directs SCERT and DIETs to train teachers on competency-based question papers, holistic progress cards, and evaluation methods.

School Heads will set common question papers focusing on areas where districts performed poorly in the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 report. The Director School Education will oversee exam scheduling and monitoring.

As per the schedule, results will be declared before March 20 in summer zones and before October 25 in winter zones, while new classes will begin from April 1 and November 1, respectively.

The government has also instructed schools to strengthen Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) for regular progress sharing and communication. (KNC)