Chennai: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new policy allowing students in classes 5 and 8 to be detained if they score below the required marks.

This comes into effect as part of the amendments to the Right to Compulsory Education Act under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Previously, students in these grades could not be held back under the act. However, under the new provision, students failing to meet the passing marks in classes 3, 5, and 8 can now be failed, with the practice having been implemented this year for 5th and 8th grade students.
Schools are required to obtain consent from parents, acknowledging their agreement with the fail system.
The Union Ministry of Education had amended sections 16 and 38 of the Compulsory Education Act on January 15.

In a letter dated March 18, CBSE schools were informed that students who do not meet the passing criteria will be detained. Additionally, the ministry has mandated that failing students be given a chance for re-examination.

CBSE school teachers have noted that while parents are generally consenting to this new system, they have raised concerns about private schools potentially pressuring students with low marks to transfer to other institutions.

The Ministry has recommended that extra tuition be arranged for students with below-average learning abilities to support their educational progress.