Big change in education rules: Govt scraps 'no-detention policy' for classes 5 and 8 students who fail to clear year-end exams

The central government has ended its “no-detention policy” for fifth and eighth graders in its schools. Students who fail year-end exams can now be held back. This change affects over 3,000 central government-run schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navaodyala Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools.

The decision, announced via official notification, reverses a 2019 amendment to the Right to Education Act. Students who don't meet promotion requirements will have a second chance to pass within two months.

“If the child appearing in the re-examination fails to fulfil the promotion criteria again, he shall be held back in fifth class or eighth class, as the case may be," the notification stated. It further explained that teachers will provide guidance and address learning gaps for students who are held back.


The government emphasized that no student will be expelled before completing elementary education.

While education is primarily a state matter, the central government’s decision follows the lead of 16 states and two union territories that have already discontinued the “no-detention policy” for these classes. Several other states and union territories are continuing the policy, while a few have not yet made a decision.

Since school education is a state subject, states can make their decision in this regard, the an Education ministry statement said. Already 16 states and 2 UTs including Delhi have done away with the no-detention policy for these two classes.

"Haryana and Puducherry have not made any decision yet while remaining states and UTs have decided to continue with the policy," a senior official said.