Delhi government school Class XII students study Chemistry without a regular teacher for 3 years; rely on their own preparation for board exams

Class XII science students at a Delhi government school in Khajuri Khas have reportedly been studying without a regular Chemistry teacher for up to three years, leaving them to prepare the subject largely on their own as they approach their board examinations.

The students say they have repeatedly raised the issue with the school but have not received a permanent solution. The prolonged shortage has raised concerns about their preparation in a subject that carries significant weight in the Class XII science curriculum.

Also read: Man carrying Rs 25 lakh robbed at gunpoint on Delhi-Meerut Expressway; vehicles kept moving as armed gang stopped his Thar and fled with cash

Students say they have had no regular Chemistry teacher since Class XI

The school, GSKV Khajuri Khas, has two sections each in Classes XI and XII, with around 50-55 students in each section. This means more than 200 students could have been affected by the reported shortage.

One Class XII science student told The Times of India that the school had not had a Chemistry teacher for two to three years.

“Our school has had no chemistry teacher for at least 2-3 years, and we have our board exams this year. We have given written applications many times for this issue since we entered Class XI, but our request was neglected every time,” the student said.

Another Class XII student said the lack of regular Chemistry classes was costing students important preparation time during their board year.

With no regular teacher to guide them through the syllabus, students say they have had to depend on their own preparation to keep up with the subject.

Students worried about board preparation

The shortage has become more concerning for Class XII students as they prepare for their board examinations.

A representation dated August 20 and addressed to the Directorate of Education has sought urgent intervention in the matter. It said the prolonged absence of a subject teacher had affected students' academic preparation and could affect their performance in board examinations.

The representation also raised questions about students progressing through Classes XI and XII despite not receiving regular classroom instruction in Chemistry.

Education activist and lawyer Ashok Agarwal, who wrote the representation, said the situation raised concerns about whether students were receiving the academic support they needed.

“Without regular classes and proper guidance from a teacher, they are still being promoted to the next level,” Agarwal said.

He also questioned whether students could meet the required academic standards when they had to study the subject largely on their own.

Delhi government says recruitment is underway

An education department official acknowledged that the Chemistry teacher shortage was a long-standing issue.

“It is important to note that these students have been without a regular chemistry teacher for at least three years, so it’s a long-standing issue. Recruitment postings for these teacher positions are currently underway. This govt is committed to fixing the gaps in the school education system,” the official said.

The official added that the department regularly seeks feedback from heads of schools to identify such problems.

“We are regularly conducting drives to seek feedback from head of schools and identify such issues. We will look into this matter and take the necessary steps to address the shortage,” he said.

The school principal could not be reached for comment.

Students also raise concern over Biology classes

The representation also mentioned concerns over Biology classes at the school.

One student claimed that the Biology teacher teaches at the school for only around three days a week and spends the remaining days teaching at another school.

The students' representation has asked the Directorate of Education to take cognisance of the issue and ensure the appointment of a qualified Chemistry teacher at the school.

The reported shortage comes at a critical stage for the students, who are now preparing for their board examinations after spending much of their senior secondary education without regular Chemistry instruction.

(With TOI inputs)