Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) on July 31 organized a protest demonstration at the Department of Education, GNCTD against the mass failing of students in the 8th, 9th, and 11th standards in Delhi Government schools. A delegation of activists and school students met the Additional Director and submitted a memorandum on the issue.
According to the Directorate of Education, over 1,01,331 9th grade students failed in the academic year 2023-24, a steep climb from 88,409 in 2022-23, 28,531 in 2021-22, and 31,540 in 2020-21. This alarming failure rate is also seen in the 11th grade, with 51,914 students failing in 2023-24 and 54,755 in 2022-23. The same stands true for the 8th grade with a mass failing of 46,622 students in 2023-24. Class 9 consistently has had the highest failure rate, with up to 30-40% of students failing on average. In 2023-24, approximately 36% of Class 9 students were held back after failing to clear the remedial or compartment exam.
The practice of failing students points to a larger trend of pushing students out of formal schooling towards informal-mode institutions like the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and Patrachar Vidyalaya. This contributes to high dropout rates among school students from Class 9 onwards. The policy aims to artificially render pass rates high in 10th and 12th board exams, showcasing so-called educational reforms of the Delhi Government, which in reality are counter-productive. Repeatedly failing students, categorizing them based on performance, and failing to address their learning needs result in a high dropout rate and poor academic performance. The poor educational and infrastructural quality at Delhi Government schools further exacerbates these issues.
The Delhi government has repeatedly failed to provide adequate resources to students. The recent delay in distributing books, uniforms, and funds for students between 5th and 8th standards is a prime example. The Delhi High Court has questioned this delay, noting that the first session of the academic year had nearly ended without students receiving new books. Most students in Delhi’s government schools come from the most marginalized sections of society. Removing the ‘no-detention policy’ for Classes 5 to 8 has only worsened the failure trend, pushing many students out of formal education. Moreover, ensuring the return of dropouts to formal education will be very difficult. A report in The Indian Express stated that nearly two out of three students who failed Class 9 twice have not enrolled in NIOS, increasing the risk of dropping out entirely. This underscores the Delhi Government’s failure to address academic failure’s root causes, focusing instead on superficial success indicators.
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KYS demanded immediate action on the malpractice of mass failing of students in the 8th, 9th, and 11th standards. The government must ensure that students are not pushed into informal education modes like NIOS and Patrachar Vidyalaya. A comprehensive academic audit of Delhi Government schools must be conducted. KYS will continue its struggle on the issues of Delhi Government schools till they are resolved.
