The government of Assam will now conduct examinations for Classes 5 and 8 of all schools in the state and the students who fail will be detained in the same class, officials said on Friday.

During the state cabinet meeting held on Friday in Guwahati this decision was taken.

Assam Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma  informed that the state  cabinet has approved the issue of a notification regarding holding regular examinations for students of Classes V and VIII at the end of every academic year as well as the manner and condition of holding back unsuccessful students, under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Act, 2019.

Assam education minister Ranoj Pegu said, “In the Right to Education Act, 2009, there were provisions of examinations from Class 1 onwards, but the unsuccessful students could not be detained in the same class. In 2019, the Assam government had amended the act and accordingly the state cabinet today decided to take yearly examinations for students of classes 5 and 8. The unsuccessful students will be detained in the same class.”

Moreover there will be second chance for failed candidates who will be given to appear for a special examination which will be held after two months gap once the yearly exam results are out.

The state education minister further added that the teachers will take remedial classes for the students. “However, the candidates who will fail in that examination too will have to study in the same class for another year.”

Under Section 16 of the Right of Children to free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, “no child admitted to a school shall be held back in any class or expelled from school till the completion of elementary education”. So, elementary stage of schooling, covering Classes I to VIII, is covered under the policy.