School Policies

Overview of School Policies on Detention Up to Class 8 in India In India, school policies regarding student detention (failing and repeating a grade) up to Class 8 have been governed primarily by the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. This act originally included a "no-detention policy" that prohibited schools from detaining (failing) students in Classes 1 through 8, regardless of exam performance, to reduce dropout rates and ensure universal education. However, significant changes have occurred recently, particularly for Classes 5 and 8. Key Policy Changes Pre-2019: Strict no-detention up to Class 8 for all schools (government, aided, and private unaided). 2019 Amendment: The policy was relaxed for Classes 5 and 8, allowing states to introduce exams and detention if students failed a re-exam. This was optional for states. December 2024 Update: The Central Government fully scrapped the no-detention policy for Classes 5 and 8 in centrally governed schools (e.g., Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas). Students failing regular year-end exams must take a re-exam within 2 months. If they fail the re-exam, they can be detained and repeat the class, but schools must provide remedial support. This aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes competency-based progression while allowing flexibility for retention. Impact on States: Many states (e.g., Goa, Karnataka) have adopted similar rules, reintroducing exams and potential detention for Classes 5 and 8. However, Classes 1-4 remain fully no-detention nationwide. Recent Court Ruling (October 2025) The Allahabad High Court ruled that private schools cannot fail or expel students up to Class 8, upholding the RTE Act's spirit. This applies specifically to unaided private institutions and overrides any conflicting state policies. Schools must provide extra classes or support instead of detention. Broader School Policies Up to Class 8 Beyond detention, common policies across CBSE, ICSE, and state boards for Classes 1-8 include: Uniforms and Attendance: Mandatory school uniforms; minimum 75-80% attendance required for promotion (with medical exemptions). Exams and Assessment: Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) for lower classes; board exams reintroduced for Class 5 and 8 in some boards from 2024-25. Discipline: Anti-bullying guidelines; no corporal punishment (banned under RTE). Inclusivity: Free education and midday meals for economically weaker sections; reservations for disadvantaged groups. CBSE-Specific (from April 2025): Students in Classes 3, 5, and 8 scoring below required marks are marked "Essential Repeat" and given support, but not automatically detained.