The Odisha government has officially brought back the “fail” system for students in Class 5 and Class 8. From now on, students who do not pass the annual exams will be considered as having failed, and may not be promoted to the next class. This move is part of a wider effort to improve the quality of foundational education in government and aided schools across the state. Students who fail will, however, get a second chance through re-examination.

I felt the need to write about this because this change marks a serious shift in how early school performance is handled in India. The no-detention policy had been in place for years to reduce dropout rates and pressure on young learners. But the new policy signals that the state is concerned about falling learning outcomes and wants to hold students more accountable from a young age. As a parent or teacher, this news is important because it impacts how we support children in these classes. Knowing the rules and reasoning behind such changes helps everyone involved—students, teachers, and families—prepare better and adjust accordingly.

What the New Policy Means for Students

Under the revised system:

• Class 5 and Class 8 students must pass the annual exams to be promoted
• If they fail in the exams, they will be given a re-exam opportunity
• If they fail in the re-exam as well, they will be detained in the same class
• The new system is already in effect from the 2024–25 academic session

This is applicable to government and government-aided schools under the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA).

Why the Policy Has Been Introduced

The main reason behind this change is the poor academic performance reported in foundational years. Several assessment reports had shown that many students in Classes 5 and 8 were struggling with basic reading, writing, and maths skills.

The government believes that the no-detention policy led to students being promoted without mastering the required skills, which affected overall learning in higher classes. Reintroducing the fail system is seen as a way to bring accountability back and push for improved teaching and learning outcomes.

Re-exam System Explained

The policy does not aim to punish children immediately. Instead, there is a support system built around it.

• If a student fails in the first annual exam, they will get extra support before appearing for the re-exam
• The re-exam will be held within two months of the annual exam result declaration
• Students will be assessed again in core subjects—language, mathematics, science and social studies
• If they fail in the re-exam too, they will not be promoted

This gives students two chances to prove their understanding, rather than just one.

How Schools and Teachers Are Involved

Teachers will have to play a bigger role in monitoring student performance throughout the year. They are expected to:

• Identify weak students early
• Provide remedial classes before and after the exam
• Keep parents informed about the child’s academic progress
• Work with headmasters to ensure no child is left behind without support

Training programs are also being organised for teachers to help them adapt to this updated system and track learning outcomes more effectively.

What Parents and Students Should Keep in Mind

For parents and guardians, this is a call to stay more involved in the child’s learning. Don’t wait till the final exam to understand if your child is struggling. Instead:

• Speak regularly with teachers
• Ask for feedback on performance
• Encourage regular study habits at home
• Make use of the extra support provided by the school

Students must also understand that regular learning and revision are now more important than ever. Missing classes or ignoring subjects could lead to having to repeat the year.

Final Note

Odisha’s decision to reintroduce the fail system in Classes 5 and 8 might seem tough, but it comes from a place of concern over falling education standards. It’s a wake-up call for all of us to focus on quality education rather than just promotion. If schools, teachers, students and parents work together, this system can help improve learning outcomes in the long run. The key is to offer enough support and create an environment where children are encouraged to learn—not just tested.