PARAKH 2024 Survey Spotlights Learning Gaps; Teachers Demand Innovative, NEP-Meaningful Teaching Techniques

The first nationwide test in the series under the PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) program, named Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, has brought to fore revealing insights into India's education system's state.

 

Conducted on December 4, 2024, the test evaluated approximately 21.15 lakh students from 74,229 schools within 781 districts, for Grade 3, Grade 6, and Grade 9 based on the NEP 2020 levels. The test was held in order to ascertain competency-based learning outcomes in subjects like Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Environmental Studies.

 

The key findings present alarming gaps: while Grade 3 students produced encouraging results—57% exhibiting language and 65% showing mathematics proficiency—performance crashed in higher grades. The majority of Grades 6 and 9 students lack a basis in mathematics, science, and reading comprehension.

 

Rural students excelled over their urban peers at the early stages, and State Government schools led Grade 3 scores, showing the beginning of the NIPUN Bharat Mission contribution. However, while grades progress, gender as well as rural-urban disparities remain apparent. Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh states got all-time high proficiency rates.

 

PARAKH's robust methodology blended paper-and-pencil tests with OMR technology and was overseen by over 95,000 field investigators, 3,128 district-level officers, and 180 state nodal officers. The survey also recorded responses of over 2.7 lakh teachers and school principals, in digital tool usage and students' well-being.

 

Dr. Japasree Mukherjee, Principal, Orchids The International School, Malad West, stated, "The PARAKH report has highlighted various discoveries which will be a guiding light for creating innovative teaching practices in schools.". It rightly emphasizes the significance of embracing strong pedagogies to inculcate core skills in science and mathematics subjects so that children develop a sound foundation as they move to advanced classes and acquire an inherent interest in these subjects. These findings are consistent with NEP 2020, which places major emphasis on the incorporation of digital learning to strengthen teaching techniques and testing practices.

 

We at Orchids The International School have always made a conscious effort to integrate these very principles in our educational philosophy. Our Early Years Program is designed to offer a wholesome and challenging space for children between the age group of 2-5 years old with a mix of play-based learning, interactive sessions, and an international best practice-inspired curriculum.". We also provide best comprehension of a student of a specific grade with the experiential learning through our specially crafted teaching learning kits. Our teachers tailor their instruction to meet each child's way of learning, developing basic thinking and written skills and building a solid foundation for future academic achievement," she added further.

 

Experts point out that while positive changes at foundational levels have been seen, the overall learning gains are a cause for concern, similar to previous reports such as ASER, and call for a drastic system overhaul.

 

The Education Ministry has pledged to release detailed district and state reports by July 2025 and focused workshops to bridge learning gaps and augment NEP 2020 objectives.