The new policy allows schools to fail students who do not pass their year-end exams under the new Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) (Amendment) Rules, 2024.

• 16 states and 2 Union Territories, including Delhi, have already adopted this policy, as education is a State subject.

Key points regarding the new policy

• Although the no-detention policy was abolished from the RTE Act in 2019, the implementation was delayed waiting for the National Curriculum Framework, released in 2023.
  • If a student fails to meet promotion criteria, they will receive additional instruction and a chance for re-examination within two months from result declaration.
  • No child can be expelled from school until they complete elementary education.

Arguments for Detention

• Decline in learning outcomes: as >65 lakh students failed in classes 10 and 12 (2023)
• Lack of incentives: automatic promotion takes away motivation from students to work hard and reduces accountability of teachers.

Arguments for no Detention

• Stigmatization and higher dropout rates: due to fear of failure and being forced to repeat classes
• Child centric learning: promoting an educational system valuing holistic development of a child rather than just academic performance.