While School Education Department is firm on implementing uniform examination system for Class 1 to 9, the school managements are opposing it. Maharashtra Rajya Shikshan Sanstha Mahamandal (MRSSM), Executive Member Ravindra Fadnavis, in his letter written to School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, has warned that if Government doesn’t withdraw the system, they will approach court.

 

Teachers and parents across the State have strongly opposed the decision by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and the Education Commissionerate to revise the annual examination and Progression Assessment Test (PAT) schedule for the academic year 2024-25. Education Department had taken a decision to hold examinations of Class 1 to 9 in a uniform manner. It means, schools will have to follow the system of SSC, HSC board examinations.

 

The examinations will have to be conducted between April 8, 2025 and April 25, 2025. As per the Government schedule, all schools have to declare the results by May 1, 2025. The schools have been instructed to hold oral and practical examinations after written. The summer vacations will begin from May 2, 2025. Ravindra Fadnavis, at first, wrote a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and now he has sent a letter to Dada Bhuse. In his letter, Fadnavis pointed out several loopholes in the decision. According to him, Government has asked schools to complete oral and practicals between April 26 and April 30, 2025 and declare results by May 1.

 

Fadnavis questioned that Government should explain as to how the examinations would be conducted, evaluated and results to be declared. In his earlier letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Maharashtra Rajya Shikshan Sanstha Mahamandal (MRSSM) has demanded that the circular should be withdrawn on the grounds of scorching heat being experienced in Vidarbha. Already the Weather Department has predicted that Vidarbha may face heatwaves. According to Ravindra Fadnavis, holding examinations simultaneously is absolutely not possible. Ulhas Narad, Deputy Director of Education, made it clear, “Normally, schools conduct their examinations by March end or April first week.

 

After the examinations are over, no student turns up at the school. Secondly, if examinations are conducted simultaneously, then it helps schools to streamline their own system. The schools which have more students can hold examinations in two shifts. Both shifts can be adjusted till 11 am so that students don’t have to face the scorching heat. It is always difficult to adopt any new system. If schools cooperate then the examinations can be conducted in a smooth manner.”