PARAKH 2024 Survey Highlights Learning Gaps; Educators Call For Innovative, NEP-Aligned Teaching Methods

PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024: The inaugural national test under the PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) initiative, titled Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, has revealed stark findings about the condition of India's schooling system.

Administered on December 4, 2024, the test assessed around 21.15 lakh students from 74,229 schools in 781 districts, for Grades 3, 6, and 9 by the NEP 2020 levels. The test was conducted to determine competency-based learning outcomes in areas such as Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Environmental Studies.

The major findings reveal disturbing gaps: while Grade 3 students presented hopeful results—57% demonstrating language and 65% of them showing mathematics proficiency—performance plummeted in upper grades. Most students in Grades 6 and 9 do not have a foundation in mathematics, science, and reading comprehension.

Rural children performed better than their urban counterparts at the primary stages, and State Government schools dominated Grade 3 results, revealing the initial contribution of the NIPUN Bharat Mission. Nevertheless, as grades unfold, gender and urban-rural differences continue to be evident. States such as Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh achieved all-time high rates of proficiency.

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PARAKH's strong methodology combined paper-and-pencil tests with OMR technology and was monitored by more than 95,000 field investigators, 3,128 district-level officers, and 180 state nodal officers. The survey also captured responses of more than 2.7 lakh teachers and school principals, in terms of digital tool usage and well-being among students.

Dr. Japasree Mukherjee, Principal, Orchids The International School, Malad West, said, “The PARAKH report has brought to light several findings that will serve as a blueprint for developing innovative teaching methods in schools. It effectively highlights the importance of adopting robust pedagogies to instil key skills in subjects like science and mathematics, ensuring students build a strong foundation as they progress to higher classes and develop a genuine interest in these subjects. These insights align with NEP 2020, which emphasises the integration of digital learning to enhance both teaching methods and assessment practices.”

“At Orchids The International School, we have always strived to incorporate these very principles into our educational approach. Our Early Years Program focuses on providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2 to 5 years, using a blend of play-based learning, interactive activities, and a curriculum inspired by international best practices. We also ensure best understanding of a student in a particular grade with the experiential learning through our specially designed teaching learning kits. Our teachers personalize instruction to suit each child’s learning style, ensuring the development of basic cognitive and written skills and laying a strong foundation for future academic success," she further added.

Experts note that, although visible progress at core levels has been reported, the cumulative learning gains remain a source of worry, akin to earlier reports like ASER, and justify a radical systemic overhaul.

The Ministry of Education has committed to putting out exhaustive district and state reports by July 2025, as well as targeted workshops to fill learning gaps and expand on NEP 2020 goals.