Karnataka High Court quashes board examinations for classes 5, 8, and 9

Cites non-compliance with Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) framework

Court's ruling necessitates Karnataka government to reassess its educational policies

The Karnataka High Court has struck down and invalidated the state’s education department’s decision to hold board examinations for classes 5, 8, and 9, citing non-compliance with the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) framework mandated by the Right To Education Act (RTE) 2009.

In a significant ruling, Justice Krishna Dixit, presiding over a single judge bench, upheld the arguments presented by the Registered Associations of Private Unaided Schools, nullifying the state education department’s notification regarding board exams for classes 5, 8, and 9.

This decision underscores the significance of maintaining the integrity of the CCE model and ensuring educational policies adhere to principles of inclusivity and holistic development.

Introduced in December 2022, Karnataka’s initiative to introduce board assessments for classes 5 and 8 aimed to assess students’ learning levels and address educational gaps. Led by the Karnataka School Examinations and Assessment Board, the initiative focused on formative and summative assessments, replacing the traditional detention system with a more inclusive approach.

The court’s ruling necessitates the Karnataka government to reassess its educational policies and engage with stakeholders to chart a new course. Balancing academic rigor with inclusivity and flexibility remains crucial as the state strives to enhance educational standards and outcomes for all students.