NIOS issues circular to ensure continuation of schooling for Class IX repeat students
New Delhi, June 13
The National Institute of Open Schooling has issued a circular directing government schools to identify and counsel students who have failed Class IX twice or thrice, with an aim to ensure their continued education either in regular schools or through the NIOS project for Class X admission.
According to the circular, schools have been instructed to prepare a list of such students, engage with them and their parents, and provide counselling to encourage them to complete their schooling. It further states that if students are unwilling to continue in regular schools, they may be guided to take admission in Class X.
According to a circular, there is an urgent need to identify, counsel and guide the students who have failed twice/ thrice in Class IX.
"It has been observed that in the absence of proper guidance and motivation, these students are at risk of discontinuing their education. The parents may also require motivation, counselling & assurance that the school will continue to support the child," the circular stated.
"If the student/parent is still unwilling to continue in regular school and wishes to take SLC, then counsel and motivate them to take admission straight away in Class X through the NIOS Project of the Directorate of Education, so that they can continue their education through NIOS Board (a Govt of India organisation) at their own pace and in subjects of their choice, thus also saving one precious year," it added.
It stressed that tough subjects like Maths are not compulsory. Students can opt for lighter subjects of their choice.
"Ultimate goal is to make sure that all children complete, at least, their school education and do not dropout of the education system," it added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a teacher in a government school in Delhi, I can tell you that the dropout risk is very real after repeated failures. Counseling parents is key—many just pull kids out to work in shops or fields. This circular gives us a formal framework to intervene. But we need more counselors; one counselor for 2000 students isn't enough.
Finally, some practical thinking! Making tough subjects like Maths optional is a game-changer. Not every child is cut out for Algebra but they can still learn valuable skills through other subjects. The 'one size fits all' approach has failed many. Let's hope schools actually counsel without being too pushy.
Good intentions but the execution will be tricky. I've seen NIOS being treated as a 'dumping ground' for weak students in some states. Schools need to genuinely counsel, not just push kids into NIOS to boost their pass percentages. Also, parents need to understand that NIOS certificates are valid for competitive exams—many don't know this.
I work with an NGO in rural Rajasthan and we see this every year—kids failing Class IX because they work in the fields during exam season. The idea of counseling parents is crucial but you also need to address root causes like poverty and child labor. Still, saving even one year of schooling is better than nothing.
Respectfully, I think we need to ask why students are failing twice or thrice in Class IX. Is it the teaching methodology, exam pressure, or lack of support? NIOS is a good safety net but we should also improve
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.