NCERT to Assess Learning Levels of Delhi’s Class 3 Students in Early 2026

In an effort to strengthen early-grade education and gain a clearer picture of learning outcomes, the National Council of Educational Research and Training has announced that it will conduct a Foundational Learning Study (FLS) for Class 3 students in Delhi during the current academic year. The diagnostic exercise is aimed at assessing how effectively children are acquiring basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills by the end of the foundational stage of schooling.

The initiative will be carried out with the support of the Delhi State Council of Educational Research and Training and aligns with the broader vision of strengthening foundational education under the National Education Policy 2020. Education officials said the study will help policymakers and educators identify learning gaps early and design targeted classroom interventions.

According to officials, the assessment is tentatively scheduled for February–March 2026. It will be conducted in a sample of selected schools across Delhi, with participating institutions to be informed in advance. The exercise is intended to be system-level in nature, focusing on overall trends rather than individual student performance.

The Foundational Learning Study will evaluate whether Class 3 students are able to read with comprehension, express ideas in writing, and apply basic numeracy concepts appropriate for their grade level. Officials emphasised that these competencies form the backbone of future academic success, making early identification of learning gaps critical.

To ensure smooth implementation, NCERT has already shared sample assessment tasks in both Hindi and English with schools. These sample activities are meant to familiarise teachers and students with the nature and format of the tasks. School heads and principals have been advised to encourage Class 3 teachers to regularly practise similar exercises in classrooms so that students are comfortable with the process.

Authorities have clearly stated that the Foundational Learning Study is not an examination. There will be no grading, ranking, certification, or evaluation of individual students or schools. Instead, the exercise is purely diagnostic, designed to generate data that can inform curriculum planning, teacher training, and policy-level decisions.

Education officials said the findings will help strengthen classroom practices by highlighting areas where students may need additional support. By identifying gaps at an early stage, schools can take corrective measures before learning deficits widen in higher classes.

The initiative comes at a time when education systems across the country are placing renewed emphasis on early literacy and numeracy. Under the National Education Policy 2020, foundational learning has been recognised as essential for long-term academic and cognitive development. The study is expected to provide valuable insights into how effectively these goals are being met at the ground level in Delhi.

Officials also stressed that cooperation from schools will be crucial for the success of the study. Proper coordination, timely participation, and engagement from teachers are expected to ensure reliable findings that can contribute to meaningful improvements in early education.

Through this exercise, NCERT and SCERT aim to build a stronger base for future learning by ensuring that children develop essential skills at the right stage. Education experts believe that such assessments, when used constructively, can play an important role in improving learning outcomes and shaping a more robust school education system.