📌 Introduction
The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (RS) 2025 has revealed serious learning gaps across Grades 3, 6, and 9 in India. Despite policy initiatives like the NEP 2020 and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, foundational literacy and numeracy remain critical challenges. Covering 21 lakh students across 781 districts, the survey highlights the urgent need for deep educational reforms.
📖 What is PARAKH RS?
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PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) is an autonomous wing under NCERT.
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Earlier known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS).
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Assesses student learning outcomes, teacher preparedness, and school infrastructure.
2025 Survey Scope:
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Students Assessed: 21,15,022
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Schools: 74,229
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Districts: 781
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Subjects Tested:
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Grades 3 & 6: Language, Mathematics, Environmental Studies
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Grade 9: Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Science
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📊 Key Findings: Grade-Wise Performance
Grade 3
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Language:
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67% understood new words.
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60% could read short stories independently.
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Mathematics:
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68% classified objects by attributes.
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Only 55% could order numbers up to 99.
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~50% struggled with geometry and money concepts.
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Grade 6
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Mathematics:
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Only 54% applied place value correctly.
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Just 29% understood common fractions.
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38% solved word problems.
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Environmental Studies:
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44% identified local elements.
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Only 38% could make observations/predictions in nature.
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Grade 9
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Mathematics:
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Only 31% understood number systems.
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Just 28% managed basic percentage problems.
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Science:
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37% explained natural events.
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34% differentiated living vs. non-living things.
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Social Science:
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Only 45% grasped basic constitutional & historical ideas.
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🌍 State-Wise Performance
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Top Performers
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Grade 3: Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala
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Grade 6: Kerala, Punjab, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu
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Grade 9: Punjab, Kerala, Chandigarh
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Low-Performing Districts
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Grade 3: Sahebganj (Jharkhand), Reasi & Rajouri (J&K)
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Grades 6 & 9: Several districts in Meghalaya (North & South Garo Hills)
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📌 Notable Insight:
Kendriya Vidyalayas underperformed in Grade 3 Mathematics but excelled in Grade 9 Language, showing disparities even within reputed institutions.
🧮 Policy Implications: Closing the Learning Gap
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Strengthen Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN)
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Implement NIPUN Bharat Mission effectively to ensure reading and basic math by Grade 3.
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Teacher Training & Pedagogy
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Use context-specific teaching methods, especially in low-performing states.
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Formative & Continuous Assessments
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Deploy digital and classroom-based early learning diagnostics to track progress.
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Curriculum & Pedagogical Reforms
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Move beyond rote learning → foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and application-based learning.
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Digital Tools & Inclusive Learning
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Expand EdTech solutions in rural schools to bridge gaps.
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✅ Conclusion
The PARAKH RS 2025 Survey is a wake-up call for India’s education system. Without urgent reforms, today’s learning crisis could transform into tomorrow’s skill and employment crisis. Bridging the divide in STEM subjects, ensuring teacher readiness, and strengthening foundational learning are crucial to achieving NEP 2020 goals and the SDG-4 target of Quality Education by 2030.