NCERT to Conduct Foundational Learning Study for Class 3 Students in Delhi
The National Council of Educational Research and Training will soon carry out a large-scale Foundational Learning Study (FLS) to evaluate the basic learning abilities of Class 3 students in Delhi. The initiative aims to assess how effectively children acquire essential reading, writing, and numeracy skills during the foundational stage of schooling.
According to officials, the study will take place during the current academic year and will focus specifically on students studying in Grade 3.
Study Likely in February–March 2026
The Delhi State Council of Educational Research and Training stated that the Foundational Learning Study is tentatively scheduled for February–March 2026. The assessment will be conducted in selected, sample schools across Delhi. Authorities will share the list of participating schools well in advance to ensure proper preparation.
Education officials clarified that the study will not cover all schools. Instead, it will rely on a sampling method to capture an accurate picture of learning levels across different types of schools and regions.
Why Foundational Learning Study
The main objective of the Foundational Learning Study is to understand how well students develop core competencies by the end of the foundational stage. These competencies include basic reading comprehension, writing ability, and numeracy skills such as number recognition and simple calculations.
Officials explained that strong foundational learning plays a critical role in a child’s future academic success. Gaps at this stage often widen over time, making early assessment and intervention essential.
Joint Effort by NCERT and SCERT
The FLS is a collaborative initiative between NCERT and SCERT. Both institutions will work closely with schools to ensure the study runs smoothly. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving learning outcomes at the grassroots level.
As part of the preparation process, NCERT has already shared sample assessment tasks in both Hindi and English. These samples help teachers and students understand the format and nature of the activities included in the study.
Role of Schools and Teachers
School heads and principals have received instructions to actively support the initiative. They must ensure that Class 3 teachers guide students through the sample tasks provided by NCERT.
SCERT has advised schools to expose students to a variety of practice questions aligned with the shared samples. This approach helps students feel comfortable with the activity-based format and strengthens their foundational skills without creating exam pressure.
Officials stressed that teacher involvement will play a key role in helping students engage confidently with the study.
Not an Exam, No Grades Involved
NCERT has clearly stated that the Foundational Learning Study is not an examination. It does not involve grading, certification, or ranking of individual students. The study also does not rate or certify schools.
Instead, the FLS functions as a diagnostic survey. It collects system-level data to understand learning trends and identify areas where students need additional support.
This clarification aims to reduce anxiety among parents, teachers, and students and reinforce the idea that the exercise focuses on improvement, not evaluation.
Link to National Education Policy 2020
The findings from the Foundational Learning Study will guide education planning under the National Education Policy 2020. NEP 2020 places strong emphasis on achieving universal foundational literacy and numeracy in early grades.
Data from the study will help policymakers design targeted interventions, improve classroom practices, and strengthen teacher training programs. Education authorities believe this evidence-based approach will lead to more effective learning outcomes across schools.
Importance of School Cooperation
Education officials have highlighted that school cooperation will determine the success of the study. Smooth coordination, timely preparation, and active teacher participation will help generate accurate and meaningful data.
The Foundational Learning Study represents a crucial step toward understanding and strengthening early learning in Delhi. By focusing on fundamentals rather than scores, the initiative seeks to build a stronger academic foundation for young learners and support long-term educational progress.
