Schools across West Bengal are facing significant disruptions after the state education department abruptly halted its plans to introduce the much-anticipated ‘Holistic Progress Report Card’ for students from grades 1 to 8. The decision, which was announced in a notification on July 25, has left schools scrambling to adapt to the sudden change.
Announced earlier this year, the Holistic Report Card aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of students' progress, focusing not only on academic performance but also on personal development and life skills. This initiative, aligned with the guidelines of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), was designed to give a more rounded picture of student growth. However, a recent announcement revealed that the scheme will now be implemented only from the 2025-26 academic year, rather than the initially planned start date.
The abrupt halt has disrupted several schools that had already begun preparing for this new system. Many institutions had commenced their second-term exams based on the Holistic Report Card's requirements and even printed question papers accordingly. The new evaluation method was set to replace traditional assessments with a more detailed three-phase approach, tracking students' knowledge, social skills, and personal development. Schools had already integrated these changes into their assessment procedures, making the last-minute change particularly challenging.
As the state navigates this unexpected setback, stakeholders are calling for more transparent decision-making processes and better communication between the authorities and educational institutions. The hope is that the delay will lead to a more refined implementation plan, ensuring that the holistic report card can eventually fulfill its promise of providing a comprehensive view of student development.
In the meantime, schools and students must adapt to the revised timelines and prepare for a shift back to traditional evaluation methods.