5 days ago
Maharashtra Minister says govt may reinclude classes 4 and 7 for State Scholarship Exam
Years after Maharashtra changed the practice of school-level state scholarship exams from Classes 4 and 7 to 5 and 8, now the state plans to reinclude Classes 4 and 7. School education minister Dada Bhuse hinted at the change as he spoke about plans to reinclude Classes 4 and 7 for scholarship exams so that students from rural areas–where most government-run schools operate up to Classes 4 or 7–can take advantage of this.
Bhuse was talking at a programme in Gondia district. 'Most schools in rural parts of Maharashtra which are run by local governing bodies are either up to Class 4 or Class7. With scholarship exams now being conducted for Classes 5 and 8, these students were not able to obtain the benefits of it. Therefore, there are plans to re-include classes–4 and 7–for the scholarship exam,' he said. More than the financial benefits that it entails, scholarship exam is like a pat on back for students who clear it with good marks, he added.
The plans have sparked a new discussion in the school education sector as teachers are now seeking clarity on exact plans. 'It is not advised to have scholarship exams for all four classes as it might add unnecessary burden on students,' said a senior teacher from a Mumbai school. Whereas an experienced coach for scholarship exams in the city, said, 'Any change in scholarship exam should be announced well in advance so that students have adequate time to prepare.'
Highlighting the absence of any official order in this case, Mahendra Ganpule of Maharashtra School Principals Association, said, 'The discussion is only being heard through the media. There is no official circular, which has left students, teachers, and parents all confused. An official order should be issued soon. Furthermore, funds will have to be allocated for additional classes.'
Maharashtra State Council of Examinations (MSCE), Pune conducts Maharashtra State Scholarship Exam which assesses students for language, mathematics, science and general knowledge. Traditionally, these exams have been conducted for Classes 4 and 7 students of Maharashtra State Board. But from 2016, classes for the scholarship exam were changed by the then government to Classes 5 and 8.
