Maharashtra: Parents, students complain over new Common time-table for PAT exams
Introduced last year, the exams include common question papers for subjects like English, Mathematics, and Marathi, provided by the Maharashtra State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT)
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n the new format, Semesters one and three will be MCQ based before "to promote thinking and reasoning holistically." Semester two and four will have SAQ (short answer question), and DQ (developmental quotient) to retain the writing abilities," said Bengal HS Council President. (Image by Express)
The common timetable for the Periodic Assessment Test (PAT) exams in state-board schools across Maharashtra has become a source of frustration for both schools and parents. The new schedule, which extends final exams until April 25, deviates from the usual practice of concluding exams by April 15. As a result, many parents are expressing concern about the disruption to their summer vacation plans.
PAT exams are conducted for students in classes 1 to 9, with the goal of standardised assessments, particularly in government-run and aided schools. Introduced last year, the exams include common question papers for subjects like English, Mathematics, and Marathi, provided by the Maharashtra State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT). PAT papers are conducted as a part of final exams of schools.
While students receive regular results from their schools, their performance in these subjects is reported to SCERT, which assesses learning outcomes and recommends interventions where necessary.
This year, however, SCERT has set a new common timetable for PAT exams, which will run from April 8 to 25. This marks a significant change from the previous practice of concluding final exams by mid-April. Schools have already raised alarms, citing concerns that the delay could impact the timely release of final results, which are typically due by May 1. Now, parents are also complaining that this change will interfere with summer plans.
One parent expressed frustration, saying, “For years, final exams in state-board schools end by April 15. We plan our vacations based on this schedule, but now exams will go on until April 25. This last-minute change is unfair.” Parents argue that the new timetable disrupts the established academic cycle and complicates their summer arrangements.
“As we approached the school, we were told that there is no option but to wait until April 25 for exams to get over, because schools have to follow a government-given timetable,” said a parent.
Schools and teachers’ organisations across Maharashtra have sent memorandums to the state government to communicate all these issues.
“But the government is adamant on its stand,” said Mahendra Ganpule, former head of the Maharashtra School Principals’ Association. He added, “Schools are not opposed to the common timetable, but only that it shouldn’t extend until April 25.” Ganpule said that many schools are now exploring ways to speed up non-PAT papers to avoid further delays in results.
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