Maharashtra: Steady dip seen in performance of govt school students in higher classes

In Maharashtra government schools, students’ performance in Class 3 was seen at 66.33 per cent whereas in private schools it was 55.44 per cent. However, their performance kept dropping with each senior class to 55 per cent (Class 5), 39 per cent (Class 8) and 32.6 per cent (Class 10), respectively.

Students at a night school in Mumbai. (Express photo by Amit Chakravarty)

As students move toward higher classes, their understanding levels show a steady decline, according to the National Achievement Survey (NAS), Maharashtra, report. Moreover, a comparison between government-run and private schools shows that the latter have better performance in higher classes. This raises questions on quality or standards of education in government-run schools in Maharashtra, especially in higher classes, according to experts.

In government schools, students’ performance in Class 3 was seen at 66.33 per cent whereas in private schools it was 55.44 per cent. However, their performance kept dropping with each senior class to 55 per cent (Class 5), 39 per cent (Class 8) and 32.6 per cent (Class 10), respectively. At the same time, in case of private schools, the performance of students stood at 51.44 per cent, 44.74 per cent and 41.66 per cent in classes 5, 8 and 10, respectively.

“This reflects poor teaching or education standards in government-run schools in Maharashtra. It should be important to intervene and understand what’s going wrong when children are moving toward higher classes. The decline from class 3 to 10 – from 66.33 per cent to 32.6 per cent – is sharp,” said a teacher from a private school in the city. Another teacher said, “Private schools have been preferred by parents for several years now and that is because of the better quality of education. The comparison shown in the recent NAS report proves it.”

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Pandurang Kengar, spokesperson for the Mumbai School Principals Association, said the figures were a reflection of the overall academic atmosphere. “The most important factor to compare here is the involvement of parents in the learning process of their wards. Parents from private schools, considering their academic as well as socio-economic background, are more aware and involved in the schooling process of their children. This also keeps the schools and teachers on their toes. Whereas this factor is seen lacking in government schools.”

Pallavi Smart

Pallavi Smart is a Principal Correspondent with The Indian Express, Mumbai Bureau. Her reporting is singularly focused on the education sector, demonstrating exceptional Expertise and Authority across the entire spectrum of learning, from foundational schooling to advanced higher education. She is a highly Trustworthy source for policy, institutional developments, and systemic issues affecting students, teachers, and parents in Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Role: As a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, her designation reflects her seniority, specialized knowledge, and the editorial rigor applied to her reporting. Core Authority & Specialization: Pallavi Smart is the definitive voice for Education news in the region. Her coverage scope is comprehensive: Policy and Regulatory Changes: Reports on major shifts in educational policy, including the restructuring of entrance exams (e.g., MHT-CET adopting the JEE Main model), the draft regulatory framework for coaching classes, and revised teacher recruitment processes. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): Provides in-depth reporting on prestigious institutes like IIT Bombay and TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), covering institutional initiatives, administrative debates (e.g., renaming IIT Bombay), and student welfare programs (e.g., mandatory mental health courses). Teachers and Eligibility: Covers crucial issues affecting the teaching fraternity, such as the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for in-service teachers and related controversies and application numbers. Student Welfare & Rights: Focuses on issues concerning students, including the rollout of government scholarships, the financial strain on schools due to midday meal reimbursement delays, and instances of child rights violations (e.g., the Powai studio hostage crisis). Admissions and Vacancy: Tracks the outcome of centralized admission processes (e.g., MBBS, BPharm) and analyzes vacancy concerns, providing essential data-driven insights for parents and students. Credentials & Trustworthiness Dedicated Beat: Her consistent focus on the "KG to PG" education beat allows her to develop unparalleled subject matter knowledge, ensuring her reports are accurate, detailed, and contextualized. Proactive Reporting: Her articles frequently break news on policy and institutional planning, providing the public with timely, essential information about a sector that directly impacts millions of families. She tweets @Pallavi_Smart ... Read More

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