The Delhi state education authorities have announced that a nationwide assessment initiative will be conducted in the capital to gauge the learning outcomes of Grade 3 pupils. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), in collaboration with the Delhi State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), will carry out the Foundational Learning Study India in selected model schools during February and March 2026.
The exercise aims to determine how well third-grade children have acquired basic reading, writing and numeracy skills. It is designed to provide a clear picture of pupils’ abilities so that schools and policymakers can plan targeted interventions where needed. SCERT said the study is part of joint efforts with NCERT to strengthen foundational learning at the primary level.
Foundational Learning Study India
The assessment will use standardised tools to measure comprehension, expression and number sense among pupils in Grade 3. By focusing on these core skills, the Foundational Learning Study India seeks to identify learning gaps early in a child’s schooling and to highlight areas that require immediate support. The study will be implemented in a sample of model schools chosen to represent diverse learning environments across the city.
Officials expect the results to inform teacher professional development, adjustments to classroom practice, and the design of remedial programmes. While the assessment itself is diagnostic rather than punitive, its findings could shape resource allocation and curriculum emphasis for the coming academic years. The SCERT release did not specify the number of schools or pupils involved, but confirmed the timeframe of February to March 2026.
Education specialists say early assessments of literacy and numeracy can be critical for long-term learning outcomes. Early identification of difficulties allows schools to provide additional support to pupils before gaps widen. The partnership between NCERT and SCERT means that both national standards and local context will be taken into account when analysing results and recommending actions.
Parents and teachers will be key stakeholders in any follow-up work. Communication of findings, alongside guidance for classroom-level interventions, will be necessary to turn assessment data into practical improvements. The study’s recommendations are likely to emphasise classroom strategies, remedial coaching, and targeted training for teachers who support early years learners.
Beyond immediate school-level changes, the study may also feed into broader policy decisions on curriculum design and early grade pedagogy. By providing evidence on the state of foundational skills among young learners, the assessment can help shape priorities at both state and national levels.
SCERT and NCERT have framed the Foundational Learning Study India as a constructive step towards strengthening primary education. With implementation scheduled for early 2026, stakeholders will watch the findings closely to see how they influence teaching practice and support for pupils at a crucial stage of their schooling.
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi’s SCERT and NCERT will conduct the Foundational Learning Study India in selected model schools during February–March 2026.
- The study will measure Grade 3 pupils’ reading, writing and numeracy to identify gaps and guide remedial action.
- Findings are intended to inform teacher training, curricular adjustments and targeted support for early learners.
