09-07-2025
PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan report: Maharashtra fares better in all three grades but decline in student performance in higher classes a concern
With the release of the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (National Survey) 2024 report, Maharashtra has performed better than the national average in all three grades — 3, 6, and 9. However, a more detailed analysis of the state's data reveals a concerning trend—a decline in student performance as they move from primary to secondary levels.
The Performance Assessment Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development, commonly known as PARAKH, is the country's top assessment body. In December 2024, it conducted the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, replacing the earlier National Achievement Survey (NAS). The results are now available on the PARAKH dashboard.
The objective of this assessment is to understand the baseline performance in developing competencies at the end of the foundational, preparatory, and middle stages in schools, at individual district levels. The data aims to guide focused interventions at the required stages to improve overall learning outcomes.
Despite outperforming the national average across all three grades, Maharashtra has shown a decline in student achievement as they progress from primary to secondary classes. This downward trend is particularly evident in Language and Mathematics—the two subjects which are assessed across all three grades.
In Mathematics, the state's average score dropped significantly — from 64 per cent in Grade 3, to 51 per cent in Grade 6, and further down to just 38 per cent in Grade 9. In Language, although the drop is less steep, a similar decline is visible — from 69 per cent in Grade 3, to 62 per cent in Grade 6, and 59 per cent in Grade 9.
A senior official from State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) said, 'This decline in student performance as they move toward higher grades is not unique to Maharashtra. It is a nationwide trend and certainly calls for more focused and strategic interventions in secondary classes, as also recommended in the PARAKH report. State-level officials are currently analyzing the data, and a detailed action plan will soon be prepared.'
The official also emphasized the need for localized strategies. 'While there will be state-level planning, a district-wise analysis will help ensure targeted interventions. Performance varies across districts, so a one-size-fits-all approach will not be effective. Local context must be considered,' the official said, urging education experts in the state to contribute their insights.
The assessment covered 4,314 schools in Maharashtra, involving 123,659 students and 13,930 teachers. Among the districts, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, and Satara emerged as top performers across all three grades, whereas Gadchiroli consistently featured among the lowest-performing districts.
In addition to Language and Mathematics, which are common across all three grades, students in Grade 6 are assessed in 'The World Around Us', while students in Grade 9 are assessed in Science and Social Science.
