Chennai: A recent assessment has revealed alarming gaps in foundational learning among government school students in Tamil Nadu with the 16.08 lakh students enrolled in Classes 6 to 9 across 38 districts, 7.29 lakh students—about 45.38%—failed to demonstrate basic proficiency in reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Nearly 45% of government school students in Classes 6 to 9 lack fundamental skills in Tamil, English, and Maths.

The mandatory aptitude test, conducted between July 8 and 10, assessed students' skills in Tamil, English, and Mathematics. Results published on July 25 exposed significant learning deficits, particularly in basic literacy and numeracy.

Nilgiris recorded the highest failure rate, with 67.41% (6,322 students) unable to clear the test, followed by Perambalur (65.85%), Trichy (55.34%), and Chennai (54.47%).

Education officials admitted that many middle school students are unable to grasp lessons meant for Classes 1 to 5, especially in Mathematics.

Experts attribute this to the policy of automatic promotion until Class 8, which they argue reduces accountability and interest in studies. “This examination proves that mere promotion without learning is a flawed approach,” officials remarked.

To address the crisis, the School Education Department has launched a month-long remedial program from August 1 for those who failed the test. Teachers have been given special training and manuals for these sessions.

However, concerns remain about whether five years' worth of learning can be compensated in just 30 days. Additionally, separating struggling students for special classes has raised fears of psychological impact and stigmatization.

Educationists warn that the issue reflects deeper systemic gaps, including inadequate primary-level teaching and the need for sustained, not short-term, interventions.