Maharashtra introduces common exam timetable for Classes 1 to 9 for 2025 session; exams from April 9-25

NEW DELHI: In a first, the Maharashtra government has issued a common time-table for the annual exams for Classes 1 to 9 for the academic session 2024-25. The move aims to ensure uniformity and utilise the time for studies of students in all schools across the state.

Announcing the decision, the education department explained that the exams for Classes 1 to 9 are usually conducted at the school level towards the end of March or in the month of April. If the annual exams conclude in the beginning of April, even though the school remains open afterward, the attendance of students is insufficient. In case the exams are held earlier, instead of year-end, students get less time for study. It has also been observed that the exam time table of each school varies.

“To address this and ensure uniformity in all schools of the state and to make the best use of the available time for students' studies, the Director, State Council of Educational Research and Training, Maharashtra, Pune, has sent a letter through the referenced document regarding the scheduling of the annual exams/combined test (PAT) for the academic year 2024-25 for classes 1st to 9th, which must be adhered to,” said an official notice.

Maharashtra annual exams 2025 schedule

The annual examination, comprehensive test-2 and Periodic Assessment Test (PAT) schedule 2024-25 for Classes 1 to 9 for all mediums and management types of schools under the state board is given below.

The state government issued the following instructions for assessment:

• The organized assessment of the second consolidated test will be conducted at the school level. However, it should be ensured that the prescribed dress code is followed.
• For government, local self-government institutions, and private aided schools, the consolidated assessment for subjects like language and mathematical language from grades 3 to 9 will be provided by the Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training (MSCERT), Pune. Other private schools will prepare the test papers at the school level.
• For Classes 1 to 2 and other subjects from Classes 3 to 9, consolidated tests, including written exams, should be prepared at the school level according to the existing methods of evaluation.
• No schedule has been provided for the subjects in Class 9 except for the PAT (Preliminary Assessment Test). The schedule for these subjects will be prepared at the school level.
• The schedule mentioned for subjects like arts, craft, physical education, etc., should be planned and evaluated at the school level.
• Government, local self-government institutions, and private aided schools must use the question papers provided under the PAT for the consolidated assessment. For other subjects, the question papers should be prepared at the school level.
• However, for Classes 5 and 8, annual exams should be conducted according to the government decision, and the schools must prepare the subject question papers themselves. The question papers provided under PAT cannot be used for the annual exams.
• Note: For Classes 5 and 8, students will have two question papers for subjects like First Language, Mathematics, and Third Language (English). This needs to be planned accordingly. For all grades other than 5th and 8th, there will be no supplementary exams, so care must be taken.
• Schools have the freedom to organize exams according to their local timing (morning or afternoon session), but the exams for the respective subjects must be conducted on the scheduled date mentioned in the timetable. Practical exams must be conducted on the same day as the written exam or on the next day depending on the availability of time. If the student count is large, the exams can be scheduled for the next day or at an alternative time slot.
• It must be ensured that all students in the school attend the consolidated test during the specified period. If a student is absent on the day of the subject exam, they should be given the opportunity to take the exam on the day they return to school.
• The results of all schools, across all mediums of instruction in the state, will be declared on Maharashtra Day. Summer vacation will begin for all schools from May 2, 2025.
• According to the above plan, the responsibility for ensuring that the tests for all the mentioned grades are conducted within the specified time will lie with the school principals. However, if any changes are required due to exceptional or local circumstances, the concerned Education Officer must obtain permission from the Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training (MSCERT), Pune, before making any changes to the timetable.