Pune: PCMC Schools Record Drop in Low Performer Students, Learning Outcomes Improve
Pimpri, 30th May 2025: The percentage of students in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) schools performing at the beginner level has dropped from 28% in 2023–24 to just 13% in 2024–25. At the same time, students achieving advanced-level proficiency rose from 0.5% to 6%. This significant improvement follows the introduction of academic assessments developed by the Quality Council of India (QCI), implemented across all 128 municipal schools.
These assessments, aligned with national learning standards, were conducted at the beginning and end of the academic year. More than 48,000 students from Classes 1 to 10 were evaluated in Mathematics, Language, and Science/EVS. Based on the data, PCMC implemented targeted interventions including teacher mentoring, classroom observation, and subject-specific remedial support.
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, “The QCI assessment framework gave us a clear picture of students’ learning levels. By focusing on data and classroom-level action, we have been able to make measurable improvements. The journey has only begun—we aim to bring every child up to grade-level competency.”
Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil, who has overseen the academic reform process, said, “This initiative has brought accountability and clarity to our academic goals. Teachers, principals, and education officers now have concrete data to act upon. We are seeing the difference, especially in early-grade learning outcomes.”
Assistant Commissioner (Education) Vijayakumar Thorat added, “Regular assessments, one-on-one mentoring of teachers, and practical guidance based on student-level data were key drivers. Even schools that were previously struggling have now shown visible improvement.”
Complementing the QCI assessments, PCMC is also implementing the Saksham initiative to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills, particularly among students in Grades 3 to 8. The initiative has already benefited over 30,000 students, with visible improvement in reading, writing, and mathematics. Following the completion of the first phase, the second phase of Saksham has now commenced, further deepening PCMC’s commitment to quality education. The program has also received appreciation from state Education Minister Dadasaheb Bhuse.
Implemented under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Nipun Bharat Mission, Saksham began with schools dedicating the first two hours of the day exclusively to language and mathematics—60 minutes each—for intensive focus. In the second phase, the format has been revised to two 45-minute slots, balancing reinforcement with overall academic scheduling. Teachers have received focused training on monitoring learning levels, and parental involvement is being actively encouraged to ensure continued support at home.
The QCI framework, alongside Saksham, has brought about a data-driven and structured transformation in learning delivery across PCMC schools. These models will continue in the next academic year, with the aim of reaching every student and building long-term academic success.
Academic assessment highlights:
48,000+ students from Classes 1 to 10 assessed under the QCI framework across 128 PCMC schools
Beginner-level students reduced from 28% to 13% in just one academic year
Advanced proficiency students increased from 0.5% to 6%
Grade 2 saw the most progress:
Advanced proficiency rose from 0% to 25%
Beginner level dropped from 30% to 7%
Grade 1 improvement:
Beginner level reduced from 50% to 18%
Advanced learners rose from 0% to 8%
Grade 5 turnaround:
Beginner level dropped from 54% to 14%
100% subject teachers trained on competency-based pedagogy
Saksham initiative reached over 30,000 students in Grades 3 to 8
Initial 2 hours of school dedicated to language and math during Saksham Phase 1
45-minute structured sessions for language and math introduced in Saksham Phase 2
Positive impact observed in reading, writing, and arithmetic skills across all schools
