Pune: SCERT’s Common Exam Timetable Faces Resistance from Private Schools

Pune, 31st March 2025: Despite the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) announcing a uniform exam schedule for all state board schools, many private, unaided, and self-financed schools in Pune have opted to conduct their exams as per their pre-planned timetables. However, some private institutions and all government-aided schools have adjusted their schedules to align with SCERT’s directives.

SCERT recently mandated that exams for grades 1 to 9 in all state-affiliated schools be conducted between April 8 and April 25, with specific timelines for each grade. Additionally, private-aided and government schools will receive question papers for the Periodic Assessment Tests (PAT) from SCERT. However, several private schools have decided to retain their original schedules, opting not to follow the prescribed dates.

Jagruti Dharmadhikari, Vice President of the Maharashtra State Education Institution Federation, explained that private schools plan their academic year, including exams, well in advance. Many parents schedule vacations accordingly, making sudden changes impractical. Since private schools operate autonomously, most have chosen to stick to their original schedules, with exams concluding between April 10 and April 15. She suggested that SCERT should announce exam schedules at the start of the academic year to avoid last-minute confusion.

Some schools, however, have made adjustments. The principal of a school stated that their exams will now take place from April 7 to April 19 to comply with government directives. Another principal mentioned that since PAT exams are government-mandated, they cannot be rescheduled, leading their school to align its timetable with SCERT’s schedule.

Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh emphasized that all state board-affiliated schools must adhere to the official exam schedule. He also assured that future academic calendars will be announced well in advance to prevent any disruptions.
SCERT’s Official Exam Schedule:
Grades 1 & 2: April 23 to April 25
Grades 3 & 4: April 22 to April 25
Grade 5: April 9 to April 25
Grades 6 & 7: April 19 to April 25
Grade 8: April 8 to April 25
Grade 9: April 8 to April 19