Sri Vijaya Puram, April 21: A large-scale assessment of early learning outcomes will be carried out across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of the Foundational Learning Study (FLS)-2026, scheduled for April 22 and 23 in selected schools across all three districts.
The study, mandated by the Ministry of Education, aims to evaluate foundational literacy and numeracy competencies among students at the end of Grade 3. The exercise is expected to provide a detailed picture of early-stage learning outcomes in the Union Territory.
This year’s assessment marks a significant shift in methodology, with the survey being conducted entirely through a tablet-based system. The transition replaces the earlier Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) format, introducing a digital approach designed to enable faster data collection and improve accuracy. Officials indicated that the use of tablets will facilitate real-time data capture and enhance the reliability of the results.
The Foundational Learning Study is being implemented at the national level by PARAKH under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). States and Union Territories will serve as the primary units of analysis, allowing for comparative evaluation of learning outcomes across regions.
The data generated through the study is expected to support evidence-based policy decisions and targeted interventions aimed at strengthening foundational education. By identifying learning gaps at an early stage, authorities intend to improve literacy and numeracy skills among primary school students.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the State Institute of Education (SIE) is coordinating the implementation of the assessment. Schools selected for the study have been asked to ensure full cooperation and strictly follow the prescribed Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) to maintain the credibility and uniformity of the exercise.
The initiative forms part of a broader national effort to strengthen foundational learning, which is considered critical for long-term academic progress. Early-grade literacy and numeracy are key indicators of educational development, and the findings from the study are expected to play a role in shaping future strategies in the sector.
With the introduction of digital tools, the assessment process is set to move towards a more streamlined and data-driven framework, reflecting a wider push towards technology-enabled education systems.
