
UP surpasses nat'l avg in language, math competency for Class 3 students
Lucknow: After taking a big leap forward in the school performance index, UP has made significant strides in learning outcomes. The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, which evaluates the effectiveness of the school education system by assessing competencies at various educational stages, shows that Class 3 children in UP have not only improved their performance, but also surpassed the national average.
The report shared by the Union Ministry of Education with the state govt shows 68% of Class 3 children in UP are competent in language and 64% in mathematics, while the national average for the two stands at 64% and 60%, respectively. Education officials said in 2021, 55% of Class 3 students were competent in language and mathematics and were below the national average of 59%.
According to the document shared by the education department, districts like Kasganj, Shamli, Auraiya, Ambedkar Nagar and Mahoba emerged as top performers in Class 3.
The assessment was also carried out for Classes 6 and 9, where steady improvements were visible too. The report shows 55% of Class 6 girls were competent in language against the national average of 57%, while 45% were proficient in mathematics against the national average of 46%. The top-performing districts in the Class 6 category include Kanpur, Shravasti, Kasganj, Shamli and Aligarh.
UP also made notable progress in Class 9 results.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Investire è più facile che mai
BG SAXO
Scopri di più
Undo
While 38% of students did well in science against the national average of 40%, 34% performed in mathematics against the national average of 37%, and 37% qualified in social sciences against the national average of 40%. Districts such as Varanasi, Kanpur Nagar, Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Shamli recorded the highest performances in Class 9. The pan-India report will be released on July 2.
Basic education minister Sandeep Singh said, "UP's performance in the PARAKH National Survey 2024 is a testimony to the fact that when policy, planning, and execution are well-balanced, even the largest states can set benchmarks in education. This is not just a success in numbers, but proof of deep-rooted educational reforms happening at the grassroots level. We are confident that in the coming years, this transformation will become more widespread and robust.
"
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
AI in business, data analytics, wetland conservation debut as UG courses
Kolkata: Colleges and universities have introduced innovative courses and unique combinations for students to enhance their skills across various fields. With industry demands evolving rapidly, several institutions are embracing future-ready programs in data analytics, artificial intelligence in business, enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business intelligence. In recent years, traditional core subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and physics saw declining enrolment numbers. However, new interdisciplinary combinations incorporating these fundamental sciences are gaining traction among undergraduate students, offering more practical and career-oriented pathways. St. Xavier's College introduced data analytics, artificial intelligence in business, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and business intelligence. P by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo rincipal Dominic Savio said, "Our program encourages students to explore and integrate knowledge across various domains. A strong focus is placed on creativity, critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical values. Students have the flexibility to design their academic paths by choosing from a diverse basket of courses, which include core courses, elective courses, and skill enhancement courses. We actively promote blended learning approaches and effective use of digital tools to support student engagement and learning outcomes." St. Xavier's College expanded its curriculum to include multidisciplinary courses spanning both arts and science streams, from wetlands conservation to sports management. The college emphasises holistic development through skill enhancement courses, value-added courses, and ability enhancement courses (AEC). St Xavier's University also introduced BSc in data analytics and statistics, which includes statistics, mathematics, and data science. Ramakrishna Mission Residential College (Narendrapur) introduced a comprehensive life science program that includes microbiology, zoology, biotechnology, botany, and physiology, reflecting the growing demand for specialised, industry-relevant education. Principal Swami Ekachittananda said, "This year we introduced life science for the first time, for which 10 seats have been allocated. Earlier, we didn't have a bio-science stream, but for the last few years, we received numerous feedback prompting us to introduce these subjects which have market demand at present. " The college has around 180-190 seats for undergraduate courses, which will be increased to accommodate new courses. Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, is offering data science as a minor subject for students. Principal Swami Kamalasthananda said, "This is an age where students need to be well-equipped and have clear knowledge of numerous contemporary subjects. In these cases, I observed several students taking advantage of online courses because they have limited time to get an overall idea of the subject. " Asutosh College in Kolkata introduced 25 contemporary certificate courses that include wildlife conservation and ecotourism, data management for social sciences, AI for office work, electronic product design, and analysis of pollutants in the environment for both in-house students and others. Principal Manas Kabi highlighted that these certificate courses have been introduced for students who are eager to enhance their skills in various fields. Graphic— St Xavier's College | Data analytics, artificial intelligence in business, enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business intelligence St Xavier's University | BSc in data analytics and statistics Ramakrishna Mission Residential College (Narendrapur) introduced life science that includes microbiology, zoology, biotechnology, botany, and physiology


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Walk your way to a sharper mind: How 40 minutes of walking boosts brain size
An exercise as simple as walking increases the size of your brain. Shocking! Isn't it? Walking, specifically, can significantly increase the volume of the hippocampus, a key part of the brain that is responsible for memory, and improve cognitive ability in older people, says a pioneering study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The research opens the door to a simple, cheap method to stop age-related cognitive decline. During the course of a year, the research followed a cohort of seniors aged between 55 and 80. Participants were split into two groups: the control group undertook stretching and toning exercises, while the other group did regular cardiovascular activity (in this instance, 40 minutes of walking three times per week). MRI scans at the end of the trial showed that the size of the hippocampus in the walking group, which is typically expected to shrink with age, grew by an average of 2%. Why is this finding so significant? An important part of memory creation and recall is the hippocampus. It is also one of the first regions to be affected by Alzheimer's disease. This research discredits the popular opinion that memory loss is a part of the natural ageing process. It proves that throughout elderly life, the brain remains capable of changing and being improved with mild exercise. In addition, walking improves intellectual function as well as brain expansion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Control participants who walked regularly demonstrated superior memory function and increased processing rates. Walking, as the researchers say, increases blood flow to the brain, stimulates growth hormone production, and promotes the growth of new synapses—all supporting a healthier, stronger brain. Brisk walking (and not a leisure walk) is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your immune health. Walking is low-impact, accessible, and cost-free, compared to more intense exercise. Neither gym membership nor specialised equipment is required. Walking provides a pathway to enhanced brain health for everyone, including older individuals who may have diminished stamina or mobility. Walking is good for the mind and the body, and more study is needed to establish the optimal intensity and duration of walking for cognitive gain. The next time you slip on your shoes and take a walk, remember that you're investing in your brain as well as getting some fresh air. It may only require 40 minutes a couple of times a week to maintain a young brain, enhance cognitive function, and preserve your memory. It's never too early, or too late, to begin the journey towards mental acuity. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Think you are fearless? Humans will always fear these 2 things no matter what, says science
Despite the modern narrative of humans being fearless or bold by nature, science tells a different story. Humans aren't born with a long list of phobias. In fact, psychologists and neuroscientists agree that we only come into the world hardwired with two basic fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. These two serve a fundamental purpose—protecting us from harm in our earliest and most vulnerable stages. One of the most cited pieces of evidence is the 'visual cliff' experiment from 1960. In this setup, infants aged 6 to 14 months were placed on a platform with a transparent surface that gave the illusion of a drop. Despite encouragement from trusted caregivers, most babies would not crawl across the glass section. This reaction wasn't something they were taught. It showed a natural fear of falling—something deeply rooted in our instincts. Babies who hadn't yet started crawling didn't show as much concern, suggesting that the development of movement plays a role in reinforcing this inborn fear. Similarly, the fear of loud noises is seen right from birth. Sudden, sharp sounds—like the clanging of metal or a bursting balloon—can cause a newborn to flinch, cry, or display distress. This reaction is called the acoustic startle reflex. According to neuroscientist Seth Norrholm, this reflex is automatic and wired into the brain's primitive survival systems. Loud noises are universally interpreted as signals of potential danger, which is why even a baby with no prior experience of the world reacts to them. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Learned Fears Begin with Experience While these two fears are inborn, all other fears—be it spiders, darkness, or public speaking—are acquired through life. These are shaped by culture, upbringing, and personal experience. The famous 'Little Albert' experiment from the early 20th century is often referenced when discussing learned fears. A young child who was originally indifferent to a white rat began fearing it after it was repeatedly paired with loud, startling noises. Over time, the child began to associate the rat alone with fear, demonstrating how easily fear can be conditioned. When it comes to things like fear of snakes or spiders, infants don't start off frightened. Research shows they may notice these creatures more quickly than others, but that's not the same as fear. It's only through learned associations—perhaps stories, parental cues, or traumatic experiences—that children come to fear them. Even something as common as a fear of the dark can be traced back to imagination and storytelling. Toddlers aren't afraid of the absence of light itself—they respond to what they've been told could be lurking in it. If Fear Can Be Learned, It Can Be Unlearned This understanding that most fears are not innate but learned has wide-reaching implications. If a fear can be developed through life, it can also be reduced or even reversed through exposure, therapy, or conscious effort. Many psychologists and therapists use this insight to encourage individuals facing anxiety or phobias. Recognizing that public speaking fear or social rejection anxiety wasn't part of our original design can be empowering. It means the emotional weight of those fears can be lightened with time and effort. As the saying often goes in self-help and mental health circles: we're only born with the fear of falling and loud noises. Everything else, we pick up along the way.