NCERT to Conduct Foundational Learning Study (FLS) 2026 for Class 3 Students

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will conduct the Foundational Learning Study (FLS) to assess and strengthen basic learning competencies of Class 3 students in Delhi during the current academic year. According to the Delhi State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), the study is tentatively scheduled for February–March 2026 and will be carried out in selected, sampled schools, the list of which will be shared with schools in advance.

The Foundational Learning Study 2026 is a collaborative initiative of NCERT and SCERT, aimed at understanding how effectively students acquire foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) skills—including reading, writing, and basic mathematics—by the end of the foundational stage of schooling.

What is the Foundational Learning Study (FLS)?

The Foundational Learning Study is a diagnostic survey, not an examination. NCERT has clarified that the exercise:

• Is not a test or exam
• Does not involve grading or certification of students
• Does not rank or certify schools

Instead, the study is designed to generate evidence-based insights that help:

• Inform education policy decisions
• Improve classroom teaching practices
• Strengthen foundational education outcomes under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

FLS 2026 Schedule and Coverage

• Target Group: Class 3 students
• Region: Delhi
• Tentative Period: February–March 2026
• Mode: School-based diagnostic assessment
• School Selection: Sampled schools (list to be shared in advance)

Preparation Support from NCERT

As part of the preparatory process, NCERT has shared sample assessment tasks in both Hindi and English. These tasks are intended to:

• Familiarise teachers and students with the assessment format
• Reduce anxiety and build comfort with the process
• Support classroom-level preparation without turning it into exam coaching

Guidelines for Schools and Teachers

According to SCERT, Heads of Schools and Principals have been instructed to ensure that:

• Class 3 teachers help students practise the sample activities
• Students are exposed to a variety of practice questions aligned with the shared tasks
• Teaching focuses on conceptual understanding rather than rote preparation

Schools have been advised that their cooperation is crucial for the smooth and effective implementation of the study and for promoting strong foundational learning outcomes.

Key Learning Areas Covered in FLS

The Foundational Learning Study focuses on core competencies, including:

• Reading comprehension
• Writing skills
• Basic numeracy and mathematical understanding

These areas form the backbone of early schooling and are central to the goals of NEP 2020, which prioritises achieving foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3.

Quick Reference Summary

Why the Foundational Learning Study is Important

Strong foundational skills are critical for long-term academic success. By assessing learning outcomes at an early stage, NCERT and SCERT aim to:

• Identify learning gaps early
• Support teacher training and curriculum improvement
• Strengthen classroom pedagogy
• Ensure students are better prepared for higher classes

The findings from FLS help policymakers and educators take targeted corrective measures, ensuring that no child is left behind in the foundational years.

The Foundational Learning Study 2026 reflects NCERT’s commitment to strengthening early education by focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy. As a non-evaluative, diagnostic initiative, it supports schools, teachers, and policymakers in building stronger learning outcomes for young students. Schools are encouraged to actively cooperate and prepare students through regular classroom practice using the shared sample tasks. For official updates, stakeholders should regularly visit the NCERT and SCERT Delhi websites and bookmark this page for future information.