Pune: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has announced the dates for the Composite Assessment Test-1 (CAT-1), which will be conducted for students in government, local self-governed, and aided schools across the state.

The exam, scheduled from October 22 to 25, 2024, is designed to assess students from grades 3 to 9 in key subjects such as First Language, Mathematics, and Third Language (English).

The test schedule outlines specific subjects for each day:

• October 22: First Language

• October 23: Third Language (English)

• October 24: Mathematics

• October 25: Part 2 of Mathematics for grade 9

According to Ramakant Kathmore, Deputy Director of SCERT, this assessment aims to evaluate students' understanding and grasp of foundational academic concepts.

“The test is part of SCERT’s initiative to systematically evaluate student progress in a holistic manner. It is a follow-up to the Foundational Test held earlier this year in July,” he added.

The exams will include both written and oral components. Schools have been given the flexibility to conduct the tests during either the morning or afternoon sessions based on their logistical convenience, but must strictly adhere to the fixed dates. Schools are instructed not to make any changes to the timetable.

For subjects other than First Language, Mathematics, and English, schools will conduct their own internal evaluations, including oral exams, practicals, self-study, and written assessments.

These evaluations should either take place on the same day as the scheduled written test or, if needed, on the following day to accommodate a large number of students.

SCERT has also issued specific guidelines to ensure the smooth functioning of the assessments. Schools are expected to follow these instructions to provide a standardized examination process across the state.