New Delhi: The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, is gearing up to administer the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) as part of the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram on March 17, 2024. This nationwide assessment will see the participation of approximately 37 lakh learners across 23 states, marking a significant step towards enhancing literacy and numeracy skills among non-literate learners.
The FLNAT will be conducted in all districts of each participating State/UT, with the District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and Government/aided schools serving as test centres. The assessment will cover three subjects – Reading, Writing, and Numeracy – with each subject carrying 50 marks, totaling 150 marks. Designed to evaluate foundational literacy and numeracy skills, the test aims to provide insights into the progress made in improving these crucial skills among learners.
In previous years, two FLNATs were conducted in 2023, in March and September, respectively. The last FLNAT held on September 24, 2023, witnessed the participation of 17,39,097 learners, out of which 15,58,696 were certified. To date, a total of 36,00,870 learners have been certified, reflecting the positive impact of the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram in enhancing literacy rates across the country.
One of the noteworthy aspects of the FLNAT is its administration in regional languages, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020’s emphasis on promoting multilingualism. Conducting the test in learners’ mother tongue or local language not only facilitates better understanding but also helps in preserving linguistic diversity.
Several Union Territories, including Chandigarh, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and Goa, are aiming to achieve 100 per cent literacy through FLNAT, underscoring the significance of this assessment in driving literacy initiatives. Qualifying learners will receive certificates issued by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), recognizing their achievement in acquiring foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
The upcoming FLNAT scheduled for March 17, 2024, represents another milestone in the journey towards a developed and literate India. It reaffirms the government’s commitment to promoting education and underscores the transformative impact of ULLAS in empowering learners with essential skills for lifelong success.