BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th January 2026: In Tripura, the festive spirit of Makar Sankranti has dimmed under the looming shadow of early annual examinations, leaving students and parents grappling with anxiety and frustration. Traditionally a time of joy marked by sweets, rituals, and community gatherings, this year’s celebrations were notably subdued as children remained buried in textbooks instead of reveling in festivities.
The source of this disruption lies in a directive issued by the state’s education department on November 27 (No.F.4(254)-DEE/CEU/ELEMENTARY/2025/1245), announcing that annual school examinations will be held from February 9 to 19—nearly a month ahead of the usual schedule. Despite the advancement, the syllabus remains unchanged, placing immense pressure on students to complete vast portions of coursework in a compressed timeframe.
The situation is exacerbated by Tripura’s chronic teacher shortage. Many schools struggle to conduct regular classes, and recent cold waves forced temporary closures, further shrinking instructional days. With upcoming holidays like Saraswati Puja and Republic Day, educators fear that completing the syllabus in time is virtually impossible. Several teachers, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed deep concern over the feasibility of meaningful academic preparation under current constraints.
Parents, too, are voicing strong criticism. They argue that the decision starkly contradicts the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes holistic learning through play, creativity, and joy. “If education is reduced to just marks and exam results, where is the space for cultural and social development?” asked one concerned parent.
Ironically, while national textbooks highlight the cultural significance of festivals like Makar Sankranti, students in Tripura are being denied the opportunity to participate in them. Many are forced to study through the holidays, missing out on experiences that contribute to their emotional and social growth. Parents worry that the mounting academic pressure may have serious repercussions on children’s mental and physical well-being.
The controversy has reignited a broader debate: Is the NEP merely a policy on paper, or is there genuine intent to implement its principles on the ground? Across the state, calls are growing louder for the education department to reconsider its unilateral decision and strike a balance between academic rigor and student well-being during the festive season.
