CBSE announces Foundational Learning Study (FLS) 2026 to assess Grade 3 literacy and numeracy skills across 10,000 schools using a new digital assessment system
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has informed all affiliated schools about the upcoming Foundational Learning Study (FLS) 2026, a nationwide assessment aimed at evaluating the foundational literacy and numeracy skills of students studying in Grade 3.
The study will be conducted by PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) under NCERT at the end of March 2026.
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According to the circular issued by CBSE on 11 March 2026, the study will help understand how effectively young students across the country are developing basic reading and mathematics skills. The results are expected to support policymakers and education authorities in improving foundational learning outcomes in schools.
Shift to Digital Assessment
One of the major highlights of the Foundational Learning Study 2026 is the transition from the earlier paper-based (OMR) testing method used in 2022 to a tablet-based digital platform.
Officials believe that the digital mode will significantly improve the accuracy of data collection, speed of analysis, and quality of reporting, making the findings more reliable for future education planning.
Large-Scale National Participation
The study will be conducted on a large scale across the country. It will include more than 10,000 schools and over 1,00,000 students from 776 districts across 36 States and Union Territories.
The participating schools will include institutions from multiple categories, ensuring a balanced and representative sample of students.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Schools Covered | More than 10,000 |
| Total Students | Over 1,00,000 |
| Districts Covered | 776 |
| States/UTs Covered | 36 |
| School Types | Government, Government-aided, and Private |
Responsibilities of CBSE Affiliated Schools
CBSE has asked school heads to extend full support during the assessment process. Schools selected for the study must ensure smooth implementation so that the data collected accurately reflects the learning levels of students.
The board has specifically requested principals to ensure the following:
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| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| School Availability | Sampled schools must remain open and functional on the scheduled assessment dates |
| Support to Teams | Schools should fully cooperate with assessment teams visiting the campus |
Coordination Across Education Authorities
The national-level technical guidance for the study will be provided by PARAKH at NCERT. At the state and district levels, the programme will be coordinated through education bodies such as Samagra Shiksha, SCERTs, SIEs, DIETs, and District Education Offices.
These institutions will work together to ensure the smooth conduct of the assessment across different regions.
Why the Study Matters
Education experts believe that foundational literacy and numeracy skills form the base of a child’s entire learning journey. Without strong basics in reading and mathematics, students often struggle in higher classes.
The findings from FLS 2026 will help education authorities identify learning gaps at an early stage. Based on the data collected, governments and education boards will be able to design targeted interventions, teacher training programmes, and academic support systems to strengthen foundational learning in schools.
CBSE has therefore urged all affiliated schools to actively support the study so that it can generate reliable insights and contribute to improving the quality of early education across the country.
With this initiative, India continues to focus on strengthening the core learning abilities of young students and ensuring that every child builds a strong academic foundation from the early years of schooling.
