College students take part in a fashion show at the annual cultural fest in Berhampur. Picture by Gopal Krishna Reddy

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 24: Class X students from government-run schools across the state will have the luxury of having free coaching classes ahead of their examinations this year.

These special classes are being introduced to ensure that students fare well in the approaching matriculate exams, which are slated to begin in March. The school and mass education department has already roped in the circle inspectors of schools (CI) and the district inspectors of schools (DI) for the purpose.

These officials have been asked to identify students who have secured less than 35 per cent marks in the previous test exams and attach them to subject expert teachers in the area. “Generally, students stop attending classes after the test exams are over. But this time, they have been asked to continue classes till March 9. Since the students who are poor in studies will not study at home, they will be attached to various teachers who will guide them in the subjects they find difficult,” said Khurda CI Santosh Patra.

This exercise has been introduced to help the students improve and get better marks.

Also previous years’ question papers would be practiced so that the students could revise, he said adding that the process would begin from the first week of February.

Similarly, the students who have scored more than 85 per cent have been identified and attached to board experts and resource persons in the areas who can provide them with tips to secure more marks. “A list of such students has already been prepared and sent to the school and mass education department,” said Patra. For the past few years’ matriculation students in government schools have been scoring poorly.

The reason behind this is the lack of proper coaching facilities and guides.

This initiative is supposed to provide the students with last minute guidance and help them fare better.