FLNAT

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

 Context: The Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) was recently conducted nationwide under the  ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, across 23 states for about 37 lakh learners.

What is FLNAT?

The Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) evaluates Reading, Writing, and Numeracy skills to assess foundational literacy and numeracy. It will be conducted in all districts of participating States/UTs at District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and Government/aided schools.

Aim: FLNAT aims to certify non-literate learners and promote multilingualism, aligned with NEP 2020.

The test comprises three subjects – Reading, Writing, and Numeracy – each carrying 50 marks, totalling 150 marks. Conducted in regional languages, it aims to promote multilingualism and preserve linguistic diversity. Successful learners will receive certificates from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).

What is ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)?

It is a centrally sponsored scheme for 2022-2027, that empowers adults aged 15 and above with basic literacy, numeracy, and critical life skills, promoting lifelong learning through volunteerism and access to regional language content on the DIKSHA Portal and ULLAS mobile app.

Other initiatives for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN):

1. DIKSHA or Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing: Launched in 2017, it is a national platform of the NCERT, where teachers can find interactive and engaging teaching material to make their classes interesting.
2. NIPUN Bharat Mission: Launched in 2021 to ensure that every child in the country necessarily attains foundational literacy by the end of the third grade by the year 2026-27.
3. NISHTHA: A new training program (in FLN) for the teachers, as well as the heads of the school launched by the NCERT.
4. The National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Skills 2022: To meet a key focus area of the NEP 2020, to improve the foundational skills of students.
   1. Under this, ‘jadui pitara’ – learning and teaching material for the foundational stage of schooling, has been launched recently.