Maharashtra's literacy exam includes 40% senior citizens

In Pune, about 800,000 candidates will take an adult literacy exam on Sunday. Among them, 40% are senior citizens. This exam is part of the New India Literacy Programme, organized by the Maharashtra Directorate of Primary Education. The aim is to help people over the age of 15 who cannot read or write. The exam will test candidates on reading, writing, and numeracy skills. It is worth 150 marks, and candidates need at least 33% to pass. If they succeed, they will receive a literacy certificate. Ramabai Mhetre, a 69-year-old from Satara district, shared her nervousness but also her excitement. She feels motivated by her grandchildren and has learned new skills in preparation. Last year, about 500,000 adults became literate through this exam. This year, an additional 800,000 have the chance to join them. Each section of the exam—reading, writing, and numeracy—has questions worth 50 marks. Candidates must score at least 17 marks in each section to pass. They can take the exam at their convenience between 10 AM and 5 PM, with 1.5 hours to complete it. Differently-abled candidates will get an extra 30 minutes. Mahesh Palekar, an education official, explained that this year’s candidates include those who registered in the previous year but didn't take the exam. Candidates are identified through surveys using the ULLAS app. They can also register directly through the app. The program encourages volunteerism in teaching and learning, and volunteers can join through their phones as well.