(a) whether zero period is in practice in the schools and if so, whether it is beneficial for
students as well as teachers;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to formulate any policy regarding zero period and if so,
the details thereof; and
(d) whether this period can be provided on weekly basis in the schools and if so, the reaction
of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) & (b) The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) – 2005, which guides schools on the
issue of time management in school, does not prescribe Zero Period. The Central Board of
Secondary Education (CBSE), in its curriculum document, has suggested a time table of 8
periods per day for the schools affiliated to it. The Board also does not mention the concept
of Zero Period in any of its documents. Education, being a subject in the Concurrent List of
the Constitution, and the majority of schools being under the jurisdiction of the State
Governments, it is for the respective States/ Union Territories to regulate the time table in
their schools keeping in view the National Curriculum Framework.
(c) & (d) There is no such proposal at present.
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