InclusiveEducation – Andhra Pradesh Launches Statewide Student Screening Through Prashast App
InclusiveEducation – Andhra Pradesh is set to roll out a comprehensive student screening programme across all categories of schools during the 2026-27 academic session, with authorities making the use of Prashast App 2.0 compulsory for identifying children who may require additional educational support.
The initiative will cover students enrolled in government-run institutions, local body schools, aided schools, and private educational institutions throughout the state. Officials say the programme aims to strengthen early detection of Children with Special Needs (CwSN), enabling schools to provide timely interventions and tailored learning assistance.
Digital Platform to Strengthen Identification Process
State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, B. Srinivasa Rao, said the screening exercise is being carried out in line with directives issued by the Ministry of Education. The objective is to ensure that students requiring specialised educational support are identified at an early stage and connected with appropriate services without delay.
According to officials, Prashast App 2.0 has now been linked with the UDISE+ database, creating a more structured and transparent system for student screening and monitoring. The integration is expected to improve data management and help education authorities track the progress of students requiring additional assistance.
School Heads Asked to Ensure Full Participation
Education authorities have directed headmasters and principals to take direct responsibility for overseeing the screening process in their respective institutions. They have been instructed to ensure that every eligible student undergoes assessment during the academic year.
Officials emphasised that complete participation is essential for the success of the programme. School administrators will be expected to monitor progress closely and address any operational challenges during implementation.
Registration Process for Teachers and Resource Personnel
The state education department has also outlined responsibilities for teaching and support staff involved in inclusive education programmes. Headmasters, teachers, Special Education School Assistants, and Inclusive Education Resource Persons (IERPs) associated with Bhavita Centres have been instructed to complete their registration and activation procedures on the application.
The registration process is considered a key step in preparing schools for the statewide exercise. Authorities believe that ensuring all stakeholders are connected to the platform will help maintain consistency in screening procedures.
Two-Stage Assessment Framework Planned
Under the implementation model, class teachers will be responsible for conducting the first stage of screening for every student. This preliminary assessment will help identify children who may require additional evaluation.
Students flagged during the initial review will then undergo a second level of assessment. This stage will be carried out by special educators and staff working at Bhavita Centres in accordance with the operational guidelines provided through the application.
Officials said the two-step process is designed to improve accuracy while ensuring that students receive assessments suited to their individual requirements.
Training and Awareness Campaigns to Be Conducted
To support effective implementation, District Educational Officers and Additional Project Coordinators have been directed to organise awareness drives and training sessions across the state.
These programmes will focus on helping teachers, special educators, and other stakeholders understand the features of Prashast App 2.0 and the procedures involved in conducting assessments. The department expects training efforts to improve both efficiency and consistency during the screening exercise.
Timeline for Implementation Finalised
The education department has also released a phased schedule for the programme. During June and July 2026, headmasters and principals will establish and activate institutional as well as administrative logins on the platform.
In August, class teachers and special educators will complete the mapping and assignment process. The first phase of student screening will be conducted by general teachers during September, covering all students enrolled in participating schools. Wherever further evaluation is required, special educators will carry out the second phase of screening in October.
Officials believe the structured timeline will help schools complete the exercise efficiently while ensuring that students needing support are identified at the earliest opportunity.