Tripura School Introduces U-Shaped Classrooms to Erase 'Backbencher' Concept

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 18, 2025

In a significant shift toward inclusive and engaging education, PM SHRI Sabroom Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Tripura has introduced the innovative U-shaped classroom design on an experimental basis starting today. The primary goal of this new arrangement is to eliminate the age-old concept of "backbenchers" and ensure equal participation and attention for all students.

Under this layout, students are seated in a semi-circular formation around the teacher, allowing direct interaction and better visibility for everyone. This method fosters a more democratic and collaborative learning atmosphere, minimizing physical and psychological distance between the teacher and students.

Ranjan Debnath, the Assistant Headmaster of the school, shared the development on social media, stating,

> “This seating style has removed the disparities of back-row students. It is boosting student confidence, enhancing engagement in lessons, and creating a stronger teacher-student connection. The classroom environment is now far more inclusive and cooperative.”

Educators and observers consider this a milestone step toward improving classroom dynamics and the overall quality of education in the state.

Notably, similar U-shaped classroom formats have already been adopted in several schools in Kerala, inspired by a Malayalam film promoting modern teaching methods. Tamil Nadu has also begun piloting the model in select schools, reflecting a growing national interest in student-centric educational innovations.

Tripura’s implementation marks another step forward in the national movement toward equitable and interactive classroom learning.

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