Thiruvananthapuram: A major revamp in Kerala’s school academic calendar may be on the horizon, as a high-level expert committee has proposed scrapping the traditional Onam and Christmas exams while recommending an extension of high school class hours by 30 minutes daily.
The five-member panel, led by Prof. V.P. Jyothish of the Central University of Kasaragod, has submitted its report to General Education Minister V. Sivankutty. The recommendations aim to streamline the academic structure and boost effective learning time.
Under the proposal, only two main examinations — a half-yearly in October and a final in March — would be held each year. Academic progress, the panel suggests, can be measured through regular class assessments rather than multiple term exams.
High schools may see an increase in daily instructional time, reaching 1,200 hours annually, while LP and UP sections will maintain their current schedule. The panel also advised holding classes on one Saturday per month (ensuring no six-day work streaks) and cutting recess duration to 10 minutes.
The suggestions come as part of a Kerala High Court directive, with the SCERT overseeing the committee’s formation and recommendations. If implemented, the changes could significantly reshape how Kerala schools operate.
