Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s Education Minister has announced a series of measures aimed at reducing the academic burden on secondary school students, stressing the need to balance quality education with students’ mental health and overall well-being.
The minister said the government is reviewing the existing curriculum, examination patterns, and assessment methods for classes at the secondary level to ensure that learning remains meaningful rather than exam-oriented. A key focus will be on reducing excessive portions, avoiding content repetition across subjects, and promoting concept-based learning.
As part of the proposed reforms, the Education Department plans to introduce more activity-based and experiential learning methods, allowing students to better understand concepts without the pressure of rote memorisation. Internal assessments will also be streamlined to prevent students from facing multiple tests within short periods.
The minister highlighted growing concerns over stress, anxiety, and burnout among adolescents, noting that academic pressure should not come at the cost of students’ physical and mental health. Schools will be encouraged to allocate more time for sports, arts, and co-curricular activities, helping students develop holistically.
Teachers’ training programmes will be strengthened to help educators adopt learner-friendly teaching practices and identify early signs of academic stress among students. The government is also considering feedback from parents, teachers, and education experts before finalising the changes.
The Education Minister assured that any reforms would be implemented in a phased manner, ensuring that academic standards are maintained while making the schooling experience more student-centric and stress-free.
