On July 14, 2025, Kerala’s General Education Department rolled out a bold 2025-26 academic calendar, stirring both excitement and debate. High school students in Classes 8 to 10 will now face longer school hours and six working Saturdays to ensure a minimum of 1,100 instructional hours annually. Announced by Education Minister V. Sivankutty, the revised schedule responds to a Kerala High Court ruling and aims to align with national education standards. But with opposition from some communities, is this change a step forward or a stumble? Let’s dive into the details
- Key Points:
- Extended school hours: 30 minutes extra daily for Classes 8-10 (15 minutes morning, 15 minutes afternoon, except Fridays).
- Six working Saturdays added for high schools, totaling 204 working days.
- Follows Kerala High Court’s August 2024 ruling invalidating previous calendar.
- Aims to meet 1,100 instructional hours as per Kerala Education Rules.
Why the Change? A Push for Academic Excellence
The revised calendar is Kerala’s response to a Kerala High Court order in August 2024, which struck down a previous schedule with 25 working Saturdays for lacking proper government approval. An expert committee recommended a leaner approach, limiting Saturday classes to one per month and extending daily hours to meet the mandatory 1,100 instructional hours. Minister Sivankutty defends the move, noting that states like Gujarat (243 days), Karnataka (244 days), and CBSE/ICSE schools already operate longer schedules, positioning Kerala’s 204-day calendar as balanced yet rigorous.
- Key Points:
- Addresses High Court’s ruling on procedural lapses in prior calendar.
- Expert committee suggested limited Saturday classes (6 total).
- Aligns with national standards; other states have more working days.
- Focuses on ensuring quality education with adequate instructional time.
What’s New in the 2025-26 Calendar?
The 2025-26 academic calendar introduces structured changes across school levels, with a focus on high schools (Classes 8-10). Here’s the breakdown:
- Working Days:
- Classes 1-4: 198 days
- Classes 5-7: 200 days
- Classes 8-10: 204 days (including 6 Saturdays)
- School Hours:
- Classes 8-10: Extended by 30 minutes daily (9:15 AM–4:15 PM, except Fridays).
- No changes for primary and upper primary on Fridays to respect community schedules.
- Key Dates:
- Onam Exams: August 20–27, 2025
- Onam Break: August 29–September 7, 2025
- Second Exams: December 11–18, 2025
- Christmas Break: December 19–28, 2025
- Summer Vacation: Dates to be confirmed, typically April–May 2026
The calendar also includes cultural events, awareness campaigns, and support for differently-abled students, emphasizing holistic education.
- Key Points:
- 204 working days for high schools, 198–200 for lower classes.
- Extended hours: 9:15 AM–4:15 PM for Classes 8-10 (except Fridays).
- Key holidays: Onam (Aug 29–Sep 7), Christmas (Dec 19–28).
- Includes extracurriculars and inclusive education initiatives.
Controversy Alert: Support vs. Opposition
The new calendar has sparked a heated debate. Supporters applaud the alignment with national standards and the focus on instructional hours, ensuring students meet academic benchmarks. However, critics, including groups like Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, argue that extended hours and Saturday classes could disrupt religious education and community schedules, particularly for Muslim students attending madrassas. Minister Sivankutty has pushed back, asserting that the changes are legally sound and accusing some teacher unions (linked to Congress and IUML) of conspiring against Kerala’s top-ranked education system. He also noted that similar schedules were accepted without protest under previous governments.
- Key Points:
- Critics cite interference with religious studies, especially madrassas.
- Sivankutty defends changes as legal and necessary for standards.
- Compares Kerala’s schedule to longer ones in other states.
- Alleges political motives behind opposition from some groups.
Impact on Students and Teachers
The extended hours and Saturday classes aim to boost learning outcomes but come with challenges:
- Students: Classes 8-10 students face a longer school day, which could enhance learning but may increase fatigue. Saturday classes (one per month) add structure but reduce weekend flexibility.
- Teachers: Additional hours mean more workload, though the calendar’s alignment with national standards may streamline planning.
- Parents: Mixed reactions—some appreciate the focus on academics, while others worry about balancing extracurriculars and religious studies.
Sivankutty emphasized that the calendar supports inclusive education, with scholarships and programs for differently-abled students, ensuring no one is left behind.
- Key Points:
- Longer days may improve academics but risk student fatigue.
- Teachers face increased workload with extended hours.
- Parents split on balancing academics and personal time.
- Calendar promotes inclusivity with support for all students.
What’s in the Curriculum? A Constitutional Twist
Beyond scheduling, the 2025-26 calendar introduces new textbook content focusing on the Governor’s constitutional role, a move Sivankutty says upholds constitutional values amid “rising misuse.” This addition aims to educate students on governance and civic responsibilities, aligning with Kerala’s reputation for a robust education system, ranked second nationally.
- Key Points:
- New lessons on Governor’s constitutional role added to textbooks.
- Aims to teach students about governance and civic duties.
- Reflects Kerala’s focus on constitutional education.
- Part of a broader, inclusive curriculum overhaul.
Tips for Students, Parents, and Teachers
Navigating the new calendar? Here’s how to adapt:
- Students: Plan study schedules to manage longer hours; use weekends for rest and revision.
- Parents: Coordinate with schools to balance academic and religious commitments; stay updated via school portals.
- Teachers: Leverage the structured calendar for lesson planning; advocate for workload support if needed.
- Stay Informed: Check www.education.kerala.gov.in for updates on exams, holidays, and guidelines.
- Key Points:
- Students: Balance study and rest with longer days.
- Parents: Align schedules for academic and personal needs.
- Teachers: Use calendar for efficient planning.
- Monitor official Kerala Education Department website for updates.
Why This Matters: Kerala’s Education Legacy
Kerala’s education system, a national model, is known for its high literacy and inclusive policies. The 2025-26 calendar reinforces this legacy by ensuring 1,100 instructional hours, aligning with states like Gujarat and Karnataka while addressing local needs. Despite opposition, the changes reflect a commitment to academic rigor and legal compliance, following the High Court’s directive. With 204 working days for high schools, Kerala strikes a balance between education and cultural priorities, like Onam and Christmas breaks.
- Key Points:
- Kerala’s education system ranks second nationally.
- Calendar balances 204 working days with cultural holidays.
- Responds to High Court’s call for legal compliance.
- Sets stage for quality education with national alignment.
