Expert panel proposes 30-minute extension to High School hours in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant move aimed at improving the academic efficiency, a state-appointed expert committee has recommended extending the daily school hours for high school students in Kerala by 30 minutes. This proposal is part of a comprehensive revision of the school academic calendar and examination schedule.

The extension, if implemented, would ensure a total of 1,200 instructional hours annually, aligning with national benchmarks and educational best practices. The committee, headed by Professor V.P. Joshith, Head of the Department of Education at Kasaragod Central University, submitted its report to General Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Tuesday.

The government is expected to review the proposals and announce its decision soon.

In another key recommendation, the panel advised avoiding regular academic classes on Saturdays. Instead, it proposed that only one Saturday per month may be designated as a working day, with a strict condition that no week should have six consecutive working days. This move is expected to improve student well-being and reduce burnout while maintaining academic standards.

The report also suggests a restructuring of the current examination system. Presently, schools conduct three exams—Onam, Christmas, and the annual examinations. The committee has recommended reducing these to just two: a half-yearly exam in October and the annual exam in March. Continuous evaluation through class tests would supplement these major assessments, ensuring learning outcomes without the burden of frequent formal exams.

In a related measure to improve daily scheduling, the committee proposed modifying break times. The lunch break would be shortened by five minutes, while the evening session break would be extended by 10 minutes, optimizing time for both rest and instruction.

Co-curricular activities, including festivals and annual cultural events, were recommended to be held on Saturdays. This would ensure that academic time remains undisturbed during weekdays, further supporting uninterrupted learning.

The panel’s recommendations follow a directive from the Kerala High Court to revise the academic calendar to better balance quality education with student well-being.