Kerala is set to introduce a significant reform by combining ‘high school’ and ‘higher secondary’ into a single ‘secondary’ section, encompassing grades 8 through 12. This innovative approach, based on the Khader panel report and approved by the state government, aims to streamline various administrative processes, including teacher salaries and appointments, and resolve technical challenges within the education system.
This reform diverges from the National Education Policy (NEP), which advocates for treating grades 9 to 12 as a distinct ‘secondary’ segment. Despite national guidelines, Kerala’s revised curriculum plans to integrate grades 8 to 12 into a unified ‘secondary’ section.
While Kerala will continue to implement central government schemes for grades 9 to 12 as a cohesive unit in accordance with national regulations, the state’s reform reflects its commitment to advancing its educational framework. This move demonstrates Kerala’s dedication to adapting national policies to better suit local educational needs and challenges.
