No core lessons to be removed in Class 10 syllabus reduction: Kerala edu minister

The Kerala government sought to clarify its decision to trim the Class 10 syllabus, with General Education Minister V Sivankutty assuring that the move would not affect the core academic content taught in schools.

Addressing concerns from students, parents, and members of the academic community, Sivankutty said the proposed 25% reduction would not lead to the removal of essential portions from textbooks.

He noted that fears had been raised about a possible dilution of academic standards but emphasized that the process would be guided by expert assessment.

“Reducing content load does not mean removing core or essential portions of the syllabus. The exercise is aimed at avoiding repetition and ensuring that only age-appropriate learning content is included at each level,” Sivankutty said.

The minister said a similar approach would be adopted while reviewing SSLC-level syllabi and reiterated that reducing examination-related stress among students remains a key policy objective of the state government.

The clarification comes a day after Sivankutty announced that the Class 10 syllabus would be reduced by 25% from the next academic year following repeated complaints from students about heavy academic workloads.

He said the state curriculum committee had already approved the decision and made it clear that the basic structure of textbooks would not be changed.

The announcement was made at a public function in Thevalakkara in Kollam district, where Sivankutty and Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal handed over the keys to a newly constructed house to the family of Mithun, a student who died after being electrocuted at Thevalakkara Boys High School last year.

The house was built by the Kerala State Bharat Scouts and Guides without collecting money from students and was completed within six months at a cost of ₹20 lakh.

Sivankutty described the initiative as a humane intervention and a reminder of society’s collective responsibility toward children.

Meanwhile, the General Education Department has launched broader reforms aimed at making schools more child-friendly.

A draft report proposing lighter school bags and the elimination of “backbenchers” in classrooms has been approved by the State Curriculum Steering Committee.

Prepared by the State Council of Educational Research and Training, the proposals seek to “democratize classrooms” and improve student participation, the minister said.

The department plans to implement the changes from the coming academic year after considering public feedback.

“These steps are meant to ensure the happiness of children and create a more inclusive learning environment,” Sivankutty added.