# Kerala govt stays minimum marks rule for classes 8 to 10 2026-09-19T16:31:26+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Kerala government has temporarily stayed an order mandating minimum marks in classes VIII, IX, and X for the 2026-27 academic year. The previous LDF government had approved a 30% minimum in the theory component of each subject to improve learning outcomes. The rule was already in effect for class VIII in 2024-25 and for classes VIII and IX in 2025-26. Students appearing for the SSLC examinations will not have to secure 30% minimum marks in each paper's theory component. The Left-affiliated All Kerala School Teachers Union criticised the stay, saying it was taken without discussion and would damage trust in public education. The union urged a rethink. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The minimum marks rule was the LDF government's response to persistent criticism that students were clearing exams without adequate learning. The stay reverses a key education reform mid-implementation, just as it was to reach class X. Teachers' unions are split: the pro-CPM Kerala School Teachers Association opposed the rule from the start, while the AKSTU now calls the stay a blow to standards. The government has not said whether the stay is permanent or whether a replacement policy is under review. The next signal to watch is whether the stay is followed by a formal rollback or a revised framework, and how the decision affects the 2027 SSLC batch. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: All Kerala School Teachers Union, Kerala, LDF, SSLC Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/kerala-govt-stays-minimum-marks-rule-for-classes-8-to-10/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/kerala-govt-stays-minimum-marks-rule-for-classes-8-to-10/#story-in-brief