
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 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.
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.
Source: thehindu.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.