Kerala to Revamp Higher Secondary with Credit Hours, Semesters and Electives

Kerala is all set to bring a major shift in its higher secondary education system by introducing credit hours, semesters and elective subjects, similar to the pattern followed in many international and higher education models. The changes are part of a broader reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and will be rolled out starting with the 2025–26 academic year. This means students from Class 11 onwards will have more flexibility in choosing subjects and managing their academic workload.

I found this update very important and timely because school education in India has often been criticised for being rigid and outdated. Kerala’s decision to bring college-like structures to school-level education could be a game-changer. It also shows that reforms promised under NEP 2020 are slowly becoming a reality. As someone who has been observing education policy changes, I feel this will not just impact students in Kerala, but also set an example for other states. Giving students the freedom to choose subjects and reducing stress by spreading exams across semesters can make learning more meaningful and future-ready. It’s something every parent, teacher and student should be aware of and prepare for.

What Is Changing in Kerala’s Higher Secondary Education?

The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE), Kerala, is planning to roll out a semester-based system with credit hours, much like college structures. These changes will apply to students of Classes 11 and 12 and are aimed at creating a more flexible and student-friendly environment.

Here are the major reforms being considered:

Semester System: Instead of annual exams, the academic year will be split into two semesters
Credit Hours: Subjects will carry credit points based on the number of teaching hours
Elective Subjects: Students can choose elective subjects beyond their core stream (science, commerce or humanities)
Multidisciplinary Learning: A science student may be allowed to pick an art subject like music or theatre as an elective
Activity and Skill-Based Learning: More importance will be given to hands-on learning, projects and local contexts

The new system is expected to be piloted in selected schools first before expanding statewide.

Why These Changes Matter

One of the biggest issues in our current school system is the lack of flexibility. Students are forced into strict subject combinations and have very little say in how or what they learn. With this reform:

Students can explore different fields before making final career choices
It will help reduce exam pressure since assessments are spread across semesters
Schools will be encouraged to adopt student-centric teaching methods
It opens up room for creativity and innovation in classroom activities

Another major benefit is that Kerala students will be better prepared for university life where credit systems and semester patterns are the norm.

Alignment with NEP 2020

The National Education Policy 2020 pushes for flexibility, choice-based learning and reduction in rote memorisation. Kerala’s plan seems to reflect this vision directly. It supports:

Holistic and multidisciplinary education
Flexible curriculum and choice of subjects
Continuous and comprehensive evaluation
Integration of skills and vocational training

The credit system will also help in smooth transition if students move between states or educational boards.

Challenges and Concerns

While the plan is ambitious, it is not without challenges:

Schools will need additional training for teachers to handle semester-based planning
Infrastructure changes may be needed to support electives and activities
Some rural schools may struggle to offer diverse subject choices
Proper evaluation models need to be developed for credit-based assessment

But the government seems to be aware of these issues and is working closely with education experts to prepare a strong roadmap before implementation.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.