Kerala’s Education Minister V Sivankutty has announced that the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) and Higher Secondary (Plus-II) public examinations for 2026 will begin on March 6. The announcement, made on Wednesday, also confirmed that the Plus-I examinations will commence on March 7, followed by the Vocational Higher Secondary (VHSE) exams on March 6. The evaluation process is scheduled to start in March-end, and results will be declared by May 10.
I am writing about this because exam schedules mark one of the most crucial milestones for lakhs of students and parents in Kerala. Early announcements allow students to plan their preparation, teachers to schedule revisions, and schools to manage practical exams smoothly. Board exams in Kerala are not just a test of academic knowledge but also a matter of pride for students, families, and schools. With the government ensuring transparency and timely declaration of dates, it reflects Kerala’s consistent focus on maintaining academic discipline and efficiency in its public education system.
Exam Dates and Key Highlights
According to Minister Sivankutty, the SSLC (Class 10) and Plus-II (Class 12) examinations will be conducted from March 6 to March 20, 2026. The Plus-I (Class 11) exams will follow from March 7 to March 26.
For the Vocational Higher Secondary Education (VHSE) stream, the theory exams will begin on the same day as the SSLC and Plus-II exams. The Minister also mentioned that model exams for both SSLC and Plus-II will be conducted in February 2026 to help students familiarise themselves with the exam pattern and manage time effectively.
Evaluation and Result Timeline
The valuation of answer scripts will begin by the third week of March, just after the conclusion of exams. The results for SSLC and Plus-II are expected to be published by May 10, followed by the Plus-I results by the end of May.
This systematic scheduling aims to ensure timely completion of the academic year, allowing students to smoothly transition to higher studies or vocational courses without unnecessary delays.
Practical Exams and Model Tests
The Plus-II and VHSE practical examinations are scheduled for February 2026, while the SSLC practicals will be held in January 2026. Model tests for SSLC and Plus-II students will also be conducted across all schools to prepare students for the final examinations.
Teachers’ training and evaluation camps will be arranged to maintain uniform standards across schools. The Education Department has directed schools to complete syllabus coverage by January-end so that students can use February for revisions and mock exams.
Focus on Smooth and Transparent Process
Minister Sivankutty highlighted that the department aims to make the 2026 board exams completely fair, transparent, and stress-free. Special monitoring teams will be formed at district and state levels to ensure that the exams are conducted without malpractice or administrative delays.
The minister also stated that digital infrastructure in examination centres will be strengthened this year to prevent logistical issues and improve coordination during result processing.
Why Early Announcement Matters
Announcing exam schedules in advance helps schools and students plan better. It ensures that teachers can finish portions on time, students can structure their study timetable, and parents can provide necessary support during the crucial preparation months.
It also reflects the Education Department’s proactive approach, a practice that has made Kerala’s exam system one of the most reliable in India. Over 9 lakh students are expected to appear for SSLC and Plus-II exams combined in 2026, highlighting the scale of coordination required.
