No all pass in Class eight from now on, minimum mark compulsory, decision taken at cabinet meet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The education department has come forward with new steps to improve school education in the state. From now on, there will be no all pass in eighth standard. It was also decided in the cabinet meeting that minimum marks will be made mandatory to win.

From next year onwards, minimum marks will be introduced in class 9 as well. 30% marks in each subject will be made compulsory for the written examination. In 2026-27, minimum marks will be executed in class 10 as well. There was widespread allegation that giving internal marks and A plus more are reducing the quality of education. The state government soon organized an education conclave. The cabinet approved the directive raised in this conclave. The directions will be implemented in a phased manner.

Meantime, the Khader committee report mentioned that grace marks can be continued and the present method of awarding marks should be revised. Major changes are needed in the existing textbook concepts. The learning method should be at a level that develops the child's thinking and raises questions.

The best time to study is between 8 am to 1 pm. The remaining time can be used for sports, games, yoga and group activities as per requirement. Children's sportsmanship should be ensured. Light exercises should be made compulsory in class at regular intervals at the primary level. The Khader committee report also recommended that time should be found during studies to nurture the sense of art and nature.