THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has ordered all higher education institutions in the state, including professional colleges, to open from October 4. However, it will be subject to conditions. Classes are for final year students. Classes are held on alternate days as a batch comprising 50 percent of the students for fifth and sixth semester graduate classes. Classes for post-graduate students, on the other hand, will have full strength.

Emphasis can be placed on practical classes in science subjects. The order states that colleges can decide how class time should be. The single session should be from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm or from 9 am to 3.30 pm or from 10 am to 4 pm. Classes can be managed online and offline in a mixed manner. Teacher and non-teaching staff must attend college. However, the number of offline teachers should be adjusted so that online classes are not disrupted. The order also says that work-from-home will be provided for teaching and non-teaching staff, having children under one year of age, pregnant women and those with serious illnesses.