Thiruvananthapuram: After the two-month summer vacation, schools in the state have reopened on Monday for the new academic year. Unlike the previous years, this year marks significant changes in textbooks, the answer sheet valuation system and the discontinuation of the "all pass" practice, and more.

Education Minister V Sivankutty has announced that the "all pass" practice would be discontinued for Classes 1 to 9, with both studies and examinations to be conducted more rigorously. The minister also stated that the requirement for minimum marks in all subjects for the Class 10 would be implemented. The Education Department expects around 3 lakh new students to join the first grade.

The distribution of revised textbooks is nearing completion, and the distribution of free school uniforms to nearly 900,000 students is also in its final stages.

Praveshanolsavam
The state-level inauguration of 'Praveshanolsavam,' the reopening ceremony, was conducted by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Government Higher Secondary School in Elamakkara, Ernakulam, at 9:30 AM In his inaugural speech, the Chief Minister emphasized the critical role of public education in underpinning Kerala's achievements, stressing that society has a responsibility to cherish and protect it. He noted that if the education sector is falling behind in science, it warrants a detailed discussion.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Kerala's education sector comprises 13,000 schools, 45 lakh students, 200,000 teachers, and 20,000 non-teaching staff. He remarked that the unique feature of Kerala's public education system is that education is viewed as a collective responsibility of the society, not just the child and parents. He also reminded teachers of their duty to stay updated with the times.

Revised textbooks
After a 10-year gap, textbooks have been revised for Classes 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Another special feature this year is the inclusion of lessons that promote gender equality. Textbooks that have not been revised have already been distributed to the students, officials said. Additionally, after a long interval, the alphabet chart has been reintroduced in Class 1.

Minimum marks for subjects, which were discontinued in 2005, will be reinstated. Continuous assessment will no longer involve grading on a curve. This also indicates that 100 per cent pass rates should no longer be expected.