Thiruvananthapuram: Starting this academic year, Kerala’s Education Department is extending the minimum marks rule initially introduced for Class 8 annual exams to more classes and term exams. From the upcoming Onam examinations, students in Classes 5 to 9 must score at least 30% marks in each subject to pass.
The new rule will be effective from the First Term Onam Exams, beginning August 18. All written examinations across these classes will now require students to secure this minimum threshold.
Examination results will be announced within seven days of the completion of exams. For those who fail to meet the minimum mark requirement, two weeks of special academic support programs will be conducted at the school level in September, aimed at helping students improve and catch up.
This move is seen as a step toward improving academic standards and ensuring consistent learning outcomes across the state’s school system. The decision is part of a broader effort by the Kerala Education Department to enhance academic accountability and learning effectiveness. Officials believe the 30% benchmark will encourage students to take their studies more seriously throughout the year. Teachers will also be given guidelines to identify and support underperforming students ahead of the exams. Parents are being urged to monitor their children’s academic progress more closely under the new policy. The Education Department has clarified that the initiative is not meant to create fear, but to build a stronger academic foundation among students.
