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After pandemic lockdowns, educational institutions in Kerala will finally open their gates and welcome students back to their real-world classrooms.

Education Minister V Sivankutty announced that Schools in Kerala would conduct full-day regular classes from February 21. He also said that the directive applies to all schools, including CISCE, CBSE, and other Private and Unaided institutions. However, still some schools have not confirmed whether they are opening or not.

Mindful of the limited time window to complete the syllabus, schools will function on all Saturdays in February and March except for public holidays. The Government is also extending permission to conduct additional classes to finish the syllabus. 

Creches, Anganwadis, Kindergartens, and pre-primary classes also commence from Monday. However, to start with, they will function only from Monday to Friday with 50% attendance. Alongside, digital and online classes will continue as per demand. 

The Minister said Educational Officers would analyze the progress of syllabus completion in schools. Also, their preparedness for final exams and submit a detailed report to the Deputy Director of Education.

Classes 10 and 12 teachers have been asked to report subject-wise syllabus completion to their school heads. The school authorities would, in turn, send these reports to District Educational Officers every week. In addition, the Education Minister has also instructed the schools to complete SSLC and Plus-two syllabi before February 28 and begin revisions from March 1.

Model exams for Classes 10, 12, and vocational higher secondary will start from March 16. However, final exam dates will be announced later. Likewise, the Government has also decided to hold annual exams for students from Class 1 till 9.

Across the country, schools and colleges are opening in a phased manner following the decline in Covid-19 cases. In Delhi, the Government is reopening even colleges with 100% attendance. However, it has directed educational institutions to strictly follow Covid-19 protocols like a compulsory mask, thermal screening, sanitation, and staggered lunch hours.