BENGALURU: The state government is likely to reduce SSLC exam syllabus by 20% for academic year 2021-22. A final decision is expected to be taken on Saturday after a meeting with education department officials.
“It is almost certain that we will reduce the syllabus by 20%. However, a final decision will be taken soon. This would be applicable to classes 1-9 as well. The lessons that are skipped will be taught early in the next year,” primary and secondary education minister BC Nagesh told TOI.
“While I personally feel that science and maths should be spared from the reduction, we will discuss the issue and decide,” the minister added.
The department of public instruction had moved a file to the government last month seeking a reduction of 20% of the syllabus for SSLC exams. Commissioner of DPI R Vishal said: “I had a discussion with experts. All are of the unanimous opinion that the syllabus should be reduced.”
DPI has also suggested a preparatory exam in February and final in March.
“Since we need at least four months of preparation for the exams, we have already started with it. Anticipating a positive response from the government on syllabus reduction, we have also formed a committee to look into the portions to be cut. This job will be done by department of state educational, research and training,” said Vishal.
The stakeholders have been seeking a reduction in syllabus as they point out that classes resumed only in August. Online classes that were held till then were not effective.
“Earlier we had 240 working days, which came down to 180 this year. We are unable to cover the portions. In places where we used to explain with three or four examples, we can do with only one now. Children cannot grasp portions. A reduction in syllabus will ease pressure on teachers and students,” said Manjunath HM, president, Karnataka State High School Assistant Masters Association.
Last year, the government had cut 30% of the syllabus. Other boards like CBSE and CISCE had also announced cuts. However, this year, the other boards have not reduced the syllabus.
