Kerala Achieves Early Milestone in Textbook Preparation for 2026-27 Academic Session
In a significant move to ensure educational continuity, Kerala has successfully completed early preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year, with an impressive 68 lakh textbooks already printed. General Education Minister V Sivankutty made this announcement on Thursday, highlighting the state's proactive approach to academic planning.
Comprehensive Printing and Distribution Strategy
The minister revealed through a social media post that the state aims to print approximately 3.5 crore textbooks for the first volume of the 2026-27 academic year. Of this massive target, 68 lakh books have been prepared well in advance, even before the closure of schools for the current academic session.
"Indenting of textbooks for the academic year 2026-27 was completed in the first week of December 2025," Sivankutty stated. "Printing orders were subsequently issued to KBPS by the last week of that month, ensuring a streamlined production process."
Financial Approval and Resource Allocation
The administrative approval for Rs 111 crore to purchase paper for textbook printing was granted in September of the previous year. This substantial financial backing has enabled the state to proceed with the printing operations without delays, demonstrating a commitment to resource allocation in education.
Additional Initiatives for Student Welfare
Beyond textbook distribution, the Kerala government is implementing several supportive measures for students. The state plans to distribute free handloom uniforms to more than eight lakh children, addressing both educational and basic needs. The official state-level distribution of textbooks and uniforms will be inaugurated on February 13 by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at St. Mary's School in Thiruvananthapuram.
Examination Schedule and Academic Reassurance
With the academic calendar firmly in place, the schedule for key state examinations has been finalized. The Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC), Technical High School Leaving Certificate Examination (THSLC), and Art High School Leaving Certificate (AHSLC) exams are set to commence from March 5.
Minister Sivankutty addressed concerns regarding the new textbooks, stating that some quarters have attempted to create apprehensions among students. He firmly termed these attempts as "completely baseless," emphasizing that the state has taken steps to familiarize students with the updated curriculum.
Support Mechanisms for Curriculum Transition
To ease the transition to new textbooks, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) published model question papers on its website at the beginning of the academic year. These new questions were introduced to students during the Onam and Christmas examinations, providing early exposure.
Additionally, special programmes have been launched through the Kite Victors channel to further acquaint students with the new question patterns. This multi-faceted approach ensures that learners are well-prepared and confident as they approach their board examinations.
This early completion of textbook printing and comprehensive academic planning underscores Kerala's dedication to maintaining educational standards and supporting student success in the forthcoming academic year.
