Thiruvananthapuram: The decision of the authorities to conduct the higher-secondary Plus One (Class 11) Improvement examinations along with Plus Two (Class 12) final exams in March 2024 has invited widespread protests from students, parents and a section of teachers in Kerala.

Till last year, Plus-One Improvement exams took place in September. However, this year, the state’s General Education Department announced that the Improvement exams will take place only in March as 15 academic days are lost while conducting the exercise in September. The decision was taken after discussions at a meeting of a teachers’ organisation last month.

Double burden

However, students and parents have opposed the move, pointing out that taking two years’ exams together would be a heavy burden on the children and could affect their scores.

Incidentally, the Plus-One results were declared recently and the pass percentage is relatively low.

As the marks obtained for Plus One are also considered for the final results, a majority of the students attempt the Improvement exam.

What teachers say

Meanwhile, organisations of teachers affiliated to opposition parties also objected to the government decision. According to them, the studies as well as higher-education prospects of students sitting for Plus-One Improvement and Plus-Two regular exams together would be compromised. Mentioning this aspect, the Federation of Higher Secondary Teachers submitted a memorandum to the Education Minister, Principal Secretary (General Education) and General Education Director seeking implementation of the decision during the next academic year only.