Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has postponed the Class 10 (SSLC) and Class 12 (Plus Two) board examinations scheduled to be conducted at centres in the Middle East, citing logistical constraints. Students registered at overseas examination centres have been instructed to submit applications to avail themselves of the revised examination schedule.
The decision affects students appearing for Kerala’s state board examinations in Gulf countries, where a significant number of expatriate Malayali families reside. Officials said the postponement applies only to designated overseas centres and does not impact examination schedules within Kerala.
According to the General Education Department, the move was taken after authorities reviewed operational challenges in conducting exams at Middle East centres this year. Education officials indicated that fresh dates will be communicated after applications are processed and arrangements are finalised.
A senior official in the department said that affected students must formally submit a request to appear for the rescheduled examinations. “Students registered in overseas centres should apply through the prescribed process so that necessary arrangements can be made,” the official said, adding that detailed guidelines have been shared with concerned institutions.
Logistical Challenges Cited
While the department did not elaborate extensively on the specific difficulties, officials indicated that administrative and coordination-related issues contributed to the postponement. Conducting state board examinations outside India involves coordination with local authorities, availability of secure examination venues, and timely distribution of question papers and evaluation materials.
Kerala has, over the years, facilitated board examinations for students in selected Gulf countries to accommodate children of expatriate workers. However, such arrangements depend on host-country permissions and logistical readiness.
Education authorities stressed that the postponement is intended to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of examinations rather than to disrupt the academic calendar.
Students Asked to Submit Applications
Students enrolled at Middle East centres have been directed to submit applications within the stipulated timeframe. Officials said this would help the department assess the number of candidates and make necessary logistical arrangements before announcing revised dates.
School administrations in the Gulf have been informed of the development and asked to guide students and parents regarding procedural requirements. The department also clarified that hall tickets issued earlier for overseas centres will not be valid until new dates are announced.
There was no immediate indication of when the revised examination schedule would be published. Officials said the department is working to minimise disruption and ensure students do not face long-term academic setbacks.
Background
Kerala’s SSLC and Plus Two examinations are a critical academic milestone for students. Class 10 results determine eligibility for higher secondary streams, while Class 12 scores play a key role in university admissions and professional course applications.
The state board typically conducts these examinations in March, with results declared in May or June. For students in the Gulf region, synchronising exam schedules with Kerala’s academic calendar is essential to avoid delays in admissions and entrance processes.
Kerala has one of the largest expatriate populations in the Middle East, particularly in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. Many families prefer their children to follow the Kerala state syllabus, leading to the establishment of overseas centres under specific arrangements.
Why It Matters
The postponement has implications for students planning higher studies, especially those seeking admission to colleges in Kerala or elsewhere in India. Any delay in examination results could affect timelines for entrance examinations and application procedures.
Education experts note that clear communication and timely announcement of revised dates will be crucial to maintaining student confidence. Parents in expatriate communities often rely on structured academic timelines to coordinate travel, admissions, and related formalities.
Officials have assured that efforts are being made to limit academic disruption. “The priority is to ensure examinations are conducted in a fair and secure manner. Students’ academic progression will be safeguarded,” a department representative said.
Next Steps
The General Education Department is expected to issue further notifications after reviewing applications from affected students. Revised dates and related procedural instructions will be published through official channels.
For now, students at Middle East centres have been advised to remain in contact with their respective schools and monitor official updates from the Kerala education authorities.
