The Kerala government has decided to cancel the SSLC (Class 10) and Plus Two (Class 12) examinations scheduled in Gulf countries, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The decision was taken after a high-level meeting chaired by General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, considering the uncertainty surrounding the reopening of schools in the region.
The examinations in Gulf centres had already been suspended earlier due to safety concerns and logistical challenges caused by the conflict in West Asia. Authorities noted that conducting exams in such unstable conditions would be difficult and could affect the safety and accessibility of students.
As an alternative, the state is exploring evaluation methods to ensure that students are not academically disadvantaged. For SSLC students, marks may be calculated based on their performance in model and internal term examinations. Meanwhile, Plus Two students are likely to be assessed using their Plus One scores or a combination of internal assessments.
Officials also pointed out that since the board exams in Kerala have already been completed and evaluation is progressing, it would be impractical to conduct separate exams in the Gulf later using the same framework. This has further reinforced the decision to opt for alternative assessment methods.
However, due to the Model Code of Conduct currently in force, the government is expected to seek approval from the Election Commission before making a formal announcement regarding the cancellation and evaluation process.
This decision impacts a significant number of expatriate students studying under the Kerala syllabus in Gulf countries. It reflects the government’s attempt to balance academic continuity with student safety during a period of global uncertainty.
