Overview

• The Kerala government confirmed on July 25 that all schools will start at 9:45 a.m. and end at 4:15 p.m. for the 2025-26 academic year.
• Education Minister V. Sivankutty said the extension responds to a High Court directive and expert committee recommendation requiring 1,100 annual teaching hours.
• Consultations with aided school management bodies won broad support, though Muslim organizations warned madrassa religious classes would be disrupted.
• A statewide safety audit will be carried out in every school before implementing the new schedule.
• Officials stated that if significant objections persist, the government will reconsider the timing change for the next academic session.