Thiruvananthapuram:
Kerala’s Higher Secondary Education (HSE) admissions have witnessed a significant decline in the number of students transitioning from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) systems to the Kerala syllabus.
In 2020, over 37,000 students from CBSE Class 10 joined the Kerala syllabus, accounting for 51.65% of all CBSE pass-outs that year. However, by 2024, this figure dropped drastically to just 19,382 students, making up 32.43% of CBSE graduates. Similarly, the number of ICSE students opting for the Kerala syllabus has fallen, with only 2,385 out of 7,517 students making the switch in 2024, a mere 31.72%, compared to 46.95% in 2020.
Admission Trends Over the Years
CBSE Students:
| Year | Pass-outs | Kerala Syllabus Joinees | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 73,129 | 37,772 | 51.65% |
| 2021 | 70,483 | 34,140 | 48.43% |
| 2022 | 69,200 | 29,986 | 43.33% |
| 2023 | 67,720 | 28,473 | 42.04% |
| 2024 | 59,587 | 19,382 | 32.43% |
ICSE Students:
| Year | Pass-outs | Kerala Syllabus Joinees | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7,936 | 3,726 | 46.95% |
| 2021 | 8,011 | 3,768 | 47.03% |
| 2022 | 7,787 | 3,640 | 46.74% |
| 2023 | 7,823 | 3,224 | 41.21% |
| 2024 | 7,517 | 2,385 | 31.72% |
Factors Behind the Decline
The decline can be attributed to several reasons:
- COVID-19 Impact:
During the pandemic, many CBSE students opted for the Kerala syllabus due to lower fees and a higher success rate in state syllabus-based university admissions. - Common Entrance Exams:
The introduction of common entrance tests like KEAM, which requires mark equalization across boards, has discouraged students from switching to the Kerala syllabus. Students in the central syllabi find it easier to compete in such exams, which often emphasize uniform scoring patterns. - Quality of Education Concerns:
Critics argue that the focus on achieving higher success rates in the Kerala syllabus has inadvertently affected educational quality. This perception may deter students from choosing the state syllabus.
Challenges in Entrance Exams
Kerala syllabus students often face difficulties in national-level competitive exams compared to their CBSE and ICSE counterparts. The relatively lower success rates have made parents and students reconsider their preference for state-based syllabi.
Despite its advantages, such as affordability and accessibility, the Kerala syllabus struggles to match the academic rigor and exam preparation resources available in central syllabi.
Way Forward
Educational experts suggest a multi-pronged approach to address the declining interest in the Kerala syllabus:
- Enhanced Quality of Education:
Focus on improving the academic rigor and learning outcomes to match national standards. - Support for Entrance Exams:
Provide better preparatory resources and equalization strategies for Kerala syllabus students to compete effectively in national-level exams. - Flexible Admission Policies:
Encourage students to switch syllabi through incentives, such as scholarships or reduced fees, especially in rural areas.
Conclusion
The shifting trend in admissions highlights the growing preference for central syllabi like CBSE and ICSE among Kerala students. While the Kerala syllabus continues to cater to a significant portion of the state’s student population, its long-term sustainability will depend on addressing the challenges and ensuring competitive educational standards.
