Class 5-8 govt school timings extended from 7 to 9 hours

In line with the Union Government’s new education policy, Tamil Nadu School Education Department recently introduced board exams for Class 5 and 8 from this academic year onwards. A senior official from the Directorate of Examinations told DT Next that compulsory special classes will be introduced in all government schools for those studying from Classes 5-8.

Stating that at present, all State-run school function from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm on all working days, he said, “After introduction of special coaching session, the school working hours will be extended from seven hours to nine hours.”

According to the official, special classes will be conducted for an hour in the morning from 8.30 am and in the evening from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

“Each day, a subject will be taught in the morning class and a test will be conducted in the evening session,” he said, adding that a circular will be issued to all school managements to prepare time tables accordingly.

Claiming that the compulsory special classes will help students prepare better for board exams, the official said special teachers will also be appointed for schools without enough teaching staff.

“All teachers were requested not to take leaves during special classes,” he said, adding, “In case of genuine leaves, school headmasters should make alternative arrangements.”

The official said schools will also be instructed to bring in separate student and teacher attendance registers for the special classes, which will function till the board exams.

However, opposing the government’s move, Tamil Nadu Teachers Association President P K Ilamaran said that extending classes to nine hours a day will induce a lot of stress among the students at this age. “In the name of new reforms, the government shouldn’t burden students,” he added.