Telangana: Inter Revamp: Practical Exams for First Year?
Sweeping Changes in Intermediate Education
Telangana’s Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has greenlit transformative reforms for the state’s Intermediate education system. Announced on Thursday, these changes aim to enhance practical learning and streamline the curriculum. The reforms, based on proposals from the Intermediate Board, will take effect from the 2026-27 academic year.
Practical Exams Extended to First Year
Until now, practical exams were exclusive to the second year for science groups like MPC and BiPC. Starting next year, first-year students will also face practical assessments, ensuring early exposure to hands-on learning. This shift addresses the gap where first-year students had no lab experience for an entire year.
Revised Marking Structure
A new evaluation system allocates 80% of marks to written exams and 20% to internal assessments across all subjects. Previously, only English had internal assessments, but now subjects like Sanskrit, Telugu, and Mathematics will follow suit. Practical-based subjects will also include internal marks, balancing theory and practice.
Changes to Practical Marks Allocation
For MPC students, practical exams in Physics and Chemistry currently carry 30 marks each in the second year. From 2026-27, these will be split evenly: 15 marks in the first year and 15 in the second. For BiPC, the 120 marks for practicals across four subjects will also be divided equally between both years.
Introduction of New Academic Group
A new ACE group, comprising Accountancy, Commerce, and Economics, will be introduced to meet growing demand for accountancy-focused education. This complements the existing CEC group (Civics, Economics, Commerce). The move reflects efforts to align with modern career trends.
Curriculum Alignment with NCERT
The syllabus for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry will be trimmed to match the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) standards. Currently, Telangana’s syllabus exceeds NCERT’s, and the revision aims to reduce academic burden. A redesigned curriculum will ensure relevance and manageability.
Digital Integration in Textbooks
Textbooks will now feature QR codes, enabling students to scan and access additional resources and detailed explanations. This digital enhancement aims to enrich learning and make study materials more interactive. It reflects a push toward technology-driven education.
A Step Toward Holistic Learning
These reforms signal Telangana’s commitment to modernizing education while prioritizing practical skills and equitable assessment. By introducing early lab exposure and a balanced marking system, the state aims to better prepare students for higher education and careers. The changes promise a more engaging and relevant academic experience.