School management and educational bodies in Telangana have formally appealed to the state government and school education authorities to revise the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exam timetable proposed for March 2026. Under the current plan, the board exams will span nearly a month, with long gaps (2 – 3 days) between papers a shift from the traditional two week schedule.
Key concerns raised by associations:
-
Increased student stress and distraction: Long breaks between papers are said to heighten anxiety and disrupt focus, especially at a crucial academic stage.
-
Interrupted preparation for competitive exams: Associations argue that extended gaps reduce continuity and can cut into time students would otherwise devote to other tests.
-
Impact on daily school operations: Schools that double as exam centres will struggle to conduct regular classes particularly for grades below SSC during the prolonged exam period, especially under peak summer conditions.
-
Overlap with cultural observances: Groups like the All India Muslim Educational Society (AIMES) and the Confederation of Minority Institutions highlighted that the schedule overlaps with periods such as Ramdan and Eid ul Fitr, potentially affecting students fasting or involved in religious observances. They said this also impacts families from different communities during festive and travel periods.
What associations are urging:
The associations have appealed for a return to a shorter more continuous exam schedule closer to the earlier two‑week format to help ease student stress and keep academic routines more manageable.
Government response:
The Telangana School Education Department has defended the new timetable. Officials explained that the extended schedule was designed after studying other boards (such as CBSE and IB) that often include longer gaps for revision. They argue the gaps are intended to allow students time to better prepare for each subject. This marks the first time such a month‑long pattern with 3 – 4‑day gaps has been introduced in the state’s SSC exams.
Current status:
As of now, the government has not announced any revision to the timetable despite the representations. Schools, Teachers unions and Educational bodies continue to voice concerns about stress, operational challenges and student welfare amid the prolonged exam cycle.
