Tamil Nadu begins curriculum overhaul under new state education policy

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has launched a major curriculum revision initiative for government schools, aiming to introduce a new framework aligned with the State Education Policy (SEP) from the 2027–28 academic year.

The move marks a significant step in the state’s effort to assert its independent education vision, diverging from the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP). Officials say the overhaul will cover all grade levels and reflect Tamil Nadu’s unique socio-cultural and pedagogical priorities.

School Education Secretary B. Chandra Mohan confirmed that the curriculum will be revised across all classes, with the process tailored to meet the state’s specific educational objectives.

To lead the effort, a high-level committee chaired by School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has been constituted. In parallel, a separate Programme Design Committee headed by State Planning Commission member and educationist Prof. Sultan Ahmed Ismail will focus on structuring and implementing the new curriculum in line with SEP goals.

The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has been conducting consultations since last year to assess the structural and pedagogical changes needed. These discussions gained momentum following the release of the SEP earlier this year.

Officials said the curriculum design panel will undertake a comprehensive review of the current education framework, including syllabus content, teaching methods, and assessment practices. The committee will identify learning gaps and recommend strategies to improve classroom engagement and promote competency-based learning.

Feedback will be gathered from teachers, students, parents, and education experts to ensure the new curriculum is inclusive and responsive to actual learning needs.

“The aim is to bridge the gap between teaching objectives and actual learning outcomes while retaining Tamil Nadu’s unique socio-cultural context in education,” an official said.

Once finalised, the new curriculum will replace the existing structure, marking a milestone in Tamil Nadu’s educational autonomy.

(Inputs from IANS)