Telangana BIE, School Education Department merger likely

Centre wants States to implement the new structure covering 5-3-3-4 with five years of foundation, three years of preparatory, three years of middle school, and four years of secondary education from Classes IX to XII

Hyderabad: Plans are afoot to merge the Telangana Board of Intermediate Education (TG BIE) with the School Education Department. If the plan fructifies, this will end the standalone intermediate first and second year (Class XI and XII) education, which the State follows.

This comes in the wake of the Central government’s push to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 that shifts from the current education system to a new one.

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At present, the 5-2-3-2 model, comprising of five years of primary, two years of upper primary, three years of high school and two years of intermediate system, is being followed in Telangana.

However, the Central government wants the States, including Telangana, to implement the new structure covering 5-3-3-4 with five years of foundation, three years of preparatory, three years of middle school, and four years of secondary education from Classes IX to XII.

To take its vision forward, the Department of School Education and Literacy, which conducted a national conference on ‘Curricular and Assessment Equivalence of Boards and Improving Learning Outcomes’ on July 2, discussed at length about the functioning of the boards.

During the meeting, which also saw participation by State officials, questions were raised on the necessity of two boards (SSC Board and TG BIE). The Central government officials wanted the State to do away with the two boards system and opt for a single board till Class XII.

During deliberations, officials also emphasised the need for a unified board system that covers education up to Class XII, along with uniformity in syllabus, examination system and pattern across all boards in the country. Further, the State officials were also questioned about scrapping of internal assessments for Class X students while the CBSE continues the practice.

This development assumes significance as Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on July 2 reportedly instructed School Education Department officials to explore the introduction of Classes IX to XII in the government and local body high schools, which offer classes up to X.

In contrast, around 600 KGBVs and Model Schools operating under the School Education Department have already been offering Class XI and XII, while the Intermediate Education Department is overseeing 430 government junior colleges.

“Eight States, including Telangana, have two separate boards for school and intermediate education. It’s a policy decision of the State government, which may take an appropriate decision,” sources said.