Ordinance to Fold Intermediate Into School Education

HYDERABAD: The state government is likely to merge the Board of Intermediate Education with the school education department. This will be done by issuing an ordinance amending the Telangana Intermediate Education Act, 1971. The merger, according to sources, might not impact academics, syllabus or the present examination pattern for the academic year 2026‑27. Board exams are likely to continue for Class X and Class XII. Any academic changes are expected to be implemented from 2027‑28.

The move comes as the National Education Policy 2020 recommends a unified 5+3+3+4 education structure for states, aiming to bring Classes 9 to 12 under one common system. Presently, this is being followed by schools affiliated to CBSE. The same pattern might be implemented in the state board.

While around 600 KGBVs and Model Schools under the School Education department have already been offering Classes XI and XII, efforts are on to implement the same model in 100 schools as a pilot project. The present junior colleges are expected to come under the School Education department.

Another reason for the merger, according to TGBIE officials, is that it might reduce dropouts after Class X and ensure students continue their education until Class XII at the same institution.

Officials said the merger is likely to be implemented this year. Guidelines regarding admissions, affiliations, conduct of exams, staff merger and issuing of certificates will fall under the second phase after the merger.

“In the Samagra Shiksha data or any other central survey, the rankings will be given based on Class XII. The merger could also reduce the teaching gap,” said Chava Ravi, secretary of the United Teachers Federation.

He also said that due to separate boards, funding for colleges and infrastructure is not being properly allocated under the Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI schemes. In government junior colleges, funds for basic needs such as sanitation workers are lacking.

Upender, a parent, said special classes for first‑year students preparing for competitive examinations have already commenced. He questioned how colleges and students will manage if any major changes are introduced at this stage.

Madhusudan Reddy, president of the Government Junior Lecturers Association, opposed the move, stating that intermediate is not an academic course but a gateway for higher studies. He added that the Telugu states perform better because of the present system. “Merging intermediate with school education affects the standards and reduces performance,” he said.