Tamil Nadu nixes 3-subject groups order for higher secondary classes

CHENNAI: In view of the apprehensions of parents and teachers that the move may limit students’ career options, the Tamil Nadu government on Monday cancelled its order that introduced three-subject groups for higher secondary classes. Now, all schools will offer only four-subject groups in Class XI from 2020-21.
The cancelled government order had said students can choose between three-subject and four-subject groups, besides language and English, in Class XI from 2020-21.Teachers had, however, argued that most students would opt to study a subject less, which would limit their higher education and career options.
While students can pursue MBBS or BE/BTech courses with the reinstated physics, chemistry, maths and biology group, the three-subject groups would not have given them the option.
TOI had earlier reported that the three-subject group system lacked flexibility in terms of course choices, limited career options and that computer science as a subject was removed for vocational and commerce streams. The move had stirred a debate and parents, academicians and politicians demanded its withdrawal.
Several parents and teachers had sent representations to the school education director urging that the government continue with the existing four-subject groups for better career options.
“Based on the representations, the director has recommended cancellation of the government order introducing three-subject groups and to continue with existing subject groups,” Monday’s government order said.
Parents and teachers are happy after the rollback
“From 2020-21, all schools should follow existing four-subject groups in higher secondary,” school education secretary Dheeraj Kumar said in the order.Educationists and teachers welcomed the move saying it is a relief to students and parents. “It is a very good move and will help the children who were confused by the change,” said P B Prince Gajendrababu, general secretary of State Platform for Common School System. He added that the existing groups gave students multiple career choices.
Tamil Nadu Teachers Association president P K Ilamaran said the decision would reduce pressure on the students while choosing groups in Class XI.
Former minister for school education Thangam Thennarasu also welcomed the move saying DMK president M K Stalin was the first to oppose the three-subject groups move.