In a major announcement set to change the future of learning for millions, the Tamil Nadu government today unveils its new State Education Policy, a comprehensive plan crafted to reshape schooling across the state. This move comes amid ongoing discussions about education reform and the state’s firm stand on its unique approach to learning, notably its continued commitment to a two-language system. The policy aims to improve student skills, promote critical thinking. ensure all children have equal chances for a bright future, reflecting Tamil Nadu’s long-standing focus on fair education for everyone.
Tamil Nadu Unveils Own Education Plan
The state of Tamil Nadu has officially launched its new State Education Policy (SEP) 2025, offering a distinct path for education in the region. The policy was unveiled on August 8, 2025, by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin at the Anna Centenary Library in Chennai. This marks a significant move as Tamil Nadu becomes the first state to introduce its own comprehensive education policy as an alternative to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 put forth by the central government.
The new policy aims to uphold Tamil Nadu’s long-standing focus on fair education, social justice. valuing many languages. It also seeks to tackle future needs in skill building, higher education. using new technology. The decision to create a separate state policy comes amidst ongoing differences between the Tamil Nadu government and the central government, especially concerning language policy, entry exams. how much power states have over education.
A high-level group of experts, led by retired Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, Justice D. Murugesan, drafted the SEP 2025. This group spent over a year working on the policy, holding many talks with teachers, students, civil society groups. subject experts.
What the New Plan Changes for Learning
A central part of the new policy is its focus on two languages: Tamil and English. The policy states that Tamil and English will remain the languages used for teaching, firmly rejecting the three-language approach suggested by the central government’s policy. All students up to Class 10 will study Tamil across all school boards, including CBSE and ICSE.
The SEP also brings vital changes to how students are taught and tested. It emphasizes moving away from learning by memorizing and instead promoting critical thinking, creativity. problem-solving skills. The policy introduces a strong focus on basic reading and math skills, especially for children in Classes 1-3, through programs like the ‘Ennum Ezhuthum Mission’. This mission will be made stronger with clear goals for each grade.
The policy also makes changes to exams. It moves away from high-pressure, exam-based learning to a system that checks learning more often and in different ways. This includes self-assessment, peer review. using student portfolios. The policy keeps the ‘No-Detention Policy’ for Classes 1 to 8, meaning students in these grades will not be held back. The policy removes public exams for Class 11, aiming to reduce stress and promote continuous assessment.
The new plan also includes more physical training and a deeper focus on the Tamil language, seen as a core part of the state’s culture. To get students ready for jobs in the digital world, the policy sets out a plan that focuses on skills for the 21st century, digital knowledge, money management, environmental awareness. being a global citizen. Tools like Kalvi TV and the Manarkeni App will be improved as online learning platforms, with virtual labs and interactive content.
Supporting Teachers and Schools
The State Education Policy places great importance on supporting teachers and improving school facilities. It calls for updated teacher training that includes new technology and ways to teach all students, including those with special needs. There will also be ongoing training programs for teachers in both schools and colleges.
The policy plans to expand smart classrooms, provide more computer and communication technology (ICT) tools. train teachers in using digital teaching methods. Every school will aim to have smart classrooms, science labs, ICT labs, accessible toilets, ramps. green features like solar panels. The state plans to create 38 Model Schools (one in each district) and 313 Vetri Palligal (one in each block) to act as centers of excellence. To make science, technology, engineering. math (STEM) learning more widely available, 100 mobile science labs will serve schools in far-off areas.
The policy also aims to improve the professional development system for teachers, using digital platforms, regular training. peer support. Teachers in tribal and less privileged areas will get special help.
Making Education Fair for Everyone
A key principle of the SEP 2025 is to ensure that education is fair and available to everyone. It aims to remove difficulties faced by students from marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minority groups, tribal children, girls, children with special needs. students who are the first in their families to attend college.
The policy continues and strengthens existing welfare programs, such as providing free textbooks, uniforms. the noon-meal program. The government believes that all students should complete school and move on to higher education, setting a goal to reach 100% higher education enrollment among students who finish Class 12. As of now, about 72% of Class 12 students in government schools go on to higher education.
Special monitoring systems will be put in place to support students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes. those with disabilities, ensuring “justice through inclusion.” The policy aims to reduce differences in access to education and learning outcomes among various communities.
Money and How the Plan Will Roll Out
The Tamil Nadu government has shown its strong commitment to this new education plan by allocating significant funds. For the financial year 2025-26, the state government has set aside Rs 46,767 crore for the School Education Department and Rs 8,494 crore for Higher Education, totaling Rs 55,261 crore for education.
This funding includes Rs 1,000 crore under the ‘Perasiriyar Anbazhagan School Development Scheme’ to improve school buildings, add classrooms, build science labs. provide drinking water facilities. To modernize teaching, Rs 160 crore will be used to upgrade computer labs in 2,000 schools. Rs 56 crore will enhance 880 high-tech labs. Also, Rs 65 crore will be spent to set up smart classrooms in 2,676 government schools.
The state government has stated that it will use its own money to make up for Rs 2,152 crore that the central government has withheld under the ‘Samagra Shiksha Scheme’. The central government reportedly held back these funds because Tamil Nadu did not accept the central education policy’s three-language rule. Despite this, the state government has made sure that essential funding, including teacher salaries, is not affected.
The SEP 2025 is designed to be a “living document,” meaning it will be reviewed every three years. its “future readiness” section will be updated yearly. The policy is expected to begin being put into action immediately.
What People Are Saying
The unveiling of Tamil Nadu’s State Education Policy has sparked discussions among various groups. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin described the policy as a “vision document for the future” that is made for the state’s “unique character.” School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi stated that the state’s policy is “unique and inclusive” in its approach to language, curriculum. testing.
But, some criticisms have also emerged. A former member of the policy committee, L. Jawahar Nesan, claimed that the policy did not fully consider the views of all involved parties and lacked a clear guiding principle. He also suggested that the policy was too similar to the central government’s policy, a claim that the Tamil Nadu School Education Department has strongly denied, stating that the SEP clearly rejects the central policy’s three-language system and other key aspects.
Some experts have noted that while the policy has a good vision, it needs a clearer plan and focused efforts for its goals to be achieved. Concerns have also been raised that removing the Class 11 board exams could affect students’ chances in competitive exams like NEET and JEE, which cover material from both Class 11 and 12. The state government, in response to criticisms, has clarified that the policy allows for ongoing feedback and will be regularly reviewed to include input from all stakeholders.
