Ahmedabad: The academic calendar released by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB) has sparked resentment among students, parents and teachers, as the first examinations for Classes 9 to 12 across all streams have been scheduled immediately after Navratri and Dussehra.

Teachers and parents on Thursday urged the Education Minister to revise the examination schedule, arguing that students would not get adequate time to prepare due to the festive season.

They also demanded that the annual examinations for Classes 9 and 11 be conducted by March 27 instead of April 27 so that students can begin preparations for Classes 10 and 12 from April itself.

Navratri, considered Gujarat’s biggest festival, is celebrated extensively across the state. For years, there have been demands to minimise academic activities and grant vacations during the festival period.

According to the academic calendar for 2026-27, the first examinations for Classes 9 to 12 are scheduled from October 22 to November 2. This year, Navratri will begin on October 11 and conclude on October 19.

Teachers who reached Swarnim Sankul-1 on Thursday to submit their representation to the Education Minister said the exam schedule would adversely affect academic activities, school management and students’ preparation.

They pointed out that Navratri is primarily celebrated at night, creating an atmosphere not conducive to studies. Since the examinations are scheduled just three days after the festival ends, students may not get sufficient preparation time.

The teachers further noted that in the previous academic year, 2025-26, the first examinations had been completed before Navratri, whereas this year the exams have been scheduled immediately after the festival, causing confusion among students, especially those preparing for board classes.

They have demanded that the examinations either be conducted 10 days before Navratri or postponed by at least 10 days after the festival. DeshGujarat