Current Eighth Graders Set for O’ Level Enrollment Next Year

The Education Ministry has announced its decision to enroll current eighth graders for O’ Level examinations scheduled for November next year.

The decision stems from a broader shift in the academic calendar, with the government now commencing the academic year in January starting from 2026. As part of this adjustment, current eighth graders will begin studying the O’ Level syllabus during the second term of the ongoing academic year, paving the way for their enrollment in the O’ Level exams in November 2025.

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According to the Education Ministry’s spokesperson, the changes will not impact the current ninth graders, who are still scheduled to sit for their O’ Level examinations in May-June next year, as initially planned.

Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu clarified that there would be no alterations to the studies of current ninth and tenth graders despite the adjustments in the academic calendar.

The decision to shift the commencement of the academic year to January was part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s electoral pledge. While some sections of the public support this change, others express dissent.

The preceding administration had previously shifted the start of the academic year to the middle of the year, citing the peak tourism season in December. This move aimed to accommodate the schedules of workers in the tourism sector who were unable to spend the holidays with their children during that period.

Former Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali defended the decision, stating that it was based on research. However, the shift faced criticism as the long holidays in June and July, affected by monsoon rains, posed challenges for travel and other logistical issues.