Major Curriculum Reforms for Grades 1 and 6 Announced for 2026

The Ministry of Education has issued comprehensive pre-implementation guidelines regarding the new curriculum reforms set to take effect for Grade 1 and Grade 6 starting in the year 2026. These reforms are primarily aimed at creating citizens who can face the challenges of the 21st century and beyond, contribute to sustainable national development, and foster peace in the country. The overall education reform process is structured around five key pillars: Curriculum Development, Human Resource Development, Infrastructure Development and Educational Administration Reforms, Assessment and Evaluation, and Public Awareness and Promotion

Grade 1 Primary Sector Reforms

The Primary Sector curriculum (Grades 1-5) is designed with the objective of providing education for fundamental life skills.

Curriculum Structure: The new curriculum for Grade 1 will be an activity-based and integrated common curriculum , structured under nine main common learning areas. These areas include Mother Tongue, English Language, Mathematics, Religion and Value Education, Initial Science and Environment-related Activities, and Integrated Aesthetic Education.
School Hours: There will be no change in school hours for the first key phase (Grades 1-2). However, school hours for Grade 5 (the third key phase) will change to 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. Primary teachers must remain in school for the entire duration, using the remaining time for lesson preparation.
Learning Materials: New curriculum-related activity books, compiled by the National Institute of Education (NIE), will be printed and distributed to schools by the Educational Publications Department, replacing the textbooks used in the old curriculum.
Teacher Training: Training for Grade 1 teachers (those teaching the first key phase) on the new curriculum content, teaching methodology, and assessment has been initiated through selected provincial trainers at the zonal level starting September 2025.

Grade 6 Junior Secondary Reforms

The Junior Secondary Sector curriculum (Grades 6-9) is focused on providing skills relevant to the foundation required for life.

Curriculum Structure: A module-based and credit-based curriculum is proposed. Students must study 14 compulsory subjects, ensuring a broad and balanced curriculum.
New Subjects: Three new subjects will be introduced from Grade 6: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology for Life, and Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy.
Module System: A Module is defined as a focused, self-contained learning unit covering a specific topic, skill, or theme within a subject, requiring 10 hours of structured learning. Completing a module earns the student one credit.
Elective Modules and Credits:
- Further Learning Modules (3 Credits): Students must study three further learning modules per term, selected based on their interests to expand or specialize their study in core subject areas.
- Transversal Skills Modules (2 Credits): Two modules focusing on Transversal Skills (e.g., Media Studies, Global Studies, Health and Sports) are to be selected by students per term to enhance skills for future social or professional challenges.
- Total Credits: Students are expected to complete a total of 35 credits per term.
School Timetable Change: The school day will be increased by 30 minutes, and the timetable will include seven 50-minute periods daily. This extends school hours up to 2:00 p.m. and applies to Grade 7 and above as well.
Learning Materials: Module books, compiled by the NIE, will replace the previous textbooks and will be distributed to students.

Roles and Implementation

Successful implementation requires strong coordination and a planned approach across all levels.

Stakeholder Role	Key Responsibilities
Principals/School Staff	Ensure all staff are aware of the reforms. Identify and facilitate teacher training. Identify infrastructure and resource needs, and coordinate with zonal/provincial offices to meet them. Plan and implement the curriculum as a priority program.
Teacher Advisers/Resource Persons	Attend national training programs. Conduct in-service training for all relevant teachers at the zonal level, including those teaching the new subjects. Provide feedback and monitor the program.
Zonal/Divisional Directors	Select and nominate trainers for NIE programs. Organize in-service teacher training. Identify and plan for human and physical resource needs. Ensure timely distribution of module/activity books.

All schools, Zonal Education Offices, and Provincial Education Departments must prepare their medium-term and annual plans, prioritizing the implementation of these education reforms, while maximizing the use of existing resources and minimizing disparities. The new curriculum implementation in 2026 must be subject to strong regulation and monitoring for continuous development.