The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE) Kerala has announced important changes for the upcoming Plus One and Plus Two SAY (Save A Year) exams in 2026. These updates are mainly for students who did not pass certain subjects in their previous attempts and those who followed an older exam system. The new rules are explained in a detailed circular on the official DHSE website, dhsekerala.gov.in . The main Kerala Plus Two exams for 2026 are scheduled from March 6 to March 28, 2026 .
For students in Kerala, Plus One (Class 11) and Plus Two (Class 12) are key years. The SAY exams give students a chance to clear subjects they failed in their main board exams. This helps them avoid losing a full academic year. The DHSE has made these changes to make the re-examination process clearer and more helpful for students who need to reappear.
Important Changes for SAY Exam 2026
The DHSE circular outlines new guidelines for:
- Compartmental Candidates: Students who passed some subjects but failed to get the minimum D+ grade in one or more subjects.
- Old Scheme Candidates: Students who appeared for Plus One or Plus Two exams under an older system and still need to clear subjects.
If you are in either group and did not get a D+ grade or above in any subject, you can now register for those subjects. Students have two main options for registering:
Registration Option 1: Both First Year and Second Year Papers
You can choose to register for both the First Year (Plus One) and Second Year (Plus Two) papers of the subject(s) you failed. If you pick this option:
- Combined Registration: You must register for both First Year and Second Year papers at the same time. This is a single process.
- Mandatory Attendance: You must attend both the First Year and Second Year examinations.
- "Best Score" Rule: If you register and attend both papers, the DHSE will use the highest score you have achieved for each paper. This means if you scored better in a previous attempt for the First Year paper, that previous score will be used. The same applies to the Second Year paper. The system will carry forward the better score from your "last appearance" for each individual paper.
Registration Option 2: Only Second Year Papers
You can also choose to register only for the Second Year (Plus Two) papers of the subject(s) you failed. If you pick this option:
- Mandatory Attendance: You must attend the Second Year paper.
- No First Year Exam: You do not need to appear for the First Year paper.
Students should carefully look at their past results and decide which option works best for them.
Kerala Plus Two Exam Dates 2026
The main Kerala Plus Two board exams for 2026 will be held from March 6 to March 28, 2026 . Students who register for the SAY exams will also take their re-examinations during this time. The detailed timetable for specific subjects will be released later on the official website.
Where to Find More Information
For all official details, including the full circular and the exam schedule, students and parents should visit the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE) Kerala's website: dhsekerala.gov.in . Checking this website regularly is important for staying updated.
