Starting January 1, 2021, Kerala educational institutions which were closed since the nationwide lockdown from March-end, will finally open partially under strict COVID protocols as only 50 per cent students will attend. Whether there can be two shifts in a day -- is under consideration. This was decided at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday. It has been decided that starting New Year, besides Classes 10 and 12, final year degree and post-graduate classes will also begin.

Likewise classes in professional colleges will also begin. In the schools, to begin with, practical classes will start as the final board exams to schools pursuing the State syllabus will be held from March 17 to 30. No decision on when classes for other students is to begin has been taken.