Mangaluru: Schools across Dakshina Kannada are holding midterm exams even though many have not completed the required syllabus. While a few schools managed full coverage, others could finish only about 70%.

The shortfall is attributed to the early Dasara celebrations this year, which usually fall in mid-Oct, and the closure of schools for over 12 days due to heavy rains. The midterm exams began on Sept 12 and will conclude on Sept 19.

“We have completed only about 70% of the syllabus due to rain holidays and early Dasara celebrations,” said a teacher from a government higher primary school in Mangaluru. While some schools managed full coverage, private schools rushed through lessons or used online classes, with parents claiming that children were often asked to self-study via social media apps.

In government high schools, teachers held extra classes, including before and after school hours and even on Sundays to complete the syllabus, especially for SSLC students. “Since the midterm question papers are issued by the department, finishing the syllabus was essential,” said a head teacher from Belthangady.

Teachers added that with schools reopening earlier in the next term, they will have more time for syllabus completion and early SSLC revision.