Unified higher education admissions system planned for 2028
By The Pulseline News Desk
The Government has approved a revised national curriculum framework and a student assessment framework for Grades 1 to 11, while granting policy-level approval for a Rs. 96 billion school digitalisation project and planning a unified higher education admissions system from 2028.
The three initiatives form part of the Government’s broader education reform programme, Prime Minister and Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya announced during a meeting with the Voluntary Advisory Council of the Ministry of Education at Parliament on October 9.
The Cabinet has approved the Concept Paper on Education Reforms prepared by the National Education Commission, the revised National Curriculum Framework submitted by the National Institute of Education and the Student Assessment Framework for Grades 1 to 11.
However, the assessment framework for students sitting the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination is still being developed.
The approvals mark a key step in the Government’s efforts to restructure the national education system, with changes planned across school curricula, assessment methods, digital learning and access to higher education.
Rs. 96 billion for school digitalization
A five-year project proposal worth Rs. 96 billion to develop digital education in schools has received policy-level approval, paving the way for further action on the initiative.
The broader policy on digitalisation of the education sector has also been submitted to the President and is expected to be presented to the Cabinet.
As part of the digital education programme, officials have developed guidelines on online safety and digital well-being for students across five grade groups.
A pilot project is scheduled for November, with full implementation planned for early 2027.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the integration of digital technology into school education, alongside measures to address online safety and students’ well-being in digital learning environments.
Unified admissions system planned for 2028
The Government also plans to introduce a unified higher education admissions system in 2028, enabling students who complete the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination to apply for universities, National Colleges of Education and vocational training institutions through a single platform.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) and other relevant institutions have been instructed to develop the necessary policy framework, with a pilot project expected to begin in 2028.
Amarasuriya said the initiative was intended to address administrative difficulties faced by students who currently have to submit separate applications to different institutions.
A unified platform would allow students to pursue multiple higher education and vocational training options through a single application process, simplifying access to opportunities beyond school.
Education Council and private degree institutions
Meanwhile, the Cabinet has approved a report on establishing an Education Council, as well as a policy to regulate non-state degree-awarding institutions.
The proposed measures form part of the Government’s wider efforts to strengthen the governance and regulation of the education sector.
The meeting also reviewed several other issues affecting schools and higher education, including teacher recruitment and transfers, school sanitation facilities and student nutrition.
Reforms to technical and vocational education were also discussed, with particular attention to the use of artificial intelligence and the expansion of industry-based training.
The discussions indicate that the Government’s reform agenda extends beyond curriculum changes to include digital infrastructure, institutional regulation, teacher management and the alignment of vocational education with industry requirements.
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