Building Financial Discipline Through Financial Literacy: Kerala’s New School Curriculum

Thiruvananthapuram: In a major step towards equipping students with practical life skills, Kerala has introduced a structured financial literacy curriculum across school levels, starting from the 5th grade. From the new academic year, financial education will no longer be a topic reserved for college or higher secondary levels. Instead, students from grades 5 to 10 will study finance in a graded, age-appropriate manner, with 9th and 10th-grade students receiving a dedicated textbook titled “Dhanakaryam: Saampathika Saksharatha” (Finance: Financial Literacy).
The textbook, specifically designed for high school students, is divided into eight comprehensive units. It covers essential financial topics such as savings and investment options, modern banking systems, banking documents and forms, insurance (both for protection and savings), postal department financial services, the stock market and mutual funds, rational investment decisions, and career opportunities in the financial sector, including higher education paths. Digital currency, such as cryptocurrency, will also be introduced, reflecting the changing nature of finance in the digital age. The 10th-grade curriculum will additionally address cyber financial frauds and preventive measures, along with dedicated chapters on entrepreneurship and financial ethics.
The idea is not only to provide textbook knowledge but to develop financial discipline through activity-based learning. Students will be trained to prepare personal budgets, understand household expenses, and participate in educational visits to banks, KSFE (Kerala State Financial Enterprises), and post offices to experience how financial institutions operate.
By introducing topics like household budgeting in 5th grade, awareness of skilled jobs and startups in 6th, knowledge of currency and coin systems in 7th, and taxation including GST in 8th, the curriculum is designed to evolve with the student’s maturity. The financial lessons are integrated into other subjects as well, ensuring continuous exposure and understanding.
This is not the first time Kerala has made efforts in this direction. The previously implemented Sanchayika scheme, which aimed at cultivating saving habits and financial awareness among children, will now be reintroduced with more focus and integration into the curriculum. Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty stated that the introduction of financial literacy at various grade levels is part of a broader curriculum revision that was carried out in two phases across grades 1 to 10.
"The special textbook has been prepared as part of the revised curriculum introduced this year. These lessons will help children develop financial discipline from an early age," said Minister Sivankutty. He added that financial literacy is one of the major goals set by the 2023 curriculum framework.
SCERT Research Officer Dr. Ranjith Subhash emphasized that the program is built not just around classroom learning but hands-on activities. "Students will be trained to prepare their own budgets and will also have opportunities to visit financial institutions for practical exposure. Teachers are also undergoing special training to support this initiative," he said.