The Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said that the distribution of textbooks for the upcoming academic year will be completed before 10 January 2026, as part of preparations to ensure schools are ready to reopen on schedule.

Speaking State media, Minister Dr Shafeeu said the distribution process is already underway, with textbooks delivered to over 40 schools so far. He said efforts are continuing to ensure that all remaining schools, including those in the atolls, receive the required books within the announced timeframe. In addition to textbooks, the Ministry is also in the process of issuing stationery vouchers to students.

The Minister said the objective is to complete the distribution alongside the handover of report forms to students concluding the current academic year. He noted that the present school year will end this week, with the long school holidays commencing on Thursday, allowing sufficient time for preparations ahead of the new term.

As part of annual preparations for the new academic year, the Ministry is also undertaking school renovation and upgrading works across the country. the Minister said MVR 40 million has been allocated for preparatory work this year, including improvements to learning environments. He added that all classrooms nationwide are expected to be air-conditioned by the start of the new academic year, with Shaheed Ali School in Hulhumalé Phase II also set to commence classes as scheduled.

According to the academic calendar, the new academic year will begin on 27 January. The mid-term break for the first term will be from 24 May to 30 May, while first-term holidays will run from 17 July to 1 August. The second term is scheduled to begin on 2 August, with the academic year concluding on 18 December.