THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The age for first-class admission in schools in the state will be increased to 6 years from the academic year 2026-27. Children who will be six years of age in June 2026 will be admitted, Education Minister V. Sivankutty said at a press conference. Children aged five can be admitted to first class from this academic year (2025-26) starting next June.

Although the age for school admission in the state is now five years, 52 percent of the children currently admitted to first class have completed six years of age. According to scientific studies, children are ready for formal education after the age of six. Therefore, in all developed countries, formal education begins at the age of six or above. In the Central Right to Education Act of 2009 and the National Education Policy of 2020, the age for first-class admission is six years. The first class admission in Kerala, including in Kendriya Vidyalaya schools, is currently at the age of six.

However, Kerala continued to admit children to class one from the age of five. In private schools operating on the CBSE syllabus in the state, admission is also currently at the age of five. Some CBSE schools in the state had obtained consent from parents for this. Now these schools will also have to change the first class admission to the age of six.

Should turn six before the first term

If the child turns six a week after the date of admission, he can only start education after a year. Such problems should be solved with practical wisdom. A child who turns six during the first term should be admitted in June. The department's intervention is essential to make preschool education in public schools better and more attractive.

- Dr Achyut Shankar, Education expert

Entrance exam harassment

Schools conducting exams for first-class admission are harassing children. According to the Right to Education Act, 2009, conducting exams for first-class admission and charging capitation fees is punishable. Some schools are flouting the law. Action will be taken against them if a complaint is received.

- V. Sivankutty, Education Minister