Private school association urges government not to relax age rule for class 1 admissions

Bengaluru: The Association of Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah not to relax the rule that requires children to be six years old by June 1, 2025, for admission to class 1 in the 2025-26 academic year.

In the past two academic years, a concession was granted to students who had not yet turned six. However, it was already announced that from the 2025-26 academic year, only students meeting the age criteria would be eligible for admission. Despite this, some parents and schools attempt to admit underage students, later pressuring the government for exemptions, KAMS alleged.

KAMS General Secretary D. Shashikumar, in a press release, stated that unauthorized pre-primary schools and certain educational institutions are misleading parents despite knowing the regulations. Some of these institutions are even encouraging the creation of fake birth certificates for admission.

The association has urged the government to issue strict directives preventing schools from recommending fake certificates. It also requested that institutions admitting students in violation of the age rule should be directed to retain them in the same grade without promotion, offering fee concessions.

“We have received several requests to relax the six-year age requirement for class 1 admissions as of June 1. However, no decision has been made on this matter yet,” said Dr. K.V. Trilok Chandra, Commissioner, Department of School Education and Literacy.