Karnataka relaxes Class 1 age rules for 2025–26: Here's what parents should keep in mind

The Karnataka government has announced a one-time relaxation in the age criteria for Class 1 admissions for the academic year 2025–26. This decision, prompted by numerous requests from parents, allows children aged 5.5 years who have completed UKG or its equivalent to apply for Class 1 this year. However, parents should take note of some key aspects regarding this change to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth admission process.

Key points parents should know

As the Karnataka government relaxes the age criteria for Class 1 admissions in 2025-26, it is essential for parents to understand the critical details regarding this change. The following key points provide clarity on the new rules, ensuring that parents can make informed decisions as they navigate the admission process. Here’s what they need to keep in mind:

• Age relaxation for 2025-26: The relaxation will be in place only for this academic year. Children aged 5.5 years who have completed UKG are eligible to apply.
  

• Age requirement from 2026: Starting from 2026, the age requirement will revert to 6 years by June for Class 1 admission, as originally intended by the government.
  

• Impact on current students: The decision primarily affects children enrolled in nursery classes (especially in private schools) in 2022–23 who were unable to meet the original age requirement for 2025–26.
  

Background of the age policy change
In 2022, the Karnataka government raised the minimum age for Class 1 admission from 5.5 to 6 years. This change was made in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the Right to Education Act. However, it led to considerable pushback from parents, especially those who had already completed the admission process for their children based on the previous criteria.

• Protests from parents: Following the policy change, parents of children affected by the new age requirement raised concerns. Protests erupted, with many expressing dissatisfaction that the new rule was being enforced after admissions had already been completed.
  

• Government’s response: The government addressed these concerns by announcing in November 2022 that the age requirement change would only be applicable starting from 2025–26, giving parents enough time to adjust.
  

Parents’ concerns and requests for exemption

While the government’s decision to delay the implementation of the new age rule was seen as a positive step, it left some parents in a difficult situation. Specifically, parents whose children attended nursery classes (pre-KG) in private schools in 2022–23 were unable to meet the age criteria for 2025–26.

• Financial and emotional burden: Parents of these children sought exemptions, arguing that forcing their children to repeat a year would impose a significant financial burden and cause emotional distress.
  

• Demands for quick decision: With admissions already closing at schools, many parents urged the government to make a swift decision, given the approaching deadlines for registration.
  

Government’s final decisionThe Karnataka government has deferred the final decision to the State Education Policy (SEP) committee, which will provide recommendations based on the current situation. However, the government has made it clear that the current relaxation is a one-time measure.

• Role of the SEP committee: The SEP committee will assess the situation and make further recommendations regarding exemptions for affected children.
  

• Admission process timeline: While the relaxation provides some relief, parents are reminded to stay vigilant about deadlines and complete their applications before the final date.