Karnataka Reduces Class 1 Admission Age to 5 Years 5 Months
The Karnataka government has reduced the minimum age for Class 1 admissions to 5 years and 5 months. This move, announced on April 16, 2024, has sparked mixed reactions from schools affiliated with national education boards.
Conflicting Views Among ICSE and CBSE Schools
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has directed its 510 ICSE-affiliated schools in Karnataka to follow the state government’s rule. On the other hand, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools have taken a different stand.
“We are bound by CBSE rules, which align with the National Education Policy (NEP). So, we will maintain six years as the minimum age for Class 1,” said M Srinivasan, President of the Management of Independent CBSE Schools Association (MICSA).
He also criticized the decision, calling it unfair to schools and parents who followed the 6+ rule over the past three years. “Relaxing norms for a few disrupts the structure for many,” he added.
Some CBSE Schools Go Ahead with Promotions
Despite the CBSE board’s position, some CBSE school principals have decided to promote eligible students to Class 1 based on the government’s announcement.
“The minister’s order applies to all schools. I have promoted 17 children accordingly,” said one principal.
Uniform Rule vs. Diverse Practices
An ICSE school principal pointed out the confusion caused by the decision. “There is only one SATS portal for all schools in Karnataka. How can different rules apply to different schools?” she asked.
She also expressed concern about the timing of the announcement. “Admissions are over and schools are on vacation. Such decisions should come in advance,” she said.
Opposition from Education Associations
While some private schools have welcomed the move, others plan to challenge it in court. The Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools of Karnataka (KAMS) criticized the relaxation and said it would take legal action.
“Most recognised schools adjusted to the 6+ rule. Many parents even held back their children to comply. Allowing relaxation now disrespects those who followed the law,” said D Shashi Kumar from KAMS. He also shared a list of schools whose parents had sought exceptions.
MICSA has also extended its support to KAMS in challenging the decision legally.
Legal and Policy Conflicts
KAMS has raised concerns that the latest change contradicts NEP 2020, which mandates six years as the entry age for Class 1. They also argue that preventing direct Class 1 admissions without UKG is against the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
Moreover, Karnataka’s SATS (Student Achievement Tracking System) is already configured with six years as the minimum age for Class 1. Any policy shift, therefore, could conflict with existing data systems and legal standards.
Timeline of Age Rule Changes
- 2017: Age for Class 1 set at 5 years, 10 months
- May 2018: Reduced to 5 years, 5 months
- March 2020: Confirmed age for LKG at 3 years, 5 months and Class 1 at 5 years, 5 months
- July 2022: Minimum age revised to 6 years
- November 2022: Rule to be effective from 2025–26
- April 2024: Age relaxed again to 5 years, 5 months for 2024–25
Parents Welcome the Decision
Some parents celebrated the government’s move. “We’ve been campaigning since September 2024. This is a big win. The rule should apply to all schools,” said Sagar Srinivas K, a doctor.
Another parent, Ashish Kumar, said, “My kids won’t lose friends or repeat a year. It’s a relief for many families.”
