Karnataka Parents Demand Relaxation of 6-Year Age Rule for Class 1 Admissions

Bengaluru, March 7, 2025 – The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has urged the state government to reconsider the mandatory six-year age criterion for Class 1 admissions. This rule, introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, has sparked widespread protests among parents, who argue that it disrupts the educational progression of children already enrolled in pre-primary education.

The rule mandates that children must be six years old by June 1 of the academic year to qualify for Class 1 admission. Parents claim this sudden change, announced in 2022, has left nearly five lakh children across Karnataka ineligible for promotion to Class 1, forcing them to repeat a year of pre-primary education. Bengaluru alone accounts for approximately 50,000 affected cases.

KSCPCR Chairperson K. Naganna Gowda has written to the Department of School Education and Literacy, highlighting the confusion and emotional distress caused by the rule. “Parents are visiting the Commission daily, requesting a relaxation of the age criteria to ensure smoother enrollment for their children,” he stated.

The government had previously relaxed the rule for two academic years, but its full implementation is set for 2025-26. Parents argue that this timeline is insufficient and are demanding an extension to 2026-27 to accommodate children already in the system.

Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa has assured parents that the government will issue a notification soon, aiming to address their concerns. “The decision will prioritize the interests of students and parents,” he said.

As the debate continues, stakeholders are calling for a balanced approach that aligns with NEP guidelines while minimizing disruption for families.