School admissions to drop by 1 lakh over revised age rule

A decline of one lakh students is expected in the 2027-28 academic year as the State goes ahead with its plan to raise the minimum age for admission to Class I from five to six years. Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty recently reiterated that the revised age criterion will come into effect from the 2027-28 academic year.

According to a report submitted by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), the transition to the new age requirement will create a temporary gap. Children who turn five during the 2027–28 academic year will not be eligible for Class I admission, effectively leaving out one batch. The report notes that the transition gap may lead to a decline in student enrolments to Class I in the 2027-28 year.