NEP age cut-off for Class 1 admission: Parents protest seeking relaxation

As the new academic year approaches, what should have been a time of excitement has instead become a period of anxiety for many families across Karnataka. Parents say they are watching their children, eager, confident, and academically ready, face the prospect of repeating a class simply because they fall short of the six-year age requirement by a few days or months.

Parents of children who have completed three years of pre-primary education are urging the Karnataka government to grant a 90-day relaxation in the minimum age criterion for admission to Class 1. Under the National Education Policy (NEP), a child must be six years old by the prescribed date to qualify. However, many narrowly miss the cut-off, despite being fully prepared for promotion.

Families argue that rigid enforcement of the rule would force children to repeat UKG or Montessori unnecessarily.

Emotional and Psychological Concerns

According to parents, repeating a grade at a young age can lead to emotional strain, reduced confidence and loss of academic interest. They point out that the State Education Policy (SEP) panel has recommended such a relaxation and say it should be implemented in the best interest of students.

For the past two years, they have approached senior authorities, including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister, and claim they have received assurances that the issue will be considered.

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"It is not a protest but a request to the govt to promote children who have completed three years of pre-primary education to Class 1. Our children are not meeting the 6-year age cut-off under the NEP. For children, repeating a class will cause psychological stress. The institutions are open to it and don't want children to repeat, but we are waiting for the govt to give relaxation in the rule or expedite SEP implementation," said Ramya, a parent.

In July 2022, the state mandated that children must be six years old by June 1 for Class 1 admission. Following widespread protests, the order was deferred and scheduled for implementation from 2025–26.

With admissions nearing, parents now hope the government will prioritise children’s emotional well-being and take a timely decision.