Kerala’s General Education Minister, V Sivankutty, announced that the minimum age for Class 1 admission in the state will now be six years, effective from the 2026-27 academic year. The decision, based on scientific research, aligns Kerala’s education system with international standards, ensuring that children are better prepared for formal schooling.
Why the Change?
Traditionally, children in Kerala could enter Class 1 at the age of five. However, studies indicate that children are cognitively and emotionally more ready for structured learning at six years or older, a standard followed by many advanced education systems worldwide.
Minister Sivankutty noted that more than 50% of students in Kerala already start school at age six, and the government wants to encourage this trend for better learning outcomes.
Government’s Focus on Student Welfare
- Combatting Drug Abuse in Schools
Apart from the age revision, the Kerala government is taking significant steps to prevent drug abuse among students. Measures include:
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for detecting and addressing drug-related issues.
Formation of parent groups to enhance awareness and vigilance.
Implementation of a school-level action plan focused on students’ physical, mental, and social well-being.
Inclusion of anti-drug education in revised Science, Social Science, Malayalam, Urdu, and Arabic textbooks for the 2024-25 academic year, with further updates planned for 2025-26.
Upcoming Government Action
The Education Department is set to introduce more initiatives to curb drug abuse. A high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister is scheduled for March 30, 2025, to discuss further strategies for safeguarding students.
With these proactive measures, Kerala continues to refine its education system, ensuring better preparedness for students and a safer, more supportive learning environment.
