Karnataka relaxes Class 1 admission age criteria for 2025–26, six-year minimum to be mandatory from next session

However, the government later revised the age requirement to 6 years in July 2022 and issued the formal notification only in November that year. This timing, parents argued, left many of their children ineligible for Class 1 despite progressing through nursery and kindergarten.

Responding to these concerns, the state government has offered a 7-month relaxation as a transitional arrangement, but made it a mandate that from the 2026–27 academic year onwards, the 6-year minimum age will be strictly implemented for all Class 1 admissions in Karnataka state board schools.

The move aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to implement recommendations from the State Education Policy, which endorses a more developmentally appropriate age for formal schooling. School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa had earlier clarified that the age limit revision was aimed at aligning with national standards and ensuring children are ready for academic learning.

Officials also clarified that the revised age rule is applicable only to state board schools and not to institutions affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, or other boards, which may follow their own admission norms.

With the 2025–26 academic session expected to see admissions under this one-time exemption, parents are advised to keep an eye on official school circulars and ensure their wards meet the relaxed criteria before applying.