Kerala: Won’t Allow Entrance Test For Class 1 Admission, Says Education Minister – News18

Last Updated:February 17, 2025, 07:45 IST

Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Sunday criticised the practice of holding entrance tests for Class 1 admissions, stating that such tests would not be permitted in the state.

Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Sunday criticised the practice of conducting entrance tests for Class 1 admissions, stating that it would not be permitted in the state.

Speaking at a programme, the minister questioned the necessity of exams for such young students, as reported by news agency PTI.

“Some schools conduct entrance tests and interviews for the admission of students in first standard. I would like to say here that it won’t be allowed at any cost,” Sivankutty said.

He also addressed the recent ragging cases reported in some schools, noting that while these were isolated incidents, they had tarnished the state’s reputation.

The minister assured that measures would be implemented to curb such practices in the future.

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Notably, earlier this month, V Sivankutty announced a ban on entrance examinations for Class 1 admissions, cautioning schools against flouting the directive. Criticising profit-oriented educational institutions, he warned of strict action if the rules were violated.

“Schools will reopen for the new academic year on June 1, but some have already begun the admission process for Class 1. Along with admissions, they are also conducting entrance exams for children. Such practices will not be permitted in Kerala. It is nothing short of cruelty towards children,” Sivankutty said.

He further criticised the interview process for parents after these exams. “After the child’s test, the parents are asked to attend an interview. I don’t think this is a practice we should encourage,” the minister added.

the minister described the entrance test practice as “cruel.”

“Currently, we are working to exclude academic lessons from the Class 1 syllabus by removing textbooks and entrance exams. Let our children come to school happily. Let them explore nature and understand our Constitution. Let them learn the values and responsibilities of being a citizen,” he said.

“In some countries, there is no syllabus for Class 1. In Kerala, I have observed that PTA fees collected from students are excessively high. While collecting Rs 50 or Rs 100 is acceptable, some schools charge between Rs 2,500 and Rs 5,000. The education department will take strict action against such practices. Charging exorbitant PTA fees should not be allowed in Kerala,” the minister asserted.

Location :

Thiruvananthapuram, India, India