Parents Protest 6-Year Age Rule for Class 1 Admission, Seek 90-Day Relaxation

Bengaluru : Parents in Bengaluru have voiced strong opposition to the state government’s implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) mandate that fixes six years as the minimum age for admission to Class 1.

The rule, effective from the 2025–26 academic year, requires children to have completed six years as of June 1. Holding placards that read “UKG completed, allow entry to Class 1,” “Do not waste a year,” and “Education is our right,” parents gathered to urge the Karnataka government to grant a 90-day relaxation in the age limit.

They argued that children who narrowly miss the cut-off date should not be forced to repeat UKG or Montessori. “This is not a protest but a request to the government,” said one parent. “Our children have completed three years of pre-primary education.

However, under the NEP rule, they do not meet the six-year age requirement. Making them repeat a class will cause mental stress and affect their confidence.” Parents said they have met the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa over the past two years, seeking relief.

They claim they were assured that their concerns would be considered. Another parent pointed out that many of the affected children were born during the COVID-19 pandemic and have already faced disruptions in early learning.

“Repeating a year will impact their emotional and mental well-being. Nearly two lakh children across the state are affected. We are hopeful the government will allow a 90-day age relaxation,” the parent said.

The state government’s order follows directions from the Union Ministry of Education, which mandates six years as the minimum age for Class 1 admissions across states and Union Territories.

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