Children who have completed 5 years, 5 months eligible for admission to Class 1, says Madhu Bangarappa

BENGALURU: In a major relief for students and parents, who were worried about the age rule for admission to Class 1, the state government has relaxed the mandatory age limit of 6 years for this year. Children who have completed 5 years and 5 months at the time of admission can join Class 1.

Addressing a press conference, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa informed about the relaxation in age limit. Parents were confused about the age rule, and the government has decided to give a two-month relaxation. The minister said that the age limit will be strictly enforced from next year.

The State Education Department had initially set the age limit at 6 years, but after discussions with the State Education Policy (SEP) committee, the age limit has been relaxed to 5 years and 5 months for this academic year. The minister advised that children should not be under pressure to study and should be allowed to learn without stress.

The relaxation in age limit applies only to the state syllabus students and not to ICSE or CBSE boards. The minister clarified that they cannot make decisions for other boards. The relaxation was made due to pressure from parents and others. The minister emphasized that parents should not push children to study in a robotic manner and that they should study without stress.