Karnataka govt temporarily lowers Class 1 entry age to 5 years 5 months for 2025

For the current academic year, the Karnataka government has urged parents to strictly follow age restrictions for early education admissions: four years for LKG and five years for UKG.

This reminder comes alongside the state’s announcement that the minimum age criterion for Class 1 admissions will be temporarily relaxed for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Children who have completed UKG and are at least five years and five months old as of June 1, 2025, will be eligible for admission to Class 1.

School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa clarified that this exemption applies only to state board students and is intended to ease the transition during this year.

The six-year minimum age requirement for Class 1 admissions will be reinstated and strictly enforced from the 2026–2027 academic year onward.

This temporary relaxation is intended to accommodate children already in the pipeline while gradually aligning with the National Education Policy’s age-appropriate admission guidelines.

Separately, the Karnataka government has decided to discontinue the distribution of peanut chikki bars in government and aided schools as part of the midday meal program.

The decision follows concerns regarding the safety and nutritional value of chikkis, which were being offered as an alternative to eggs.

A government order dated February 17 flagged several issues with the chikkis, including high levels of carbohydrates and unsaturated fats, as well as challenges related to storage and quality control.

Reports from several districts revealed instances where chikkis were either expired or improperly stored, posing potential health risks.

Furthermore, certain batches of chikkis failed to meet essential food safety standards, raising concerns about possible contamination, according to a letter from the Additional Commissioner of School Education in Dharwad.