The Government of Karnataka on April 10, 2026, issued an order regarding the prescribed age criteria for admission to Class 1 for the academic year 2026–27, under the Karnataka Education Act, 1983 and in continuation of earlier orders.
The order reiterates that a minimum age of 6 years as on June 1 of the academic year remains the standard eligibility for admission to Class 1, in line with the Right to Education Act, 2009 and National Education Policy, 2020. However, considering representations from parents and recommendations of the State Education Policy Commission, relaxation provisions have been examined.
Accordingly, for the academic year 2026–27 only, a relaxation of up to 60 days in the age limit has been permitted, allowing children slightly below 6 years (within the 60-day window) to be considered eligible for admission, subject to prescribed conditions and system updates in SATS.
[Order No. EP 54 PGC 2026]
