A growing number of parents in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka are urging the state government to relax the minimum age rule for Class 1 admissions, saying the current regulation could force many children to repeat UKG despite completing the curriculum.

Under the existing rule, a child must turn six years old by June 1 of the academic year to be eligible for admission to Class 1 in the 2026–27 academic session.

Parents request 90-day relaxation

Parents whose children miss the cut-off by just a few days or weeks are seeking a 90-day relaxation in the eligibility rule.

One parent, Dhanush Nagaraj, said her daughter—currently studying in UKG—misses the deadline by only one day, as her date of birth is June 2, 2020.

“We are concerned parents representing children across Karnataka who are affected by the cut-off criteria for Class 1 admission,” she said.

Another parent, Ram, whose child misses the limit by 34 days, explained that families had hoped the government would allow existing students already in the schooling system to progress.

Emotional toll on children

Parents say the biggest concern is the psychological impact on children who may have to repeat UKG while their friends move ahead to Class 1.

Many children have already spent three years in pre-school, nursery, LKG and UKG, forming close friendships and expectations of progressing together.

Ram recalled how his daughter came home upset and said, “I want to go to first standard with my friends.”

Parents worry that being left behind could damage a child’s confidence and motivation, especially when they see their peers moving to new classrooms, uniforms and school buses.

Financial burden on families

Apart from emotional stress, parents also highlight the financial impact of repeating a year.

Some families say they have already spent ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh on early schooling, including nursery, LKG and UKG fees.

If children repeat UKG, parents will have to pay for another year of schooling, with some schools charging around ₹4 lakh annually, excluding transportation and other expenses.

Families considering relocation

In extreme cases, some parents have reportedly considered moving to neighbouring states where their children can continue to Class 1 without repeating a year.

Despite the growing anxiety, parents say they remain hopeful that the Karnataka government will reconsider the rule and provide relief.

For now, families are waiting to see whether the state authorities will introduce a relaxation in the six-year age eligibility criteria before the upcoming academic year begins.