School stress too real? Karnataka says 5.5-year-olds can join class 1!

In a major relief to thousands of parents, the Karnataka Education Department has temporarily relaxed the minimum age requirement for Class 1 admissions. Children aged 5 years and 5 months as of June 1 will be eligible for admission this academic year. This move comes after growing criticism and mental health concerns linked to the earlier policy. However, officials have clarified that this rule is only applicable for the 2024–25 academic year. The previous admission rules will be followed this year. The mandatory minimum age of four years for LKG admissions will still be enforced, confirmed Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa.

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This decision follows a worrying rise in mental health issues among children under six. Many were being forced to repeat classes because they missed the cutoff age by just a few months. Under the current policy, children must be six years old by June to begin Class 1. This rule led to several children being held back, causing emotional and psychological distress.

Doctors and mental health experts have reported a sharp increase in anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues among these children. Dr. Sowmashree CN, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at NIMHANS, had written to government officials urging them to reconsider the age rule. She noted that affected children often become withdrawn, are unable to form friendships, and even face bullying or ragging from peers. Many parents are now rushing to hospitals as their children show signs of emotional breakdowns and social isolation.

Experts say repeating a class can result in boredom, lack of motivation, and declining interest in studies. Learning the same material again frustrates young minds. Doctors report that psychiatric consultations related to school stress have nearly doubled.

Without long-term policy clarity, experts warn of lasting psychological harm. A compassionate and child-friendly approach is urgently needed.