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Kerala’s Minister for General Education and Labour, V Sivankutty, has come out strongly against the growing trend of entrance exams and interviews for class 1 admissions, calling the practice “unacceptable” and likening it to child abuse. He assured that the Kerala state government will not support such measures in its schools.
Speaking to TNM, he said, “Right now, we want the public to understand that entrance exams for class 1 are unnecessary, this is more of a campaign. We might even introduce a law to ban it in government schools next year.” He clarified, however, that any such legislation would not apply to CBSE or ICSE schools, which fall outside the state government’s purview.
Sivankutty also hinted at broader reforms, including the possible elimination of exams for class 1 students altogether. “Children should not be under pressure at such a young age,” he said.
Earlier, speaking at a public event, Sivankutty expressed serious concern about the psychological burden placed on young children and their parents during the school admission process. “It’s unacceptable that children are being subjected to such stress at such a tender age. This is nothing short of child abuse,” he said.
The minister criticised the expectation of academic performance from children as young as five or six, calling it unreasonable and harmful to their mental well-being.
He said he was shocked to learn that several schools had already begun their admission processes for the upcoming academic year, complete with entrance exams and interviews for both children and parents. “This cannot be encouraged in Kerala,” Sivankutty said. “Every child has the right to education, and schools must uphold that right without discrimination or undue pressure.”
The minister also voiced concern over the rising fees collected by Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) in both government and private schools. Stressing the need for a joyful and holistic learning environment, he emphasised that education should foster creativity, connect children with nature, and instill a basic understanding of the Constitution, values he sees as essential to shaping responsible citizens.