Kerala to assess Plus One seat demand for 2025–26 before introducing new batches
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has made it clear that no new higher secondary batches will be introduced at the start of the next academic year in the initial phase of allotments. An order issued by the Principal Secretary of the General Education Department confirmed the decision, citing that more than half a lakh Plus One seats remain vacant this academic year. It may be noted that each year, the state faces seat shortage disputes and protests during Plus Two admissions.
The need for new batches will be assessed only after the publication of the Plus One first allotment for the upcoming academic year. Authorities aim to address the issue by rearranging existing batches with vacant seats and fewer students. Should the demand for seats persist after these measures, further considerations will be made.
Alongside Plus One admissions, students who have passed SSLC explore higher education options like polytechnic and ITI. These alternatives were also considered before deciding to halt new batches.
Although the government had initially allowed an additional batch and a marginal seat increase for Plus One admissions, the decision led to protests, especially in the Malabar region, prompting the intervention of the High Court.
Following a court order, the Higher Secondary Regional Deputy Directors were instructed to assess the demand and challenges regarding Plus One admissions. The decision to pause new batches for the 2025–26 academic year was made based on this report.
Data
- Total Plus One seats sanctioned: 3,60,557
- Additional batch seats: 17,465
- Marginal seat increase: 63,865
- Overall seats available: 4,41,887
- Admissions confirmed: 3,86,891
- Seats left vacant: 54,996
Among the districts, Malappuram recorded the highest number of vacant seats at 7,922, followed by Ernakulam with 5,776 unfilled seats.