Thiruvananthapuram: Admissions to Class 1 in schools across Kerala will not involve any written examinations, and this rule will apply to unaided schools as well, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty has clarified.

The admission process for Class 1 will begin on May 22, ahead of the school reopening and entrance festival scheduled for June 1. The minister also reiterated that schools must not collect capitation fees during admissions.

Strict instructions have been issued to ensure that government guidelines regarding PTA funds are followed. An online meeting involving Deputy Directors, District Education Officers, Assistant Education Officers, and school principals will be held on April 27 to review preparations.

The government will continue to provide free uniforms and textbooks to students from Classes 1 to 8.

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Meanwhile, the minister has warned schools against conducting regular classes during the summer vacation. However, a circular issued by the Director of General Education has recommended “study support” sessions for students who need academic assistance.

As per the circular dated April 14, special classes may be conducted from April 20 to 27 for students in Classes 5 to 9 who received low grades (D or E) in the annual examinations. These sessions are to be held between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

The circular states that such bridging classes are necessary to help students meet required learning standards before they are promoted to the next grade.