Bengaluru, March 2 -- In contrast to the Karnataka Government's recent decision to set the minimum school admission age at 5.5 years, the Central Government has now issued a new circular raising the minimum age to 6 years. This disparity has led to confusion in Karnataka, prompting State Government officials to seek clarification from the Centre.

In its circular, the Union Ministry of Education has stated that a child must have completed six years at admission to the first standard in any school, with the rule applicable nationwide. This effectively raises the age requirement by six months compared to Karnataka's policy.

Following the issuance of this circular, the Centre has invited objections from States, if any. It also mandates the ...