Thiruvananthapuram, 25 May (H.S.) :
The admission process for Plus One courses in Kerala for the current academic year will begin on Monday, with students able to submit applications online through the state’s Single Window Admission System (HSCAP). More than 4.10 lakh students who cleared the SSLC examinations this year are eligible to seek admission to higher secondary courses across the state.
According to education department figures, a total of 4,10,456 students qualified through the SSLC examination and are eligible for admission to Plus One courses. The state currently has 3,60,844 seats available in the higher secondary stream. However, officials have not yet announced the final deadline for submitting applications or the schedule for allotments.
Authorities indicated that a decision regarding the allocation of additional seats would be taken only after reviewing the progress of the allotment process. Last year, more than 50,000 seats reportedly remained vacant, prompting the department to reassess the need for increasing seat availability this year.
The education department has also simplified documentation requirements for students seeking admission. Students can use their SSLC book as proof of nativity and caste. Separate certificates issued by Village Officers will only be required for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Eligible Community (OEC) students seeking scholarship benefits.
As per the revised admission guidelines, students will be required to produce only original copies of certificates at the time of admission. Those facing delays in obtaining certificates will be given a specified period to submit the required documents later. Reservation-related documents can also be submitted after the admission process is completed.
The guidelines further state that students born in Kerala can establish nativity through a birth certificate, records showing at least five years of study in educational institutions within the state, or through an affidavit. If caste details are already mentioned in the SSLC certificate, it can be accepted as a supporting document in place of certificates issued by revenue authorities. Similarly, if religion is recorded in educational records, minority certificates will not be necessary.
In cases where parents belong to different castes, the caste details available in either parent’s SSLC records may be accepted as proof for admission purposes.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
