Seat shortage for Plus-1: General Education Directorate to review last 5 years' data

Thiruvananthapuram:  Online applications for admission to Plus-One courses will be accepted from 13 to 22 July.  A high-level meeeting under the chairmanship of Secretary,  General Education took this decision and also to issue the notification for this by 10 July.

The single-window admission process will be used for all the seats for government higher secondary schools, and the seats in aided schools except the community and management quota.

It was also decided at the meeting to gather data about Plus-One admissions of the last five years and review them thoroughly.  The number of students giving for options in each school,  those who get admission and number of vacant seats will be subjected to review. 

The five-year data are being compiled and examined in the light of rampant complaints about some districts not having enough seats while seats remain vacant in certain others.

It is estimated that in the background of the Covid situation,  the applicants for seats in Plus-One will register an increase this year.   It is also expected that 20 % additional seats over the existing will be approved this time.   

Given the financial constraints of the government,  new schools or batches will not be granted.  At present there are 3,61,746 seats spread over government,  aided and unaided schools in the state.  If 20 per cent seats are added this will rise to about 4,34,000 .

The SSLS results of this year number have produced 4,17,101 who become eligible for higher studies.  In addition,  there are candidates coming from CBSE,  ICSE and other boards.  All put together,  about a lakh of students will be in the fray for Plus-One seats.

The prospectus for admissions has been prepared by the Higher Secondary section and submitted for approval of the General Education Directorate on receipt of which the relative notification will be issued.