13/02/2026
Kerala has made history by becoming the first state in India to offer free education up to the graduation level for arts and science students. Under this initiative, students enrolled in government and government-aided colleges will no longer have to pay tuition fees for undergraduate courses such as BA and BSc. The decision reflects Kerala’s long-standing focus on education and social development.
This move is expected to reduce the financial burden on families and encourage more students to pursue higher education, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds. Until now, free education in Kerala was mainly available up to Class 12, but extending it to the degree level marks a major step forward.
By making college education more accessible, the state aims to improve enrollment rates, reduce dropouts, and create a more educated workforce. The initiative has been widely praised as a progressive reform that strengthens Kerala’s position as a leader in education and social welfare in India.
