APPENDIX G-
THROWING OPEN III AND VI FORM
 EXAMINATIONS TO CANDIDATES
 WITHOUT AGE RESTRICTION
 (MEMORANDUM BY
 TRAVANCORE-COCHIN GOVT.)
 

At present there are certain restrictions in this State in the matter of admission of pupils to schools and also to the public examinations e.g. in the Cochin Area only pupils who are below 20 years of age are admitted to the

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Secondary Classes. In the Travancore Area pupils over 20 years of age are not allowed to remain in schools except with the permission of the Director. Again pupils are not generally allowed to sit for the School Filial Examination unless they have completed 15 years of age . The restriction in regard to the admission of overaged pupils in schools has been imposed. with a view to preventing the possible unwholesome influence of such pupils over the younger ones. Similarly in regard to the public examinations, the lower limit has been fixed with a view to avoid overstrain. There may be similar restrictions in order States also.

It is a matter for consideration whether these restrictions should not be waived, at, least as a temporary measure, for promoting education. This, if accepted, will enable large numbers of persons who out of inability or inconvenience could not get the benefit of schooling, to obtain some Certificates, and will thus serve as an incentive to them tot self-education for the betterment of their prospects. There may be people who hold that self-education may be possible even without such a provision, but it has to be pointed out that at least in the present state of affairs, there will be very little inducement for the pursuit of learning if it would not enable one to acquire public recognition by securing a Certificate.

We have also to note the fact that there are hundreds of pupil,; who do pot have the means to undergo instruction in schools, and the result is that such pupils are denied. the chance of further education. This can be remedied by granting permission to private candidates also to appear for the examinations, as suggested. Those who pass the examinations as private candidates may get employed in private firms or companies or even under the Government if the Public Service Commission may consider their qualifications adequate. Such a provision will be useful for person, engaged in industries and trades as well. It may be pointed out that pupils are allowed to appear privately for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination in Cochin area those who obtain their certificates under the compartmental system are declared qualified for public service only while those who pass the entire examination in one chance are eligible for College admission. It would be advisable to have uniformity in this matter also in all the states. Hence, the suggestion for throwing open these Examinations (III & VI Forms) for private candidates also without age restriction.