Kerala Plus One Seat Shortage: Relief as Additional Batches, 30% Seat Hike to Continue in 2026 Admissions

The Kerala government is set to roll out the Plus One admissions process for the 2026 academic year with critical relief measures already in place to address severe seat shortages in northern districts. General Education Minister N. Samsudheen confirmed that the marginal 30% increase in seats and the allocation of 352 additional batches introduced last year will be continued during this year’s allotment process. The announcement comes as a major relief for students and parents in districts such as Malappuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod, where demand for higher secondary seats far outstrips supply.

According to official sources, all arrangements for the admissions process are complete, and the process will begin immediately after the State Cabinet grants its approval in its meeting scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026. Last year, the previous Left Democratic Front government introduced the additional batches and seat increases, but these were announced after the allotment process had already begun. This year, students are expected to benefit significantly as these measures will be integrated from the start of the allotment cycle.