Patna, Jan. 4: Kids would no longer have to take tests before taking the first step into the academic world.

According to a circular issued by the human resource development department (HRD), under the Right to Education Act, 2009 neither the little ones nor their parents would have to take a test or sit for an interview for admission to Nursery or Class I in Bihar.

This would be applicable for all ICSE and CBSE schools in the state. The HRD department of the state has also instructed the schools to reserve 25 per cent of the seats for the weaker section residing in areas close to the school.

Specific details in this connection would be given to the schools soon, as the department is yet to specify what it means by “weaker sections”.

The schools are waiting for more instructions to be given. Schools like DAV, Public School, BSEB Colony, which has its admissions in February, are therefore working on the entrance procedure without being certain about the exact criteria.

While some schools have decided to take students on a first-come-first-serve basis, others are contemplating to take students who stay within two kilometres of the school.

Heads of some schools, however, said they have not received any circular from the HRD. Principal of St Xavier’s High School, Father George Nedumattam S.J. said: “We haven’t received any HRD circular yet.”

Principal of International School (ICSE wing) F. Hasan said: “The admissions will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are 100 seats each from Nursery to Class III. The same applies for the CBSE wing too.”

Vice-principal of Patna Central School O.P. Singh, said: “There are several options in front of us. We can always go for a first-come-first-serve basis. Then, students can also get admission on the basis of their resident’s proximity with the school. A lucky draw is also another option.”

Singh appreciated the HRD’s move and said that no child would now have the fear of not being able to clear a test.

The department has also said that if the schools have already conducted tests or interviews then admissions should not be done on its basis. Also if any such test or interview is about to be held, it should be cancelled.

The new circular has brought smiles on parents’ faces.

Sonam, mother of four-year-old Nibha, said: “This is a good step. Now parents would no remain tensed about their children’s admission. My daughter had appeared last year for admission in a montessori school but she was unable to clear it.”

Shakil, who is looking forward to get his daughter admitted in KG I, said: “Now I don’t have to keep on asking my daughter how she fared in the admission test. It becomes difficult for little ones to take pressure at such a tender age. Since I stay close to Gandhi Maidan, I fulfil the criteria of staying near several schools. I simply have to wait for the list.”

Deepak Kumar, another parent, said: “Had this been implemented two years ago, my daughter would have been studying in St Joseph’s now.”