Kerala has taken a historic step in public education.
In the Kerala State Budget 2026–27, the state government announced that education up to the graduate level will now be free for students pursuing Arts and Science courses in government and aided colleges.
This is the first time in India that undergraduate tuition fees have been completely waived, strengthening Kerala’s long-standing focus on accessible education.
Free College Education Now a Reality in Kerala
Until now, Kerala provided free education only up to Class 12 in government institutions.
With the new budget, this benefit has been extended to undergraduate courses, specifically BA and BSc programmes.
Students studying in government and aided colleges will no longer have to pay tuition fees.
This move removes a major financial hurdle for families and opens the doors of higher education to more students.
Making Higher Education More Inclusive
The main aim of this policy is to ensure equal access to college education, especially for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Education experts believe that removing tuition fees can:
Increase college enrolment
Reduce dropout rates
Improve overall learning outcomes
Many students who earlier avoided higher studies due to cost may now choose to pursue a degree.
More Than Fee Waivers: Support for Students
The budget also focuses on improving the overall higher education ecosystem.
Funds have been allocated for:
University development
Scholarships and fellowships
Research and academic support
Special attention has been given to student housing facilities, helping students from rural and remote areas manage accommodation costs.
Education Linked with Welfare Measures
Free undergraduate education is part of a broader push for social welfare and inclusive growth.
The budget also includes provisions for:
Student insurance schemes
Healthcare support
Other social security programmes
The idea is to create a system where education and welfare support go hand in hand.
What This Means for the Future
By removing tuition fees at the undergraduate level, Kerala has set a new benchmark in public education policy.
If implemented successfully, the move could inspire other states to follow a similar path.
In the long run, this reform could lead to better educational equity, a more skilled workforce, and stronger economic growth — while giving thousands of students a fair chance to succeed.
