In a groundbreaking policy shift, the Kerala government has announced that education up to the graduate level will now be free for students enrolled in Arts and Science courses in government and aided colleges. This move, unveiled in the Kerala State Budget 2026–27, marks the first time in the country that undergraduate tuition fees are being waived entirely, expanding the state’s longstanding commitment to accessible public education.
Extending Free Education Beyond Schooling
Kerala already has a long tradition of offering free education through higher secondary (Class 12) in government institutions. However, under the new budget presented by Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal, this benefit has been extended to include undergraduate degrees — specifically Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) programs. Students attending government and aided colleges will no longer be charged tuition fees, lifting a significant financial burden for families and broadening access to higher education.
Aiming for Greater Access and Equity
The policy is designed to make college education more inclusive, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who might otherwise struggle to afford university fees. Educators and policy analysts have noted that removing tuition barriers can lead to higher enrolment rates, improved educational outcomes and wider participation in India’s knowledge economy. Free undergraduate education could also encourage students who might have previously opted out of higher studies due to cost considerations to pursue degrees.
Support Infrastructure and Student Welfare
The budget doesn’t stop at fee waivers — it also includes provisions to strengthen higher education infrastructure and welfare measures. Significant allocations have been proposed for universities, scholarships and fellowships, as well as for research support. Funding is also earmarked for student housing facilities to ease accommodation challenges, enabling students from distant or rural areas to live and study without undue financial stress.
Broader Welfare Focus
Kerala’s education reform is part of a wider budgetary emphasis on social welfare and inclusive development. Alongside free undergraduate tuition, the budget allocates resources for student insurance schemes, healthcare support and other social safety programmes. These combined measures underscore the state government’s objective to create an environment where education and welfare go hand in hand.
Implications for the Future
By eliminating tuition fees at the undergraduate level, Kerala is pioneering a model that could inspire other states and set a new benchmark in public education policy. If successfully implemented, the reform may improve educational equity, reduce dropout rates and propel a new generation of skilled graduates into the workforce — fuelling both social mobility and long-term economic growth in the region.
