In an unusual sight at the Karnataka Public School (KPS) near the bus stand in KR Pet town of Mandya district, several parents queued overnight to collect admission application forms. School authorities discovered the long line when they arrived early on May 20, finding that some parents had been waiting since the previous evening to secure a chance for their children to study at the school, also known as Shathamana School.
Overnight Queue for Admission Forms
According to SDMC member Chetan Kumar, parents began arriving around 8pm on May 19, and the queue grew steadily through the night. By the pre-dawn hours of May 20, around a dozen parents were standing outside the school gate, some wrapped in blankets, patiently waiting for the distribution of forms. The incident highlighted the strong demand for seats at the school, which offers free English-medium education and has built a reputation for quality teaching and disciplined learning.
Principal's Statement on School's Appeal
Speaking to TOI, KPS KR Pet principal Puligeraiah said the school’s free English-medium education significantly reduces the financial burden on families, particularly those with limited incomes, and enables students to continue their studies up to Class XII. He said the management came to know about parents waiting overnight only after staff arrived on campus on May 20.
High Demand vs. Limited Seats
Application forms were distributed over three days, starting May 20, but the queue formed a day earlier due to high demand. This year, the school distributed about 190 applications for just 120 LKG seats. As the number of applicants exceeded available seats, students are selected through a random draw from the pool of applications. The rush for admissions contrasts with the broader trend across Karnataka, where many government schools are facing declining enrolment and struggling to attract students.
Parent and Principal Perspectives
Shankara, a parent, said the school’s quality of education is good and its recent results have been excellent, prompting his family to seek admission for their daughter. Principal Puligeraiah said demand has been rising every year, supported by strong outcomes, including a 96% pass rate in SSLC and 88% in II PU this year.
Government Expansion of KPS Model
Encouraged by the success of the KPS model, the government has expanded the initiative in the district by adding 18 more KPS schools from the current academic year, increasing the total number in Mandya to 27.
