Post-Pandemic School Admissions in Chennai: What Parents Must Know

Category: School Admissions

The pandemic changed how children get into school in Chennai. Now the process is very different from before 2020. Parents need to know what to expect. This guide is for parents of children who will join nursery, LKG, UKG, or Class 1 and above. Each change is explained simply.

Digital Applications Replaced Paper Forms

Before 2020, parents had to go to school offices. They needed to get paper application forms. They stood in line. They submitted paper forms by hand. They carried birth certificate, address proof, report cards, and photos.

Since the pandemic, many schools moved to digital forms. Parents can apply online. They upload scanned documents. They fill details online. They print a receipt or get a PDF. They do not need to visit the office.

This saves time. Parents can apply to many schools quickly. No travel across the city. No carrying stacks of forms. This also reduced crowding.

Many schools now have WhatsApp or chat support. Some have a helpline number or email. They help parents fill forms or upload documents.

However, not all schools are digital. A few small schools still allow walk-in, paper forms. But most prefer online submissions now.

Documents Are Scanned And Uploaded

Schools ask for documents as file uploads. These include:

• Birth certificate
• Proof of residence (electricity bill, ration card, etc.)
• Parent ID (Aadhaar or PAN)
• Passport-size photos
• Vaccination record
• Previous school report card (for higher classes)

Parents need access to a scanner or mobile phone camera. The scan should be clear. File must be in PDF or JPEG. Schools list file size limits. Some schools allow WhatsApp to submit documents too.

Even after the pandemic eased, schools kept the digital system. Even if they invite you for physical admission later, they start online. So parents must be ready to scan documents.

Virtual School Tours And Interviews Replaced First Visits

Before 2020, parents visited schools. They saw classrooms, playgrounds, labs. They met teachers and principals. Children sometimes had an entrance test or interview in person.

After the pandemic, schools started sharing pre-recorded video tours. These videos show classrooms, labs, playgrounds, and facilities. Some schools give a 360-degree virtual tour. Parents can see the school from home.

Schools now schedule online interviews. They use Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. Parents and children talk to teachers virtually. Usually, it is informal. Children may say their name, favorite toy, color, or draw something on paper. Interviews last 10–15 minutes.

After this round, if shortlisted, the school may ask parents to visit for final document verification. But most of the main steps happen online.

More Transparency In Steps And Dates

Earlier, parents often learned admission dates from friends or flyers. Schools did not always publish deadlines on websites. Parents missed windows.

Now most schools list detailed admission timelines on websites:

• Start date for applications
• Last date to apply
• Date for interview
• Date for final selection list
• Fee payment dates

Schools send updates via email or SMS. They inform about interview slots or results. Parents do not have to wait or guess.

Some schools host webinars for parents before admissions start. In those webinars, school leaders explain curriculum, fees, transport, uniforms, lunch, and special features. They also show the video tour.

This helps parents pick schools whose values and fees match their needs.

Hybrid Learning And Digital Readiness

During the pandemic, many children learned from home using online classes. Schools now expect that families have some digital readiness.

Some admission forms include questions like:

• Do you have a smartphone or tablet at home?
• Do your children use a laptop or computer?
• Do you have internet access at home?
• Are parents able to help children with online activities?

School staff may explain that if digital devices fail at home, school assignments may suffer. They may test children using digital tools at home.

Schools also show their own digital tools during admission: Google Classroom, Seesaw, Microsoft Teams, virtual labs, coding classes. They make it clear that hybrid learning is part of their routine.

Parents who do not have stable internet or a device may ask local help or a relative’s house. Some schools allow children to use devices at school.

Selection Criteria Became More Holistic

Before 2020, many schools used formal written tests and interviews for LKG or UKG. Children had to answer questions or write letters.

After the pandemic, many schools dropped written tests for young children. They replaced them with informal observational interviews. Teachers look at how children behave. They note if children speak, show curiosity, talk about colors or shapes.

Schools now value social and emotional skills. They ask parents about the child's routine. Does the child play with others? Does the child listen to stories? Can the child speak two or three sentences? Parents are asked to share videos or feedback from early years teachers.

Sibling and alumni quotas became more structured. Some schools now ask for sibling certificates or alumni proof. This was the case before, but now they enforce it more strictly due to high demand.

Schools also ask about the child’s health, allergies, or special needs early in the form. Some schools say they will provide shadow support or counselor support.

Competition Increased For Good Schools

Online applications make it easy to apply to many schools. Parents no longer travel to each school to submit forms. They apply online to 5 or 6 schools at once.

As a result, good schools fill seats quickly. Many Chennai schools fill their LKG and UKG seats within days or weeks of opening. Parents must act fast.

Another effect: distance matters less at first. Parents apply to top schools outside their zone. Final admission may still ask for address proof. But many high‑demand schools get applicants from wider areas.

Fee payment demands immediate action. Schools often require full fee or first installment by a due date. Late fees or cancellation penalties may apply.

Government Schools Expanded Capacity

Tamil Nadu government schools, including those run by the Chennai Corporation, saw increases in admission numbers. In recent years, government primary and middle schools enrolled more children than before. By June, government schools had enrolled lakhs of students. Officials expect enrollment to increase every year.

In Chennai district alone, thousands of new students joined. This was one of the highest in the state.

The state runs campaigns from March or April to promote government schools. Teachers visit homes. They enroll children before private schools begin their process.

They also highlight smart classrooms, high-tech labs, breakfast schemes, and reservations for government school students in professional courses.

This has led to many families shifting children to government schools even if they had been in private schools before. Financial stress made parents choose schools with fixed fees and government support.

Infrastructure Improvements In Government Schools

Schools built or renovated campuses after the pandemic. Government invested in smart boards, high-tech labs, clean classrooms, CCTV, and libraries in many schools.

Some corporation schools faced crowding from the rise in enrollment. Some buildings lacked benches, labs, and toilets. Overcrowding became a concern. Some students sat on floors or in corridors.

Still, the state continued upgrades. Schools now advertise digital classrooms and new labs to attract parents.

RTE Admission Process Delay

Every year, thousands of children join private schools under the 25% RTE quota. The state government pays private schools to cover these costs.

But in some years, government support was delayed. The online RTE admission portal opened late. Because of this, some children could not join private schools under the RTE quota. They had to enroll in government schools or wait a year.

Parents should check the RTE website or school announcements to stay informed about the process.

Focus On Foundational Skills And Mental Health

Tamil Nadu launched a special program for Classes VI to VIII. It focuses on reading, writing, arithmetic, and spoken English or Tamil. Teachers use daily activities and group reading to build these skills.

Schools also offer counseling, health checks, reading rooms, and self-defense classes during admission campaigns. Some teachers visit homes and talk to parents about mental health and learning support.

This change is important because many children faced stress and learning loss during online schooling. Schools now offer counselors and emotional support during and after admission.

Fee Flexibility And Financial Relief

Schools saw that many parents lost jobs or income during the pandemic. To help, many schools allowed fee payment in installments. Some waived admission fees or offered discounts for early payments.

Government schools remain nearly free at primary and middle school levels. But private schools started offering scholarships, sibling discounts, or flexible payment plans.

Some schools also offered help for economically weaker sections by extending fee deadlines or offering extra time to pay.

Admissions Timeline Changed Slightly

Earlier, schools started admissions in May or June each year. After the pandemic, many private schools opened application windows from November or December for the next academic year. They close early as seats fill up.

Government schools begin campaigns as early as March or April. They focus on LKG, UKG, Class I, and middle classes. They try to enroll children before private schools start.

Parents must track school websites and notice boards carefully from the end of the year for private schools, and from early March for government schools.

More Parent Involvement Early

Schools ask parents to attend webinars. Some ask parents to share the daily routine of the child. Others ask parents to help with homework or online practice.

For children with special needs, schools ask about any help needed. Some schools now offer inclusive education or support teachers.

Parents are invited to orientation sessions before school starts. These sessions cover digital tools, uniforms, transport, safety rules, and code of conduct.

This early involvement helps parents feel more confident and better prepared.

Summary Of Key Changes

• Digital forms replaced paper forms
• Scanned documents uploaded online
• Virtual school tour and online interview before physical visit
• Clear timelines and communication from school
• Evaluation now includes social and digital readiness
• Competition increased; good schools fill up fast
• Government schools expanded enrollment and support
• Infrastructure improvements in many schools
• Delay or pause in RTE admissions in some years
• Focus on mental health and skill building
• Fee flexibility and support offered
• Admissions begin earlier than before

• Parents involved from the start

   

What Should Parents Do Now?

• Start early. Track school websites from November–December for private schools and March–April for government schools
• Get ready to scan and upload documents
• Attend webinars and orientation sessions
• Shortlist 3–5 schools early
• Help your child prepare for a simple interview. Practice names, colors, drawings
• Ask about fees, rules, and payment plans
• Arrange digital devices if needed
• Inform the school if your child needs learning or health support
• Watch out for RTE updates
• Visit the school later if required for document checks or fee payment

Why These Changes Happened

Chennai school admissions changed because:

• The pandemic required safety and distance
• Schools adopted technology for learning and communication
• Parents needed more flexibility due to job loss or travel limits
• The government improved public schools and promoted early enrollment
• Mental health and learning support became a focus
• Fee support and transparency became necessary

These changes are likely to stay. Schools now see that digital admissions help save time and reduce stress. Government campaigns bring in more children. Hybrid learning is now part of regular schooling.

Final Note For Parents

The admission process now is more digital. But it still focuses on people. Schools look for children who are curious, friendly, and eager to learn. They look for families who support learning at home.

If you stay organized, apply early, and help your child feel comfortable, you can manage admissions well. Keep copies of your documents and ask questions when unsure.

These changes are meant to make admission smoother and fairer for every family in Chennai.

Visit Skoodos to know about the admission process of the best schools in Chennai.