The Directorate of General Education (DGE), Kerala, has officially released the Higher Secondary (Plus One) Admission Prospectus for the academic year 2026-27. Admissions to Higher Secondary Schools across Kerala will be conducted through the Higher Secondary Centralized Admission Process (HSCAP), ensuring a transparent and merit-based admission system.
Students who have successfully completed SSLC or equivalent examinations can now apply online for admission to Plus One courses in Government, Aided, and selected Higher Secondary Schools across the state.
What is HSCAP?
The Higher Secondary Centralized Admission Process (HSCAP) is Kerala’s centralized online admission system for Plus One admissions. Through this system, students can submit applications, select schools and courses, track allotments, and complete admission procedures online without visiting multiple schools.
The centralized system ensures:
- Transparency in admissions
- Merit-based seat allocation
- Equal opportunities for all eligible students
- Online allotment and admission management
- Easy access to admission status and updates
Who Can Apply?
Students who have passed:
- Kerala SSLC Examination
- CBSE Class 10
- ICSE Class 10
- Other recognized equivalent examinations
are eligible to apply for Plus One admission under HSCAP, subject to the prescribed eligibility criteria. Students from other boards and states may be required to upload additional certificates such as Migration Certificates and Equivalency Certificates.
Age Criteria
Applicants should satisfy the age requirements specified in the prospectus. Certain relaxations are available for reserved categories and differently-abled candidates as per government norms.
How to Apply Online for Plus One Admission 2026
The application process is completely online.
Step 1: Create Candidate Login
Students must visit the official HSCAP portal and create a Candidate Login using their mobile number and OTP verification.
Step 2: Fill the Online Application
After logging in, applicants can:
- Enter personal details
- Provide academic information
- Select district, schools, and course options
- Submit preferences in order of priority
Step 3: Upload Documents (If Required)
Students from other educational boards may need to upload:
- Mark List
- Equivalency Certificate
- Migration Certificate
in PDF format as specified in the prospectus.
Step 4: Verify and Submit
Applicants should carefully verify every detail before final submission. Incorrect information may lead to cancellation of admission at any stage.
Trial Allotment
Before the first official allotment, HSCAP will publish a Trial Allotment.
The purpose of the trial allotment is to:
- Help students understand admission possibilities
- Verify application details
- Make corrections if necessary
- Rearrange school and course options
Students are strongly advised to check the trial allotment and make any required modifications during the correction window.
Main Allotment Process
Admissions will be conducted through multiple allotment rounds.
The allotment system considers:
- Marks obtained in qualifying examination
- Reservation benefits
- Bonus points
- School and course preferences selected by the student
Following the main allotments, supplementary allotments may be conducted to fill vacant seats.
Permanent Admission and Temporary Admission
Students receiving allotment have two options depending on their preference status:
Permanent Admission
Students allotted their most preferred option should complete admission and pay the required fees within the prescribed period. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the allotted seat.
Temporary Admission
Students who wish to wait for higher options in subsequent allotments may take temporary admission and continue participating in future allotment rounds.
Reservation and Bonus Points
The admission process includes reservation benefits and bonus points for eligible candidates.
Bonus points are available for categories such as:
- Children of Ex-servicemen
- NCC Cadets
- Scouts and Guides
- Student Police Cadets
- Little Kites members
- Students from local Panchayats and Municipalities
- Kerala SSLC students
Subject to the maximum limits prescribed in the prospectus.
Important Tips for Students
Choose Options Carefully
The order of school and course preferences plays a crucial role in allotment. Select options strategically based on your marks and interests.
Verify Application Details
Double-check:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Category
- Marks
- School preferences
- Contact details
before final submission.
Track Allotments Regularly
Students should frequently log in to their Candidate Portal and monitor allotment notifications, admission schedules, and updates.
Keep Documents Ready
Ensure all required documents are available before allotment and admission stages to avoid last-minute issues.
Why HSCAP Matters
The centralized admission system has significantly improved the Plus One admission process in Kerala by reducing manual intervention and ensuring fair, transparent, and merit-based seat allocation. Students can apply, track allotments, and secure admissions entirely through a streamlined online platform.
