Understanding the Kerala LSS Exam 2026: Who Can Apply & Cut-Off Explained
The Lower Secondary Scholarship (LSS) Exam is one of Kerala’s most valuable scholarship programs for young learners. Conducted by the Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan under the Department of General Education, it aims to identify academically bright students in Class 4 and provide them with financial support to continue their education confidently.
According to Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty, the LSS and USS exams play an important role in recognizing young talent and building a stronger foundation for higher education across the state.
Many parents wonder: Who can apply? and What is the pass mark for the LSS exam? Let’s explore everything clearly below.
Who Can Apply for the LSS Exam 2026 & Eligibility Criteria?
The LSS scholarship eligibility is simple, but schools and parents must follow certain rules carefully. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Class and School Type
The student must be studying in Class 4 during the academic year 2025–26 in a government, aided, or recognized unaided school in Kerala. The Kerala Department of Education must recognize the school.
2. Registration Process
Unlike normal exams, students do not apply directly for LSS. Applications are submitted only by schools through the Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan LSS/USS portal. Each school selects and nominates eligible students based on internal performance and attendance records.
3. Age Requirement
There’s no separate age limit published for the LSS exam. Students are expected to be within the usual age range for Class 4 as per Kerala’s school admission norms.
4. Category and Reservation
Selection is purely merit-based, but there are category-wise allocations to ensure fair representation. Typically, each sub-district has seats reserved as follows (based on previous cycles):
General Merit: 15
OEC (Other Eligible Communities): 1
SC (Scheduled Caste): 2
ST (Scheduled Tribe): 1
CWSN (Children with Special Needs): 1
The exact category distribution and seat numbers are confirmed each year in the official Pareeksha Bhavan notification.
5. Residency & Recognition
The student must be enrolled in a Kerala-recognized school, which implies Kerala residency through school admission.
6. Subjects and Syllabus
The exam follows the SCERT Class 4 syllabus and covers:
Malayalam (First Language)
English
Mathematics
Environmental Studies (EVS)
If your child is getting ready for the LSS Exam 2026 in Kerala, here’s everything you need to know — from syllabus and exam pattern to preparation tips and scholarship details. The Lower Secondary Scholarship (LSS) exam, conducted by the Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan, helps identify bright Class 4 students and offers them financial support to continue their studies.
The LSS exam is usually conducted offline with objective (MCQ-type) questions.
Paper
Subjects
Total Marks
Duration
Negative Marking
Paper I
Malayalam & English
40
Around 1 hour
None
Paper II
Mathematics & EVS
40
Around 1 hour
None
Total
—
80 marks
—
—
Questions are designed to test understanding and application of Class 4 concepts, not rote learning. Get complete details about the LSS exam timetable in the article below:
One of the most common questions from parents is: “What is the pass mark for the LSS exam?”
The answer is that there is no pre-declared pass mark for the LSS Exam 2026. Unlike regular school exams, the LSS is a scholarship-based selection test. This means the final qualifying marks are decided after the evaluation, based on student performance and paper difficulty.
LSS Exam Indicative Cut-Offs from Previous Years
In the 2025 LSS exam, updates from schools and education forums mentioned that the minimum qualifying mark was 48 out of 80 to be considered for scholarship eligibility. However, the official 2026 cut-off will be announced only when the results are published.
Since LSS is highly competitive, it’s advisable for students to aim for 55–65 marks or higher to safely clear the likely 2026 cut-off.
How the Cut-Off is Decided
The cut-off marks depend on several factors:
Overall performance of students across Kerala
Difficulty level of the question papers
Normalization applied across districts
Policy decisions taken by the Department of General Education
If the exam is found to be more difficult in a given year, the Pareeksha Bhavan may lower the effective cut-off to ensure fairness.
How to Qualify for the LSS Scholarship – Smart Preparation Tips
Here are a few practical ways to help your child qualify confidently:
Follow the SCERT Textbooks: These are the official sources for Malayalam, English, Maths, and EVS.
Focus on Conceptual Learning: LSS questions test understanding, not memorization.
Practice with Previous Papers: This helps students understand question patterns and time management.
Take Mock Tests: Simulating real exam conditions improves speed and accuracy.
Set a Target Score: Aim to score 65+ out of 80 to stay above the expected cut-off range.
Seek Guidance Early: With expert support and structured revision, students can prepare smarter, not just harder.
Prepare with Interval Learning’s LSS Crash Course
Getting ready for the LSS Exam 2026 Kerala doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. With the right guidance, your child can build strong conceptual clarity and perform with confidence.
At Interval Learning, our LSS Crash Course is designed specially for Class 4 students following the Kerala State Syllabus.
What your child gets:
Expert Teachers: Experienced educators who make every concept easy to understand.
Complete Syllabus Coverage: Malayalam, English, Maths, and EVS — all covered thoroughly.
Mock Tests & Practice Papers: Real exam-style practice for better performance.
One-on-One Support: Personal attention to improve weak areas.
Smart Study Plan: Structured revision for maximum results.
Enroll with Interval Learning today — where strong preparation meets lasting success.
The LSS Exam 2026 Kerala offers a golden opportunity for bright Class 4 students to earn scholarships and recognition. Understand the eligibility rules, aim above the expected pass mark for LSS exam, and prepare smartly with expert help.
Start early. Learn smarter. Achieve success with confidence. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Students studying in Class 4 in a government, aided, or recognized unaided school in Kerala are eligible. Schools apply on behalf of the students through the Pareeksha Bhavan portal.
No. There’s no specific age limit. Students should simply be in Class 4 as per Kerala’s school admission norms.
There’s no fixed pass mark. Qualification depends on the cut-off decided after the exam. In 2025, 48/80 was the qualifying mark, but 2026 figures will be announced with results.
The Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan decides it based on student performance, exam difficulty, and normalization policies.
Registration is done only by schools via the Pareeksha Bhavan portal. Students cannot apply individually.
Interval Learning offers structured lessons, expert teachers, and personalized coaching to help students master each subject effectively.
It combines syllabus coverage, mock tests, and one-on-one support to ensure complete preparation — all tailored for Class 4 learners.
Yes. Students receive one-on-one guidance to strengthen weak topics and improve overall confidence.
The earlier, the better. Joining Interval Learning’s LSS Crash Course early helps students complete the syllabus calmly and revise before the exam.
INTERVAL LEARNING
Interval Learning is an online platform that offers one-on-one tutoring in both academic and non-academic subjects. We match students with skilled tutors to create a personalized learning experience across a range of topics. Our resources cover study tips, education trends, and personal development advice to help students, parents, and educators reach their goals. At Interval Learning, we focus on making education accessible, engaging, and suited to each learner’s needs.
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