Directorate of Education to Enforce Minimum Age of 6 Years for Class 1 Admissions from 2026–27 Session

Education Correspondent
info@impressivetimes.com

The Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of the National Capital Territory (GNCT) of Delhi, has issued a directive mandating the minimum age of six years for admission into Class 1. This will come into effect from the academic session 2026–27 and is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

As per the official circular, “A child may be admitted to Class I only upon completion of 6 years of age from Academic Session 2026–27 onwards.” This decision aims to synchronize early childhood education with the NEP 2020’s revised 5+3+3+4 structure, which redefines the stages of schooling.

Restructuring of Foundational Stage Education

In line with the NEP framework, the foundational stage has been restructured to include three years of pre-primary education prior to Class 1. This stage now comprises:

• Nursery (Bal Vatika/Preschool 1) at age 3

• Lower KG (Bal Vatika/Preschool 2) at age 4

• Upper KG (Bal Vatika/Preschool 3) at age 5

Following this, students will be eligible for admission to Class 1 at the age of six.

This structure replaces the previous 10+2 system with the NEP’s 5+3+3+4 design:

• Foundational Stage: 5 years (3 years pre-primary + Classes 1–2)

• Preparatory Stage: 3 years (Classes 3–5)

• Middle Stage: 3 years (Classes 6–8)

• Secondary Stage: 4 years (Classes 9–12)

Implementation and Stakeholder Consultation

The DoE has instructed all Heads of Government, Government-Aided, and Recognized Unaided Private Schools in Delhi to implement these age-based changes starting with the 2026–27 academic session.

To ensure a participatory approach, the Directorate has invited suggestions from all stakeholders including teachers, parents, students, School Management Committees, educational institutions, school associations, professionals, subject experts, scholars, and members of the general public.

Suggestions and feedback may be sent via email to schoolbranchnep@gmail.com by July 10, 2025.

This policy update is expected to standardize early education and bring uniformity in admission practices across Delhi schools, while ensuring that children are developmentally ready for formal schooling by the time they enter Class 1.