The Delhi government has announced a major change in school admissions: from the academic session 2026-27, children entering Class 1 in all government, government-aided, and recognised private schools under the Directorate of Education (DoE) will need to be at least 6 years old. The move comes as part of a phased revision of age criteria for the foundational stage, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key Changes in Foundational Stage Admissions
Currently, the foundational stage in Delhi schools includes Nursery, KG, and Class 1, with minimum ages for admission set at 3+, 4+, and 5+ years, respectively. Under the new system:
- Nursery (Balvatika 1 / Pre-School 1): 3–4 years
- Lower KG (Balvatika 2 / Pre-School 2): 4–5 years
- Upper KG (Balvatika 3 / Pre-School 3): 5–6 years
- Class 1: 6–7 years
School heads may allow a one-month relaxation in both minimum and maximum age limits for admissions from Nursery to Class 1.
Phased Implementation
The revised age criteria will not apply to students of the current 2025-26 academic session. Students currently in Nursery, KG, or Class 1 will be promoted according to the existing structure in 2026-27.
The Lower KG and Upper KG classes will only be introduced in 2027-28, with admissions based on the new age structure. New admissions to KG in 2026-27 will be open to children aged 4+ years as of March 31, 2026.
Exemptions for Existing Students
Children who have completed a previous class at any recognised school and possess a valid School Leaving Certificate (SLC) and mark sheet will be exempted from the age criteria when seeking admission to the next class.
The DoE has instructed all school heads to clearly communicate these changes to parents and ensure strict compliance with the revised age structure for admissions and student progression.
Why the Change Matters
The Delhi government’s move to implement a uniform admission age of 6+ for Class 1 aims to standardize the school entry process and align with NEP 2020’s recommendations. By restructuring the foundational stage, authorities hope to provide children with better learning outcomes, age-appropriate curriculum, and smoother progression through primary education.
Parents are advised to plan their child’s admissions according to the new timelines and age criteria to avoid confusion during the transition period.
