Delhi to mandate 6+ age for Class 1 from 2026; DoE orders main pre-primary restructuring

The Directorate of Training (DoE), Authorities of Nationwide Capital Territory of Delhi, has introduced the implementation of a uniform age criterion of six years for admission to Class 1 ranging from the educational session 2026–27. The transfer comes in keeping with the directives of the Nationwide Training Coverage (NEP) 2020 and the Proper of Youngsters to Free and Obligatory Training Act, 2009.In a round dated June 20, the directorate has notified all heads of presidency, government-aided, and recognised unaided non-public colleges of the restructuring of the foundational stage and enforcement of the revised age standards. The coverage mandates three years of pre-primary schooling — from Nursery to Higher Kindergarten — earlier than a baby is eligible for admission to Class 1.
Revised age construction
In line with the brand new framework, the age for admission to pre-primary and Class 1 might be regulated as follows:
- Nursery (Bal Vatika/Preschool 1): 3+ years
- Decrease KG (Bal Vatika/Preschool 2): 4+ years
- Higher KG (Bal Vatika/Preschool 3): 5+ years
- Class 1: 6+ years
The DoE has said that the nomenclature for pre-primary courses is versatile and could also be altered as per institutional necessities.The directive clearly states that “a baby could also be admitted to Class I solely upon completion of six years of age from Educational Session 2026–27 onwards.”
All colleges underneath purview
The coverage is relevant throughout all colleges affiliated with the Directorate of Training, together with authorities, government-aided, and recognised unaided non-public establishments. Colleges have been instructed to arrange for the transition and await additional implementation tips, which might be issued in the end.To make sure a participatory method, the DoE has referred to as upon lecturers, mother and father, faculty administration committees, instructional establishments, topic consultants, and most of the people to submit recommendations and suggestions on the execution of the brand new construction.“To make the method extra inclusive and participatory, it’s important to offer a possibility for all stakeholders to contribute their inputs and recommendations concerning varied points of the mechanism being developed,” the round said.The restructuring aligns Delhi’s faculty admission norms with the nationwide schooling roadmap and is aimed toward making certain developmentally applicable studying for college kids getting into the formal faculty system.Right here is the hyperlink to obtain the official discover concerning Delhi faculty admissions 2025-26.