The Delhi government has announced that children must be at least six years old to enter Class 1 starting from the 2026–27 academic session.
The directive, issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), is part of a broader plan to align the city’s school system with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Under the new framework, Delhi schools will transition to the NEP’s 5+3+3+4 educational model, replacing the traditional 10+2 format. The revised structure introduces five years of foundational learning—including three years of pre-primary education—before a child enters Class 1.
According to the DoE’s circular, admissions will begin with nursery at age three, followed by lower KG at four and upper KG at five. Only after completing this foundational stage will children be eligible for Class 1 at age six.
The move is expected to bring uniformity in early education across government, government-aided, and recognised private schools in Delhi. While the nomenclature for pre-primary stages may remain flexible, the age criteria will be strictly enforced from the 2026 academic cycle onward.
In a bid to ensure inclusive policymaking, the Directorate has invited suggestions from parents, educators, school administrators, researchers, and the public. Feedback can be submitted until July 10 to help fine-tune the implementation strategy.
This shift marks a critical step toward enhancing age-appropriate learning and holistic child development in India’s capital.
