The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has announced a new uniform age criterion for Class 1 admission. Beginning with the 2026–27 academic session, children must be six years old for admission to Class 1. This change aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
In a circular issued on June 20, the DoE informed all government, government-aided, and recognized unaided private schools about the restructuring of the foundational stage of education. The policy mandates three years of pre-primary education before Class 1.
Revised Delhi Class 1 Admission Age Structure
- Nursery (Bal Vatika/Preschool 1): 3+ years
- Lower KG (Bal Vatika/Preschool 2): 4+ years
- Upper KG (Bal Vatika/Preschool 3): 5+ years
- Class 1: 6+ years
The DoE confirms flexibility in pre-primary class nomenclature. However, the age criterion for Class 1 will be strictly enforced from the 2026–27 academic year.
This policy applies to all schools under the Directorate of Education’s purview. Schools must prepare for this transition. Further implementation guidelines will be issued soon.
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To ensure an inclusive process, the DoE invites suggestions and feedback from teachers, parents, school management committees, educational institutions, subject experts, and the general public. This participatory approach aims to refine the mechanism for the new structure.
This restructuring aligns Delhi’s school admission norms with the national education roadmap. It promotes developmentally appropriate learning for students entering formal schooling.
