Delhi Schools to Mandate 6+ Age for Class 1 from 2026: DoE Unveils Major Pre-Primary Restructuring

Starting with the academic session 2026–27, the Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, has announced a uniform age requirement of six years for admission to Class 1. This transformative policy move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, aiming to ensure that children are developmentally ready for formal schooling.

The directive was issued via an official circular on June 20, 2025, and will impact all government, government-aided, and recognised unaided private schools in Delhi.

Revised Foundational Stage Structure: A 3-Year Pre-Primary Model

To support this change, the DoE is implementing a comprehensive restructuring of the foundational stage of schooling. This includes a clearly defined three-year pre-primary education system that aligns with national guidelines for early childhood care and education (ECCE).

Here is the revised 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 has clarified that while the nomenclature for pre-primary classes (such as Bal Vatika) may vary across institutions, the age structure must be uniformly followed.

From 2026–27 onwards, only children who have reached the age of six will be eligible for admission to Class 1, standardising the entry age across schools in the capital.

Applicable to All Schools Across Delhi

This directive applies universally to all schools under the jurisdiction of the DoE:

• Government Schools
• Government-Aided Schools
• Recognised Unaided Private Schools
   

These institutions are now expected to prepare for the transition and align their admission procedures, curriculum planning, and teacher training with the revised structure. Further implementation guidelines are expected to be issued in the coming months.

Stakeholder Participation Encouraged

Recognising the need for collaboration, the DoE has called for feedback and suggestions from a broad spectrum of stakeholders:

• Teachers
• Parents
• School Management Committees
• Educational Institutions
• Subject Experts
• General Public
   

In its circular, the department emphasized the importance of a participatory and inclusive approach, stating:

“To make the process more inclusive and participatory, it is essential to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute their inputs and suggestions regarding various aspects of the mechanism being developed.”

This open call is designed to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and responsive transition that meets the needs of both learners and educators.

Why This Change Matters: NEP 2020 in Action

The decision marks a crucial step in implementing NEP 2020, which places a strong emphasis on age-appropriate learning and the restructuring of school education into a 5+3+3+4 model. According to this framework:

• The Foundational Stage (ages 3–8) includes three years of preschool followed by Classes 1 and 2.
• It is designed to focus on play-based, activity-based, and discovery-based learning in the early years of education.
   

By ensuring children enter Class 1 at the age of six, Delhi aims to foster developmentally appropriate learning outcomes, reduce early academic pressure, and strengthen the foundational skills necessary for long-term academic success.

What This Means for Parents and Schools

For parents, this shift requires early planning for their child’s admission timeline. Children who are currently 2 years old or older will need to start in Nursery by the 2025–26 session to be eligible for Class 1 in the 2028–29 session.

For schools, the restructuring calls for curriculum adjustments, teacher orientation in ECCE methods, and infrastructure support to handle a more structured three-year preschool model. It also encourages a shift in mindset—from academic performance in early years to holistic development.

Next Steps and Downloadable Notification

The DoE will soon release detailed guidelines for implementation, including revised admission calendars, documentation requirements, and support mechanisms for schools transitioning to the new model.

For those seeking more information, the official circular regarding Delhi school admissions for 2025–26 and beyond is available for download [insert link as needed].

Conclusion: A Progressive Step Towards Educational Reform

Delhi’s move to mandate a 6+ age for Class 1 admission marks a significant policy alignment with national educational reforms and reflects a growing understanding of child development and learning readiness. As the capital's schools prepare for this shift, the policy sets a national precedent for reimagining early education in India, not just in terms of structure, but also in prioritizing the 'right age, right stage' approach to learning.