 "Children below the age of 6 years will not get admission in class 1, the government has issued a new order")
The Delhi government has made a major change in the education system, setting a minimum age of 6 years for admission to the first class. This new rule will be applicable to all government, government aided and recognized private schools in Delhi. These changes will be implemented from the academic session of 2026-27. The government says the decision is in line with the New Education Policy (NEP 2020) so that children get a strong early education.
What is the new rule?
As per the issued instructions, for admission in the first class, the age of the child should be minimum 6 years and maximum 7 years as on March 31. This means that the age of the child should be above 6 years.
Age range from nursery to first
According to a circular issued by the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE), the new age limit will be as follows:
– Nursery (Balvatika 1 / Pre-school 1): 3 to 4 years
– Lower KG (Balvatika 2 / Pre-school 2): 4 to 5 years
– Upper KG (Balvatika 3 / Pre-school 3): 5 to 6 years
– Class 1: 6 to 7 years
If a child is slightly below or above the age limit, the school principal may grant a relaxation of up to 1 month.
When will the changes take effect?
This new rule issued by the government will be applicable from 2026-27. However, lower KG and higher KG classes will be introduced from 2027-28. This means that children who are in nursery, KG, or first grade in 2025-26 will move to the next grade the following year under the current system.
Which children will be exempt?
Students who have passed their previous class from a recognized school and have their School Leaving Certificate (SLC) and marksheet will be exempted from the age limit rule. This means they will be able to take admission in the next class without the new age limit.
Instructions to schools
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed all schools to fully inform parents about the change and ensure that the new age limit is strictly followed.