The move is part of a phased revision of the foundational stage in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Currently, the foundational stage comprises Nursery, KG, and Class 1, with minimum admission ages of 3+, 4+, and 5+ years, respectively.

Revised age structure

• Nursery (Balvatika 1/Pre-School 1): 3–4 years

• Lower KG (Balvatika 2/Pre-School 2): 4–5 years

• Upper KG (Balvatika 3/Pre-School 3): 5–6 years

• Class 1: 6–7 years

School heads may allow up to one month of age relaxation in both minimum and maximum limits for admissions from Nursery to Class 1.

Implementation details

• The new age criteria will not apply to students enrolled in the 2025-26 academic session.

• Lower KG and Upper KG classes will be introduced only from 2027-28.

• Students who have passed the previous class in any recognised school with a valid School Leaving Certificate (SLC) and mark sheet will be exempt from the age criteria when seeking admission to the next class.

• Admissions to KG in 2026-27 will be open to children aged 4+ years as of 31 March 2026.

All school heads have been instructed to inform parents about the revised age criteria and ensure strict compliance for admissions and student progression.