Delhi government to set uniform Class 1 admission age at 6+ from 2026-27

Digital Desk

The Delhi government will implement a uniform minimum age of 6 years for admission to Class 1 in all government, government-aided, and recognised private schools under the Directorate of Education (DoE) starting from the 2026-27 academic session.

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.