Class 1 admission in Delhi only after six years of age from 2026-27, says DoE circular

The Delhi government will implement a uniform minimum age for admission to Class 1 from the 2026-27 academic session. According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education, children will be eligible for admission to Class 1 only after completing six years of age.

The Directorate has also announced a restructuring of the foundational stage of school education. Beginning with the 2026-27 session, the foundational stage will include three years of pre-primary education before Class 1. The restructuring of the foundational stage also includes specific age criteria for each level.

As per the revised structure, children will be admitted to Nursery (also referred to as Preschool 1 or Bal Vatika 1) at the age of three years or more, to Lower KG (Preschool 2 or Bal Vatika 2) at four years and above, and to Upper KG (Preschool 3 or Bal Vatika 3) at five years and above. These three levels will form the foundational stage, preceding entry into Class 1.

“A child may be admitted to Class I only upon completion of 6 years of age from Academic Session 2026-27 onwards. Detailed directions regarding the implementation of the above measures will be shared with schools subsequently in due course of time,” the official notice said.

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DoE seeks stakeholder feedback

The revised structure will be applicable to all government, government-aided and recognised unaided private schools under the Directorate of Education. The Directorate of Education states these measures align with the National Education Policy 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009.

To ensure a comprehensive and representative implementation process, the Directorate of Education has opened a channel for public participation. Stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students, school management committees, and education professionals, are invited to submit their inputs and suggestions. Submissions should be sent via email schoolbranchnep@gmail.com by July 10, 2025.