Delhi School Set 6-Year Age Rule for Class 1 Admission for Academic Session 2026-27

From the 2026-27 academic year, Delhi schools will follow a new rule where children must be at least six years old to get admission in Class 1. This change has been announced by the Directorate of Education (DoE) and is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The NEP introduces a new school structure known as the 5+3+3+4 model. As per this, the foundational stage will now include three years of pre-primary education before Class 1.

What is Changing?

The NEP 2020 has introduced a new school structure called the 5+3+3+4 system, replacing the old 10+2 format. Here’s what it looks like:

• 5 years of foundational stage (including 3 years of pre-school + Classes 1 and 2)

• 3 years of preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5)

• 3 years of middle stage (Classes 6 to 8)

• 4 years of secondary stage (Classes 9 to 12)

New Age Criteria for Pre-Primary and Class 1

As per the new rules:

• Children will be admitted to Nursery (Bal Vatika) at the age of 3 years

• To Lower KG (Pre-school 2) at 4 years

• To Upper KG (Pre-school 3) at 5 years

• To Class 1 at the age of 6 years

Schools can change the names of pre-primary classes as needed.

All Schools Must Follow the New Rules

Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, children will only be allowed to take admission in Class 1 if they are six years old. This rule is part of the new circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), which aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The circular also mentions that the names and structure of pre-primary classes can be changed if needed.

All government, government-aided, and recognised private schools in Delhi must follow this new age rule and the updated foundational structure from the 2026 session onward.

Public Feedback Invited

To make the new age rule smooth and effective, the Directorate of Education (DoE) is asking for feedback from everyone, parents, teachers, students, school staff, and the public. This will help improve the plan before it is fully implemented. Suggestions can be shared until July 10, as mentioned in the official notice.