By Admin 
Delhi government has taken an important decision regarding the admission process in its government schools. The Directorate of Education has issued new rules to be implemented from the academic session 2026-27, under which the minimum age of a child for admission in Class 1 has now been fixed at 6 years and the maximum age at 7 years.
This change has been made in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right to Education Act 2009. The Education Department says that this decision has been taken keeping in mind the mental, emotional and social development of children, so that they are fully prepared for formal education.
Age limit fixed under new rules
In the new circular issued by the Delhi government, the age from pre-school to first class has been fixed as follows –
- Nursery (Pre-School 1): 3 to 4 years
- Lower KG (Pre-School 2): 4 to 5 years
- Upper KG (Pre-School 3): 5 to 6 years
- Class 1: 6 to 7 years
school heads will get 1 monthly discount entitlement
The Directorate of Education said that the Head of School has been given the right to give age relaxation up to one month. That is, if the age of the child is slightly less or more than the prescribed limit, then the school head will be able to allow admission at his discretion.
Apart from this, students who are already studying in a recognized school and want to move to the next class will be exempted from the age limit, so that their studies do not get hampered.
Emphasis on transparency and equal opportunity
According to officials, this step will make the admission process more transparent and ensure equal opportunities for all children. Instructions in this regard have been issued to all government, aided and private schools.
Why was this decision taken,
According to the Education Department, the main objective of this change is to improve the educational quality of children and strengthen the level of elementary education. By the age of 6, children usually develop basic reading, writing and comprehension abilities, which improves their literacy and numeracy skills. Apart from this, this policy will also help in reducing the inequalities present in elementary education.
No effect on old students
The Directorate of Education has also clarified that currently students studying in Nursery, KG or Class 1 will be able to continue their studies as per the existing rules. The new rules will be applicable only to new admissions from session 2026-27. In this way, the Delhi government has made a major change in the early stage of education, trying to ensure that every child starts his schooling at the right age, at the right developmental level.