Explained: From 2026-27, Delhi kids must be 6 years to join Class 1: Here’s what parents should know

This current two-year pre-primary setup with nursery and kindergarten will expand into a three-year system called Balvatika 1, 2, and 3. These will be followed by Class 1, which will now have a minimum entry age of six. This brings Delhi’s foundational stage (ages 3–8) in line with the NEP’s 5+3+3+4 schooling design.

How will it be rolled out?

The transition will be done over three academic years. In 2026-27, schools will begin admissions only for Balvatika 1 (for three-year-olds) and Class 1 (for six-year-olds). Balvatika 2 (for four-year-olds) and Balvatika 3 (for five-year-olds) will be added in 2027-28 and 2028-29 respectively.

By 2028-29, the full three-year pre-primary structure before Class 1 will be in place.

Will kids enrolled this year be affected?

Children already enrolled under the old structure during the 2025-26 session will continue as per existing age norms. The new rules will apply only to fresh admissions from 2026-27 onwards.

School heads can allow up to one month’s relaxation in the minimum or maximum age limits, and transfers from other recognised schools with valid certificates will be exempted.

How are schools preparing?

The DoE has directed all government, aided, and recognised private schools to update admission forms, notices, and prospectus to reflect the revised age criteria.

Schools must inform parents well in advance and prepare for the infrastructural and staffing changes required to accommodate the additional pre-primary year.

Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL Public School, said private school principals will hold an orientation session for parents. “There is no ambiguity in the DoE’s instructions at all. We expect a very smooth transition from the present system to 5 years of foundational stage,” she said.

In a recent circular, the DoE has also directed District Deputy Directors of Education (DDEs) to organise “doubt clearing sessions” for “all concerned including heads of government, government-aided and recognised unaided private schools, parents and all other stakeholders on November 6 and 7 at the respective district offices.”

How does this align with the national framework?

The phased shift aligns Delhi with NEP 2020 and the Right to Education Act, 2009, both of which prescribe six years as the entry age for Class 1. The foundational stage emphasises play-based and activity-driven learning during the early years instead of formal academics.

States like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam have already adopted the six-plus entry norm. Delhi, which continued following the Delhi School Education Rules, 1973, allowing younger children in Class 1, is now catching up with the national standard.

The question of school entry age gained attention in 2022 when Kendriya Vidyalayas raised the minimum age for Class 1 to six years. The Delhi High Court and Supreme Court later upheld this, noting that it conformed with NEP 2020. Following this, the Union Education Ministry urged all states and Union Territories to align with the NEP framework.

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