Endorsing NEP, Delhi sets uniform 6+ rule for Class 1

NEW SCHOOL RULES ALSO INCREASE FOUNDATIONAL STAGE CLASSES FROM 2 TO 3: NURSERY, LOWER KG AND UPPER KG

- Aheli Das

Schools in Delhi must admit children to Class 1 only at age six or above from the 2026-27 academic session, according to a directive issued by the city’s education authority, ending years of varying age requirements across institutions. The Directorate of Education (DoE) announced the change in a circular dated Oct 24, restructuring early childhood education to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The reform increases foundational stage classes from two to three, splitting kindergarten into lower and upper KG levels from 2027-28. Currently, Delhi schools operate with nursery classes for children aged three-plus and a single KG class for four-plus pupils. Under the new structure, nursery will admit children aged three to four years, lower KG those aged four to five, and upper KG pupils aged five to six. Children must be aged six to seven years, as of March 31, for Class 1 admission.

The DoE said the age criteria will be implemented in phases. Students currently enrolled in nursery through Class 1 for the 2025-26 session will not be affected. Fresh admissions to nursery under the new age requirement begin in 2026-27, whilst the split KG structure takes effect the following year.