New age cut-offs: What it means for schools that start in April

After years of anxious waiting for clarity around school entry dates, the UAE’s newly announced age cutoff has brought relief to many families — but for parents eyeing Indian curriculum schools, the message is simpler: nothing changes.

- Nandini Sircar

While the policy allows children born between September and December to start prekindergarten earlier from the 2026-27 academic year, Indian schools continue to follow their long-established April-March calendar, leaving admissions rules firmly intact.

As Meena Menon, primary section supervisor from Global Indian International School GIIS), explained, the revised rule — which “allows children born between September and December to start school earlier by extending the cutoff date to December 31” — is designed for schools with a September intake.