New age norms for Nursery to Class 1 announced under NEP 2020 in Delhi

Starting from the 2026-27 academic year, the Delhi government will enforce a uniform minimum admission age of 6+ years for students entering Class 1 across all schools, including government, government-aided, and recognized unaided private institutions under the Directorate of Education (DoE).

This policy forms part of Delhi’s transition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, which restructures the foundational stage of schooling.

The DoE has also announced a phased revision of age criteria for pre-primary classes beginning next year.

Under the new structure, the foundational stage will follow these age guidelines (as of March 31 of the academic year):

• Nursery (Balvatika 1/Pre-School 1): 3 to 4 years
• Lower KG (Balvatika 2/Pre-School 2): 4 to 5 years
• Upper KG (Balvatika 3/Pre-School 3): 5 to 6 years
• Class 1: 6 to 7 years

Schools will have limited flexibility, with principals allowed to provide up to one month of age relaxation on either end of the prescribed limits from Nursery to Class 1.

The circular clarifies that the revised age criteria will not affect students enrolled in the 2025–26 session.

Current Nursery, KG, and Class 1 students will continue under the existing structure when promoted in 2026-27.

Lower KG and Upper KG classes will be introduced starting the 2027–28 academic year, while KG admissions in 2026–27 will accept children aged 4+ years as of March 31, 2026.

Students transferring from recognized schools with a valid School Leaving Certificate and marksheet will be exempt from the age criteria for admission to the next higher class.

The Directorate has instructed all school heads to inform parents about the changes well in advance and ensure full compliance during future admissions.

Officials emphasized that the revised framework aligns Delhi’s school system with the NEP’s 5+3+3+4 model, promoting uniformity and age-appropriate learning milestones across the state.