Delhi School Age Limit Change: DoE Announces 6-Year Minimum for Class 1 Admission

Delhi’s DoE just announced a new admission rule that a lot of parents will want to know. From the 2026–27 session, only kids who are 6 years or older can get into Class 1. This has now become an official part of the Delhi School Age Limit rules.

Inspired by NEP 2020, this change focuses on bringing uniformity to the education structure across India and making sure children start primary school at an age that supports their learning readiness.

In this blog, we’ll outline the major changes, present the new age requirements starting from nursery, review how admissions may be influenced, and suggest the best next steps for parents.

1. Why Has Delhi Changed the Age for Class 1 Admission?

The reason is simple Delhi is aligning its system with NEP 2020, and this rule is now included in the updated age criteria.

1.1 NEP 2020 School Structure: 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 Model

Foundational Stage (5 years)

• 3 years of preschool

• Classes 1 and 2

Preparatory Stage (3 years)

• Classes 3, 4, 5

Middle Stage (3 years)

• Classes 6, 7, 8

Secondary Stage (4 years)

• Classes 9 to 12

According to the ideal setup, kids should join Class 1 at 6 years. Still, a lot of Delhi schools used to take children earlier around 5 or 5.5 years and this mismatch between states often resulted in learning and readiness gaps.

1.2 Goals of Raising the Minimum Age to 6 Years

• Bring school entry age in line with NEP 2020

• Ensure children’s cognitive and emotional readiness

• Reduce early academic pressure

• Standardize elementary education practices across the country

2. When Was This Update Announced?

The updated age-rule notification was formally issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE) on 24 October 2025. As per the circular, the revised Delhi School Age Limit policy will come into force starting from the 2026–2027 academic session. The advance notice gives parents enough time to reorganize their child’s admission timeline.

3. New Age Criteria for Nursery, KG & Class 1 in Delhi

As part of NEP implementation, Delhi has set new age rules for early schooling:

• Nursery: 3 years

• LKG: 4 years

• UKG: 5 years

Beginning in 2026–27, Class 1 admission will only be for children who are 6 years old. Children who turn 6 on or before 31 March 2026 will qualify for Class 1 in that academic session.

This updated structure clearly defines the Delhi School Age Limit for all entry-level classes.

4. How This Policy Affects Parents and Students

4.1 A One-Year Shift for Many Children

Parents expecting to admit their 5.5-year-old children to Class 1 may need to extend UKG by a year. This isn’t a hold-up it’s a realignment to match worldwide educational benchmarks.

4.2 More Focus on Foundational Learning

With an extra year in preschool, children get:

• Better language development

• Improved motor skills

• Stronger social and emotional learning

• Early numeracy and literacy readiness

4.3 A Uniform Standard Across Schools

All Delhi government, private, and aided schools must follow the same Delhi School Age Limit guidelines.

4.4 Reduction of Early Academic Stress

Younger children often face:

• Learning gaps

• Stress

• Low confidence

The new rule prevents premature academic burden.

For more info: Read more

5. What Parents Should Do Now: A Practical Guide

5.1 If Your Child Is in Nursery (2025–26)

The expected path will be:

• 2025–26 → Nursery

• 2026–27 → LKG

• 2027–28 → UKG

• 2028–29 → Class 1 (age 6+)

5.2 If Your Child Is in LKG

They may need an additional preschool year depending on their age.

5.3 If Your Child Is Already 5+

Check if your child turns 6 before 31 March 2026.

5.4 Talk to Your School Early

Most schools will:

• Adjust class placements

• Offer bridging programs

• Guide parents through transitions

For more info: Read more

6. How Schools Are Implementing the New Policy

• Updated admission forms

• Strict birth certificate verification

• Smooth transition support for existing students

• Orientation sessions and NEP awareness programs

7. Why Starting Class 1 at Age 6 Is Better for Your Child

Parents often worry their child will “lose a year,” but research shows otherwise.
Starting Class 1 at the correct age — as per the new Delhi School Age Limit — offers benefits such as:

• Strong foundational literacy

• Better comprehension

• Enhanced creativity and confidence

• Lower stress levels

8. What If Parents Planned Admission at Age 5?

You still have options:

• Keep the child in UKG or Balvatika

• Continue structured home learning

• Enroll them in activity-based programs (Montessori, play schools, etc.)

9. Common Questions Parents Are Asking

Q1. Does this new age rule apply to private schools as well?

Ans: Yes. The 6-year minimum age applies to All Delhi schools.

Q2. Can parents request any age relaxation for Class 1?

Ans: School can allow up to One month of age relaxation for Nursery to Class 1 admissions.

Q3. What happens if my child turns 6 in April instead of before 31 March?

Ans: Your child will be placed in the Next admission cycle because they will not meet the 31 March cutoff for that academic year.

Q4. Are other states following the same 6-year entry age for Class 1?

Ans: Yes. Many states across India have already aligned with the NEP 2020 guideline of starting Class 1 at age 6.

For more info: Read more

10. Future Impact on India’s Education System

This change supports:

• Higher literacy and numeracy outcomes

• Lower dropout rates

• International alignment

• Strong foundational learning

Conclusion

Delhi’s move to make 6 years the minimum age for Class 1 from 2026–27 is a big change and fully in line with NEP 2020. Parents might need to tweak their plans a bit, but the new Delhi School Age Limit is meant to help kids start school when they’re truly ready, setting them up for better learning in the long run.