Class 1 Admission Age Criteria Delhi: Delhi Government has fixed the minimum age for admission in Class 1 at 6 years in government, aided and recognized private schools from 2026-27. Read full details about the new age limit and foundational stage structure.
Delhi School Admission 2026: Delhi government has made a big change for students and parents. The Directorate of Education (DoE) has announced that the minimum age for admission in Class 1 in all government, government-aided and recognized private schools will be 6 years from the academic session 2026-27. This step has been taken in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and is designed to strengthen the foundation of children’s education.
What changes happened regarding admission in class 1?
Now admission in the foundational stage i.e. elementary education will be decided according to age. According to the new admission age structure-
- Nursery (Balvatika 1, Pre-School 1): Minimum 3 years, Maximum 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
- However, school heads can give relaxation of 1 month in the minimum and maximum age for children.
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When will the new rule of age limit in Delhi school admission come into effect?
- This new age limit will not be applicable to children of academic session 2025-26.
- New KG admissions will open for children aged 4+ in 2026-27.
- Lower KG and Upper KG classes will start only from 2027-28.
- Age related rules will not be applicable for children who have already completed their studies from a recognized school. They just have to show valid School Leaving Certificate (SLC) and mark sheet.
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What instructions were given to schools by DoE?
DoE has directed all school heads to ensure that parents are clearly informed about the new rules and the age rule for admission is strictly followed. The main objective of this change is to strengthen the equality and foundation in the education of children. Now both parents and schools can prepare according to the new age limit.