In a major shift aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Delhi government has announced that children must be at least six years old to enter Class 1 from the 2026–27 academic session.

The Directorate of Education (DoE) has also unveiled a phased restructuring of the pre-primary or foundational stage, redefining age criteria for each level from Nursery to Upper KG.

According to a circular issued by the DoE, the foundational stage currently includes Nursery, KG, and Class 1, with minimum entry ages of 3+, 4+, and 5+, respectively. Under the new framework, the revised age limits (as of March 31) will be:

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

School heads may allow a relaxation of up to one month on either side of the age limit for admissions from Nursery to Class 1.

The circular clarifies that the new norms will not affect students already enrolled in the 2025–26 session. Classes for Lower KG and Upper KG will be introduced from 2027–28, ensuring a smooth transition to the new structure. 

Children currently in Nursery, KG, or Class 1 during 2025–26 will continue under the existing framework and be promoted accordingly in 2026–27.

Admissions to KG for 2026–27 will be open only to children aged 4 years or older as of March 31, 2026. 

However, students transferring from other recognised schools with valid School Leaving Certificates (SLC) and mark sheets will be exempted from the revised age rule.

The Directorate has instructed all school heads to inform parents well in advance and ensure strict compliance with the updated admission and progression criteria.

With this move, Delhi becomes one of the first major states to implement NEP 2020’s vision of a structured 5+3+3+4 education system—aimed at aligning early childhood learning across all types of schools and standardising the start of formal education at age six.