In a landmark move to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Delhi Government has announced sweeping reforms to the school education system starting from the 2026-27 academic session.
As per a new circular issued by the Directorate of Education, the minimum age for admission to Class 1 has been revised to six years, bringing Delhi’s educational structure in line with the national 5+3+3+4 pattern, replacing the decades-old 10+2 system.
What’s Changing?
New Age Norm: Children must have completed six years of age to be eligible for admission to Class 1 from the 2026 academic session onwards.
Restructuring of Foundational Stage:
Nursery: Above 3 years
Lower Kindergarten (LKG): Above 4 years
Upper Kindergarten (UKG): Above 5 years
This three-year pre-primary education phase will be mandatory for all government, government-aided, and recognized private schools.
Why This Change?
The reforms aim to provide a stronger foundation in early childhood education, crucial for the cognitive and emotional development of children. The move ensures that children entering formal schooling are mentally and socially prepared, aligning with global education standards.
Government Seeks Public Feedback
The Directorate has also called for suggestions and inputs from parents, teachers, education experts, students, and the public before July 10, 2025. Feedback can be emailed to schoolbranchnep@gmail.com.
Impact on Parents & Schools
Parents will need to plan early admissions into the pre-primary stages.
Schools—both public and private—will need to adjust their age criteria and admission processes accordingly.
The reform aims to bridge learning gaps in foundational literacy and numeracy, preparing students better for higher classes.
A Progressive Step for Delhi’s Education Landscape
This decision places Delhi among the leading states aligning closely with the NEP 2020’s holistic education vision, focusing on early childhood care and education (ECCE).
