Ministry Of Education Sets Minimum Age For Class 1 Admissions 6 Years

The centre has mandated that, in the 2024–25 school year, all states and Union territories guarantee that children wishing to enrol in Class 1 meet the minimum age requirement of six years. As per the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, the Ministry of Education reiterated in its most recent notice, dated February 15, 2024, that the minimum age of admission to Grade 1 should be 6 This notice was sent to all states and Union Territories. Every state was urged to abide by the directive and take the required actions to guarantee that it is followed starting with the next academic session, according to the notice.

“The session 2024-25, when new admissions will take place, is soon to begin. It is expected that the age requirement for entrance to Grade I in your state/UT has now been shifted to 6+”, the Ministry stated. The most recent directive is given in the context of a previous statement released by the Ministry of Education in February of last year, which instructed all states and Union territories to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s six-year minimum entry age.

The foundational stage, as defined by NEP 2020, lasts for five years and provides learning opportunities for all children aged three to eight. This includes three years of preschool education, followed by Classes 1 and 2. By allowing every kid to reach a certain level of emotional, social, and cognitive development prior to starting formal schooling, this guideline also advances equity. Additionally, by directing states and Union Territories (UTs) to implement this age limit through letters, the MoE has emphasised the significance of consistency and nationwide adherence to NEP rules.

In March 2022, the Ministry stated in response to a question in the Lok Sabha that there are significant differences in the age requirements between states for admission to Class 1. It further stated that numerous states and Union territories, such as Puducherry, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Delhi, among others, permit admission of children under the age of six to Class 1.