The Ministry of Education in India has issued a directive requiring all states and Union territories to ensure that children entering Class 1 in the 2024–25 school year meet the minimum age requirement of six years. This directive is in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
In a notice dated February 15, 2024, the Ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to the minimum age requirement for admission to Grade 1. The notice was sent to all states and Union Territories, urging them to take the necessary steps to implement the directive starting from the next academic session.
The Ministry highlighted the upcoming academic session as the time when new admissions will take place, underscoring the need for the age requirement to be enforced. This directive builds upon a previous statement issued by the Ministry in February of the previous year, which called for the implementation of the NEP 2020’s six-year minimum entry age.
According to the NEP 2020, the foundational stage of education lasts for five years and encompasses learning opportunities for children aged three to eight. This includes three years of preschool education followed by Classes 1 and 2. By ensuring that children reach a certain level of emotional, social, and cognitive development before beginning formal schooling, this guideline promotes equity in education.
The Ministry’s directive underscores the importance of consistency and nationwide adherence to NEP rules by directing states and Union Territories to implement the minimum age requirement through official correspondence.
In response to a question in the Lok Sabha in March 2022, the Ministry highlighted significant variations in age requirements for admission to Class 1 across states. It noted that several states and Union territories, including Puducherry, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Delhi, permit the admission of children under the age of six to Class 1.
