According to officials on Wednesday, the Ministry of Education has ordered all states and union territories to set the minimum age for admission into Class 1 as six years old.
The foundational stage, as defined by the new National Education Policy (NEP), consists of five years of learning for all children (between the ages of 3 and 8), including three years of preschool instruction and then Classes 1 and 2.
“The policy thus promotes seamless learning and development of children from pre-school to Class 2,” a senior MoE official said.
“This can only be done by ensuring accessibility to three years of quality preschool education for all children studying in Anganwadis or government, government-aided, private and NGO-run preschool centers,” the official added.
“The ministry has directed state governments and UT administrations to align their age to admission with the policy and provide admission to Class 1 at the age of six years and above,” the official said.
