TN, Telangana Among 6 States And UTs Yet To Implement Minimum Age Rule For Class 1 Admissions

The age requirement is based on the NEP 2020, which categorises children aged three to eight in the foundational stage of schooling.(Representative/Getty Images)

Six states and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Kerala, have yet to adopt the 6-year minimum age requirement for Class 1 admissions. According to sources from ANI, 30 states and UTs have already adjusted their admission criteria in line with the policy.

In 2023, the education ministry instructed states and UTs to admit students to Class 1 only at the age of “6+” years, replacing the earlier “5+” years practice, as stipulated by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. However, some states continue to follow different age criteria for Class 1 admissions.

“The policy is very clear. Admission to Grade I has to be at six years of age, and States and UTs have been asked to strictly align their admission norms accordingly,” a source stated. “So far 30 states and UT have implemented the rule, but Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puduchery, Kerala and Chhattisgarh have not implemented the directives yet,” the source added.

The age requirement is based on the NEP 2020, which categorises children aged three to eight in the foundational stage of schooling. Under the revised 5+3+3+4 structure, the foundational stage includes three years of pre-school education followed by two years of primary schooling. Before the NEP 2020, children aged 3 to 6 were not formally included in the 10+2 schooling system. The policy aims to enhance learning outcomes, development, and overall well-being by establishing a strong foundation from age three.

In 2024, the centre reiterated the requirement to states and UTs. In the latest notice dated February 15, 2024, the Ministry of Education emphasised that the age of admission to Grade 1 should be 6+ years and urged all states and UTs to ensure compliance for the upcoming academic session.

The Delhi government has, meanwhile, directed all government, government-aided, and recognised private schools to start following the minimum age rule for class 1 admissions starting from the 2026-27 academic session.