School Admission News: 6 Years Minimum Age Mandatory for Class 1 from 2026

In a major update for parents seeking school admissions for the upcoming academic session (2026-27), several state governments have strictly enforced the “6+ Years” rule for Class 1 entry. The Haryana government has officially announced that it will end all age relaxations, making it mandatory for a child to have completed six years of age to get admission into Class 1.

This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 but has created confusion and concern among parents whose children fall short of the cut-off by a few months. Here is a detailed guide on the new age criteria, the states implementing it, and what options parents have.

The New Rule: No Child Under 6 in Class 1

Previously, many schools allowed children aged 5.5 years to enter Class 1. However, starting from the April 2026 session, strict adherence to the NEP guidelines is being enforced.

• The Mandate: A child must be 6 years old on or before the cut-off date (usually April 1 or June 1, depending on the state) to be eligible for Class 1.
• Haryana’s Strict Stance: The Haryana Directorate of School Education has withdrawn its earlier relaxation policies. This means any child born after April 1, 2020, may be denied admission to Class 1 for the 2026-27 session.
• Goa and Other States: Similarly, the Goa government has introduced the Goa School Education Bill, 2026, raising the entry age to six years. States like Delhi, West Bengal, and Karnataka are already moving towards or have implemented similar norms.

Why is the Age Limit Being Increased?

The Ministry of Education has pushed for this change to ensure that children are developmentally ready for formal schooling.

1. Mental Readiness: Experts believe that children under six are better suited for play-based learning rather than the structured curriculum of Class 1.
2. Uniformity: The Centre wants a uniform age structure (5+3+3+4 system) across all states in India.
3. NEP 2020 Compliance: The policy mandates 3 years of Anganwadi/Pre-school followed by Class 1 at age 6.

What Happens to Children Who Are Underage?

This is the biggest worry for parents. If your child is 5 years and 8 months old, they cannot enter Class 1 this year in states enforcing the rule.

• Option 1: Balvatika (Pre-Primary 3): Schools are advised to accommodate these children in “Balvatika 3” or Senior KG. They will repeat the pre-primary year but with a bridge course to keep them engaged.
• Option 2: Apply Next Year: Parents will have to wait for the 2027-28 session for Class 1 admission.

State-Wise Age Criteria Status (2026)

Parents should check the specific notification for their state, as rules vary slightly.

Read more: PMJAY 2026 Updates

State	Class 1 Minimum Age (as of April/June 2026)	Status
Haryana	6 Years	Strictly Enforced (No Relaxation)
Delhi	6 Years	Already in effect
Karnataka	6 Years	Implemented (Cut-off June 1)
Goa	6 Years	New Bill Introduced
Uttar Pradesh	6 Years	Enforced
Kerala/Telangana	5+ Years	Relaxation continues in some schools

What Should Parents Do Now?

If you are planning your child’s admission this month:

1. Check School Circulars: Do not rely on old information. Visit the school’s website and read the “Eligibility Criteria” for 2026-27 carefully.
2. Calculate Exact Age: Use the cut-off date mentioned (usually March 31 or April 1, 2026). Even a gap of 1 day can lead to rejection in computerized systems.
3. Don’t Panic: If your child is underage, enrolling them in a Balvatika or Senior KG class is beneficial for their foundation. It is better than forcing them into a higher grade prematurely.

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