Yashika Goel
On Wednesday, officials stated that the Ministry of Education has instructed all states and union territories to establish the minimum age for admission to Class 1 as six years old. The new National Education Policy (NEP) defines the foundational stage as a five-year learning period for children aged between three and eight, which includes three years of preschool education and the first two years of primary school (Classes 1 and 2). This new norm from the Education ministry is part of the government of India’s National Education Policy (NEP).
The focus of this policy is on enhancing foundational learning by integrating early childhood care and education into the formal schooling system. Additionally, the policy involves transferring responsibility for early childhood care and education from the Ministry of Women and Child Development to the Education Ministry. On July 29th, 2020, the Union Cabinet approved a new National Education Policy, the first in 34 years. The NEP proposes a shift from the previous 10+2 school curricular structure to a new 5+3+3+4 structure, which includes formal education for children between the ages of 3 and 5 for the first time.
“The policy thus promotes seamless learning and development of children from preschool to Class 2,” a senior Ministry of Education official said.
According to a response furnished by the Centre in the Lok Sabha in March 2022, there are wide variations in the age criteria among states regarding admission to Class 1. 14 states and Union Territories allow Class 1 admission for children who have not completed six years.
The Department of School Education and Literacy under the ministry has sent a letter to state governments and Union Territory administrations, reiterating their instructions, which have been issued multiple times since the launch of the NEP in 2020.
Kendriya Vidyalaya, which is run by the Government of India, has been adhering to this standard since last year. Now, all aided and private schools are being requested to comply with this requirement.
