Preschool at 3, Class I at six years: NEP 2020 brings shift in age for school admissions

Hyderabad: Challenging traditional norms, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has brought a significant shift in the age requirements for school admissions in India.

NEP 2020 Paradigm Shift:

Under the former system, Class 1 entry had a threshold age of five years. NEP 2020 changed this norm. The age for preschool education has been set at three years, and Class I at six years. This emphasizes the need for a strong developmental foundation before formal education.

Age Requirements for Admissions (2023–24):

As of April 1, 2023, Grade 1 admission requires a minimum age of 6 years, with an upper limit of 8 years. "Differently-abled" candidates enjoy a 2-year age relaxation, broadening the birthdate range for admission. The aim is to align admissions with the NEP and provide quality preschool education for all.

C.B. Mishra, Principal of DAV school, Hyderabad emphasized the necessity of a uniform cut-off date for determining a child's age.

“This plea for consistency reflects the challenges posed by differing cut-off dates across states, calling for a standardized approach to streamline the admission process” he added.

Variations in State Practices:

A response in the Lok Sabha reveals wide variations in age criteria among states, with 14 allowing Class 1 admission for children under six. The Central government urges states to align their policies with the NEP, emphasizing a uniform cut-off date for calculating a child's age.

“The acknowledgment of wide variations in age criteria among states, as stated in the Lok Sabha response, highlights the existing disparities in admission practices. This recognition is a precursor to the Education Ministry's call for states to realign their policies, aiming to create a more standardized and uniform system nationwide,” C.B. Mishra stated.

“Education Ministry's directive underscores the importance of aligning the age of admission with the NEP policy, specifically emphasizing entry into Grade 1 at the age of 6+. This indicates a commitment to implementing the policy changes and ensuring that educational institutions adhere to the new standards outlined in the National Education Policy of 2020” said Dr. Harish Mirchandani, principal of Sadhu Vaswani International School, Kompally.

“The Supreme Court's decision to quash the petition challenging the "6+" rule demonstrates judicial support for the alignment with the NEP. The court, in dismissing the petition, affirms the legitimacy and necessity of the age-related changes, reinforcing the transformative impact of the National Education Policy in shaping the educational landscape” said Geetha Vishwanathan, principal of DPS, Hyderabad.

Impact on Kendriya Vidyalayas and Legal Challenges:

The Kendriya Vidyalayas implemented the "6+" rule last year, leading to legal challenges quashed by the Supreme Court. This decision aligns with the NEP and signifies a shift in educational philosophy.

Age-Appropriate Standards:

Breaking down age requirements from preschool to higher secondary, the NEP's 5+3+3+4 formula aims to establish a robust foundation for overall learning, development, and well-being.

“Parents are urged to be well informed to navigate the complexities of school admissions successfully,” said Anju Menon, a teacher at St. Theresa School, Sainikpuri.

“Decoding the age criteria for school admission in India, shaped by the NEP 2020, is crucial for parents navigating their child's educational journey. Understanding the changes, variations among states, and legal considerations empowers parents to make informed decisions, ensuring a strong foundation for their children's educational path” said Anjani Mehra, Vice principal of St. Andrew’s School Bowenpally.