Education Ministry Mandates Minimum Age of 6 For Class 1 Admission From 2024 Academic Session – News18

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has introduced updated guidelines for Class 1 admissions from the upcoming 2024 session. As per the latest directive issued on February 25, all states and Union Territories (UTs) must ensure that students seeking admission to Grade 1 are at least 6 years old. This directive is in line with the provisions outlined in both the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) shared a letter on social media platform X (Formerly Twitter), drawing attention to previous correspondences, including D.O. letter No. 9-2/20-IS-3 dated 31.03.2021, and a subsequent letter of even number dated 09.02.2023.

“I would like to invite your kind attention to this Department’s D.O. letter No. 9-2/20- IS-3 dated 31.03.2021 followed by D.O. letter of even number dated 09.02.2023 (copies enclosed) wherein all States/UTs were requested to align the age of admission as per the provision contained in NEP 2020 and RTE Act, 2009 and ensure admission to Grade-I at the age of 6+ year,” the letter signed by Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy reads.

As the new session 2024-25 will begin soon, the MoE expects states/UTs to have adjusted their admission policies accordingly. MoE has requested personal attention from relevant authorities to ensure compliance and share the implementation status by 20.02.2024.

“The session 2024-25 is soon to begin when new admissions will take place. It is expected that the age in your State/UT has now been aligned to 6+ for admission to Grade-1, accordingly. I request you to kindly look into the matter personally, to ensure compliance and share the implementation status of the same by 20.02.2024. For this purpose, you may share the notification/instruction passed by you in this regard,” the letter further adds.

According to the NEP 2020, children in the age group of 3-6 are not covered in the 10+2 structure as Class 1 begins at age 6. In the new 5+3+3+4 structure, a strong base of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) from age 3 is also included, which is aimed at promoting better overall learning, development, and well-being.