New Delhi: In a recent development, the Central government has issued a directive urging all states and union territories to ensure that the age for admission to Grade 1 is set at 6 years and above, starting from the academic session 2024-25.
The letter, dated February 15, was issued by the Department of School Education & Literacy under the Ministry of Education. It emphasizes that this directive aligns with the provisions laid out in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
This move signifies a significant shift in the admission age criteria for Grade 1 students, aiming to harmonize the educational system with the principles outlined in the NEP 2020 and the RTE Act. The government is keen on ensuring that educational practices are in line with contemporary policies and regulations.
It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Education had previously released stringent guidelines for coaching centers, explicitly prohibiting the enrollment of students below the age of 16.