Odisha to Implement NEP 2020 from 2025-26, Revises Admission Age for Class I

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has decided to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 starting from the academic session 2025-26. As part of this transition, the state has introduced a revised minimum age requirement for admission to Class I to align with the policy’s framework.

Under the new guidelines, children must be at least six years old to be eligible for admission to Class I. This change follows extensive consultations with educationists and experts, focusing on the holistic development of students and ensuring that children begin their formal schooling at an appropriate age.

To provide more flexibility for students and parents, the School and Mass Education Department has also revised the age eligibility cut-off date from March 31 to September 1. This adjustment will accommodate children who turn six later in the year, preventing them from facing delays in starting their education.

The decision aligns with NEP 2020’s emphasis on early childhood education, which stresses age-appropriate learning and foundational literacy. By adopting these reforms, Odisha is taking a major step toward modernizing its education system and ensuring a stronger academic foundation for young learners.