Planning your child’s first step into school life?
The Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27 season is around the corner, and it’s time for parents to prepare for this important milestone! The Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of NCT of Delhi, has issued an official notice regarding a significant restructuring of the Foundational Stage for upcoming school admissions, starting from the academic session 2026–27. This updated framework is in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which highlights the importance of a comprehensive 5-year Foundational Stage for early childhood education, targeting children between the ages of 3 and 8. This stage will now include three years of pre-primary education—Balvatika 1, 2, and 3—followed by the first one year of primary school (Class 1). These changes are designed to ensure a strong educational base and smoother transition for young learners. Below, you’ll find all the essential details parents need to understand the revised age requirements, the phased implementation process, and any special relaxations that have been introduced.
New Age Criteria for Admission (As on 31 March 2026)
As per the official circular (No. 976 dated 24.10.2025), the minimum and maximum age limits for admission from 2026-27 onwards are:
| Class / Stage | Age as on 31 March | Age Range |
| Nursery / Balvatika 1 / Pre-School 1 | 3 + years to 4 years | 3 – < 4 years |
| Lower KG / Balvatika 2 / Pre-School 2 | 4 + years to 5 years | 4 – < 5 years |
| Upper KG / Balvatika 3 / Pre-School 3 | 5 + years to 6 years | 5 – < 6 years |
| Class 1 | 6 + years to 7 years | 6 – < 7 years |
When Will This Be Implemented?
The DoE has announced that the new age structure will be implemented in phases, beginning with the 2026-27 academic session. This means that schools will not be required to switch to the new system all at once; instead, they will transition gradually over the coming years. Institutions will start by introducing the Balvatika model and revised age criteria in certain classes before fully adopting the changes across all foundational stages. This phased implementation approach is intended to give schools, teachers, and families ample time to adjust to the new requirements while ensuring a smooth and steady rollout of the updated early education framework.
Age Relaxation Allowed
To offer families greater flexibility, the circular clearly states that there is a one-month relaxation on both the lower and upper age limits for admissions from Nursery to Class 1. In practical terms, this allows the Head of School to exercise discretion and admit a child who is up to one month younger or older than the prescribed age range for any of these classes. This special provision ensures that children who narrowly miss the cutoff dates still have the opportunity to begin their schooling on time, recognizing that each child’s readiness for school can be unique.
What If your Child Is Already in a School?
Good news — if your child has already passed the previous class (for example, completed Nursery and is moving to KG) with a valid Transfer Certificate and Mark Sheet, they are exempted from the new age rule for that transition. This ensures that existing students are not affected by the new structure.
Key Takeaways for Parents
- For Nursery 2026-27, the child should be 3 to < 4 years old as on 31 March 2026.
- The new age criteria apply only to new admissions from 2026-27 onwards.
- A one-month relaxation may be granted by the Head of School.
- Existing students (with valid TC) are not affected.
- The change is part of the NEP 2020 rollout in Delhi schools.
Official Reference
Circular No. 976, dated 24 October 2025, was officially issued by the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi. This comprehensive circular outlines the newly revised age requirements, the updated structure for the Foundational Stage, and detailed implementation guidelines for all private and government schools across Delhi. To read the full text and ensure you have the latest official information—including any subsequent clarifications or instructions from the Directorate—you can view the complete circular directly on the Department’s website at:
View official circular on edudel.nic.in →
Final Note
Parents planning admission for 2026-27 should review their child’s age carefully before applying. Making sure your child fits within the new age criteria is crucial, as applications that do not meet these requirements may not be considered. Take note of the relevant cutoff dates and any special relaxations available, such as the one-month age flexibility provided by the Head of School, to ensure eligibility. This new structure aims to make early education in Delhi more age-appropriate, development-focused, and nationally aligned with NEP 2020, helping children build a strong academic foundation and supporting their holistic growth in line with modern educational standards.
