The Directorate of Education (DoE) has announced a revised age structure for early education in Delhi, which will be implemented in phases starting from the 2026-27 academic session. Importantly, students already enrolled from Nursery to Class 1 in 2025-26 will not be affected by the changes.
This phased approach ensures a smooth transition to the new system without disrupting the academic flow of current students.
Phase-wise Implementation of the New Age Criteria
Below is a detailed look at how the new age rules will be applied across different classes from 2025-26 to 2028-29.
Nursery (Balvatika 1 / Preschool 1)
Academic Session
Age as of 31 March
Notes
2025–26
3 years
Existing structure
2026–27
3 years
New structure begins
These students will reach Class 1 in 2029–30 at age 6
2027–28
3 years
Continued under new system
2028–29
3 years
—
KG (Existing class before LKG/UKG split)
Academic Session
Age as of 31 March
Notes
2025–26
4 years
Existing KG structure
2026–27
4 years
Students will move to Class 1 in 2027–28
2027–28
—
Class discontinued due to LKG & UKG introduction
2028–29
—
—
Lower KG (Balvatika 2 / Preschool 2)
Academic Session
Age as of 31 March
Notes
2025–26
—
Not introduced yet
2026–27
—
—
2027–28
4 years
New class introduced
Includes students promoted from Nursery + new admissions
2028–29
4 years
—
Upper KG (Balvatika 3 / Preschool 3)
Academic Session
Age as of 31 March
Notes
2025–26
—
Not introduced yet
2026–27
—
—
2027–28
5 years
New class introduced
New admissions only
2028–29
5 years
Includes students promoted from LKG + new admissions
Class 1
Academic Session
Age as of 31 March
Notes
2025–26
5 years
Existing rule
2026–27
5 years
New admissions allowed
These students move to Class 2 in 2027–28
2027–28
—
Only internal promotions
Includes students promoted from KG (2026–27)
2028–29
6 years
New rule officially applies
Includes promoted Upper KG students + new admissions
Important Note
Schools may offer an age relaxation of up to 30 days on the minimum or maximum age limit. This is subject to approval by the Head of School and varies by institution.
For parents wanting to manage applications and check which schools follow the new rollout most closely, resources such as Ezyschooling can help by listing school-wise updates and application options presented factually to assist planning without promoting specific schools.
