Centre directs states and UTs to fix 6yrs as minimum age for Class 1admission

As per the National Education Policy 2020, the foundational stage consists of 5 years of learning opportunities for all children (between 3 to 8 years) that includes three years of preschool education and 2 years of early primary Class and Class 2.

“The policy thus promotes seamless learning and development of children from pre-school to Grade- II. This can only be done by ensuring accessibility to three years of quality preschool education for all children studying in Anganwadis or Government/Government-aided, private and NGO-run preschool centers,” the Ministry of Education said in a statement.

The ministry directed all the state governments and UT administrations to align their age to admission with the policy and provide admission to Class 1 at the age of 6+ years.

It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court had observed last year that children shouldn’t be sent to schools at a very young age keeping in mind their psychological and mental health.

The ministry also advised the states and UTs to initiate the process of designing and running a two years Diploma in Preschool Education (DPSE) course in their respective jurisdictions.

“The course is expected to be designed by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and run/ implemented through District Institute of Education & Training (DIETs) under supervision and hold of SCERTs,” the Ministry of Education said.