The minimum age for enrolment to Class 1 will be set to six years shortly. According to authorities on February 22, 2023, the Ministry of Education has advised all states and Union Territories (UTs) to set the minimum age for admission to Class 1 as six years.

The foundational stage, according to the new National Education Policy (NEP), consists of five years of learning opportunities for all children (age three to eight years), comprising three years of preschool education, followed by Classes 1 and 2.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) officials said “The policy thus promotes seamless learning and development of children from pre-school to Class 2. 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 centres”.

"The Ministry has directed State Governments and UT administrations to align their age to admission with the policy and provide admission to Class 1 at the age of six years and above," the official added.

According to MoE authorities, the most crucial component at the foundational level is the availability of skilled instructors who are properly educated in age and developmentally-appropriate curriculum and pedagogy.