In a bid to streamline the admission process and alleviate confusion among parents, the Directorate of Primary Education has established clear age criteria for admission to private schools under the Right to Education Act (RTE). The move aims to provide clarity regarding the suitable age group for children entering various stages of pre-primary and primary education.
Amidst the commencement of the new academic year, parents often find themselves grappling with uncertainty regarding the appropriate age for their children’s admission to playgroup, nursery, and subsequent classes. However, the recent directive from the Directorate of Primary Education has dispelled these concerns by delineating specific age brackets for admission.
Under the provisions of the RTE Act, the minimum and maximum age limits for admission to 25 percent reserved seats in private schools have been delineated. For the upcoming academic year until December 31, 2024, children aged three years and above are eligible for admission to Play Group or Nursery, while those entering Class I must be between the ages of six years and seven years five months.
The decision to specify age limits for admission aims to facilitate a smoother enrollment process for parents and ensure that children are placed in the appropriate classes based on their age group. By clarifying the age criteria for admission, the Primary Education Department aims to mitigate confusion and streamline the admission process for parents and schools alike.
It’s important to note that the age cut-off for admission is pegged to December 31st of the academic year, thereby ensuring that children born in the latter half of the year are not disadvantaged. This decision, made in September 2020, reflects the department’s commitment to equitable educational opportunities for all children.
The following are the age limits for admission to various classes in the academic year 2024-25:
- Play Group/Nursery: Minimum age – 3 years; Maximum age – 4 years 5 months 30 days
- Junior KG: Minimum age – 4 years; Maximum age – 5 years 5 months 30 days
- Senior KG: Minimum age – 5 years; Maximum age – 6 years 5 months 30 days
- 1st Grade: Minimum age – 6 years; Maximum age – 7 years 5 months 30 days
By establishing clear age criteria for admission, the Directorate of Primary Education aims to facilitate a seamless enrollment process and ensure that every child receives a fair opportunity to access quality education.
