Maharashtra has set out a four-year transition towards a minimum age of six for Class 1 admission, with the new rule taking effect from the 2030-31 academic year. The change will not happen overnight: the state will introduce age requirements in stages, beginning with nursery admissions in 2027–28.
Under a government resolution issued by the School Education Department, a child’s age will be assessed as of June 30 of the relevant academic year. The move aims to bring school admission rules in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and address differences in age requirements across school boards.
For parents, the phased schedule means the age cut-off will rise at each pre-primary stage before the Class 1 rule comes into force.
FROM NURSERY TO CLASS 1: THE AGE CHECKLIST
The government resolution sets out the following minimum ages for admission:
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Nursery or Balvatika-1: Three years from the 2027-28 academic year.
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Junior KG or Balvatika-2: Four years from 2028-29.
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Senior KG or Balvatika-3: Five years from 2029-30.
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Class 1: Six years from 2030-31.
Children must meet the prescribed age by June 30 of the relevant year. The Directorate of Primary Education in Pune will issue further instructions and admission guidelines.
WHY IS MAHARASHTRA CHANGING THE RULE?
The state said different age cut-off dates were being followed for Class 1 admissions in schools affiliated with the Maharashtra State Board, Central Board of Secondary Education, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations and International Baccalaureate.
It also pointed to the absence of a uniform minimum age for pre-primary admissions.
The government resolution says the new criteria follow NEP 2020 and the Centre’s communication that children should be more than six years old for Class 1 admission. The phased rollout is intended to bring greater consistency to school entry requirements.
ALREADY IN SCHOOL? HERE IS THE RELIEF
The new criteria will not apply to children already enrolled in nursery through Class 1 during the 2026-27 academic year.
Students who have passed the previous class at a recognised school will also be exempt from the revised age requirements when moving to the next higher class.
School heads can grant a relaxation of 15 days in the minimum and maximum age limits for admissions from nursery to Class 1.
Parents should watch for the Directorate of Primary Education’s detailed guidelines before making admission decisions under the revised schedule.
(With PTI inputs)
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