Haryana to strictly enforce 6-year age rule for Class 1 admissions, ends relaxations

The Haryana government has decided to strictly implement the minimum age requirement of six years for admission to Class 1 from the upcoming academic session, putting an end to the relaxations that were allowed in previous years. The move brings the state fully in line with the provisions of the National Education Policy, 2020, which prescribes age-appropriate entry into formal schooling.

Officials from the state education department said that children must complete six years of age as per the prescribed cut-off date to be eligible for admission to Class 1. Schools, both government and private, have been instructed to follow the norm without exception, and no special permissions or discretionary relaxations will be granted.

In recent years, Haryana had permitted limited flexibility in age criteria, largely due to disruptions caused by the pandemic and variations in admission practices across schools. This, officials said, led to inconsistencies and complaints from parents, particularly regarding uneven application of rules by private institutions.

With the fresh directive, the government aims to standardise admissions and ensure uniformity across the state. Education department officials noted that early entry into formal schooling can place undue academic pressure on children, while age-appropriate admission supports better learning outcomes and overall development.

Schools have been asked to clearly communicate the age criteria to parents during the admission process to avoid confusion and last-minute disputes. District education officers will monitor compliance, and any violation of the age norm may invite action against erring schools.

Parents whose children do not meet the age requirement this year have been advised to opt for pre-primary or preparatory classes, in keeping with the new school structure recommended under the National Education Policy.

The state government said the decision is part of a broader effort to align school education with national guidelines and to ensure that admissions are conducted in a transparent and child-centric manner.