Haryana has officially removed all forms of age relaxation for Class 1 admissions. Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, children must complete six years of age to enter Class 1. This decision brings the state's admission framework in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It also follows directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Impact on Families and Urban Centers
The move will affect thousands of families planning first-time school admissions. This is particularly true in Gurgaon and other urban centers. Competition for entry-level seats remains high in these areas. Parents closely track admission timelines, adding to the pressure.
Court Intervention Leads to Rule Changes
The state government amended the Haryana Right to Education Rules, 2011. Previously, these rules allowed children aged between five and six to join Class 1. This provision caused recurring confusion and legal disputes every admission season.
In the Divisha Yadav versus State of Haryana case, the high court criticized the state. The court noted that Haryana endorsed the NEP norm while continuing with older bylaws. It directed the state to align its rules with central policy.
Placement for Younger Children
Officials clarified the process for children who do not meet the age cut-off. These children will be placed in Balvatika or pre-primary classes. Once they reach the eligible age, they will shift to Class 1. This allows them to continue with the same peer group throughout their schooling.
Private Schools Outline Admission Patterns
Private schools in the region shared insights into their admission processes. DPS Gurgaon (Sector 45) principal Aditi Misra explained seat availability. The school has about 150 pre-nursery seats across six sections. Nursery and kindergarten run multiple sections, each capped at 27–28 students.
"Pre-nursery and nursery seats are usually fully occupied," Misra told the TNN. "Only a few seats are reserved for transfer cases." Class 1 vacancies typically arise due to family relocations. The school conducts draws of lots in the presence of parents to ensure transparency.
High Demand in Early Years
Manav Rachna International School, Sector 51, released admissions for the upcoming session in July. The school informed parents through its website, app, emails, and notice boards. Officials noted that demand for early years far exceeds availability. Limited vacancies occur later due to withdrawals.
Point-Based System at DAV School
DAV School, Sector 49, follows a similar pattern with a point-based system. Principal Charu Maini said the school received around 600 applications for just over 100 nursery and LKG seats. Distance carries the highest weightage in their selection process.
"Admissions to higher classes are conducted through tests," Maini stated. "Merit and extracurricular activities are considered, while 10 percent of seats are reserved under the EWS/DG category."
How Haryana Compares Nationally
A state-wise snapshot shows Haryana joining several regions that enforce the six-year norm. Other states continue with lower entry ages, creating a varied landscape across India.
States with Six-Year Minimum Age
- Haryana: Mandatory from 2026–27 academic session; no relaxation permitted.
- Delhi: Uniform age norm applicable to all schools.
- Goa: Implemented through the School Education Bill.
- Uttar Pradesh: Transition completed.
- Bihar: Following NEP framework.
- Karnataka: Phased implementation with June 1 cut-off.
- Gujarat: Fully implemented with June 1 cut-off.
- Maharashtra: Implemented statewide.
- Punjab: Pre-primary structure reorganized.
States with Lower Entry Ages
- Tamil Nadu: Five years or less; not aligned with NEP age norm.
- Kerala: Five-plus years; lower entry age continues.
- Andhra Pradesh: Five-plus years; not aligned with NEP age requirement.
- Telangana: Five years; lower age norm in force.
- Puducherry: Five years; lower age norm followed.
States with Varying or Compliant Norms
- Chhattisgarh: Age criteria not standardized.
- Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha and others: Mostly six years; largely compliant as per available data; local verification advised.
Education officials reiterated an important point. Parents should rely on official notifications while applying to schools under the revised framework. This ensures they have accurate information for admissions.
