First Class Admission 2025: The Haryana School Education Department has released new guidelines for first-grade admissions for the 2025-26 academic session, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. As per the latest directive, the minimum age for admission to Class 1 has been fixed at six years, and this applies to both government and private schools across the state.
This decision aims to bring consistency with national standards and ensure that students are developmentally ready for formal schooling. Here is everything you need to know about the updated rules, exceptions, and implications for students and schools.
Minimum Age Requirement: 6 Years as of April 1, 2025
According to the circular issued by the Directorate of School Education, Haryana, only those children who have completed six years of age by April 1, 2025, will be eligible for admission into Class 1 for the upcoming academic session. This rule is applicable to all schools, whether government-run or private.
Here is the Important Links for Class 1 Admission 2025 in Haryana.
| S.No. | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Official notification regarding the minimum age requirement for Class 1 admission (dated 03 Feb 2025) | View |
| 2 | Student Admission Form (Downloadable PDF) | Download |
| 3 | Haryana School Education Acts and Rules | View |
| 4 | Guidelines for admission in recognized private schools via UJJWAL portal (dated 15 April 2025) | View |
| 5 | List of Government and Private Schools in Haryana | View |
Age Relaxation Up to September 30, 2025
To ensure that children are not denied the opportunity to start school due to a slight shortfall in age, the department has also allowed a relaxation period up to September 30, 2025. This means that children who turn six between April 2 and September 30, 2025, will also be considered eligible for admission to Class 1 during the 2025-26 session.
This six-month window has been provided to prevent disruption in the academic journey of children and to accommodate those who may have narrowly missed the April 1 cutoff.
Changes from the Current Session (2024-25)
In the ongoing 2024-25 academic session, children aged five years and six months were allowed to enroll in Class 1. However, the new directive raises the age bar by six months, bringing Haryana in line with the age criteria recommended under the National Education Policy 2020.
This adjustment marks a shift towards a more structured and age-appropriate entry into formal education, with a focus on the child’s readiness for classroom learning.
What About Students in Pre-Primary Classes?
A key concern among parents is whether students currently enrolled in pre-primary or preparatory classes would be held back due to the new age rule. The Directorate has clarified that children who are already in preparatory classes and will turn six by September 30, 2025, will be promoted to Class 1 as usual.
Such students will not be made to repeat the year, even if they are not six by April 1. This ensures that the new rule does not penalize students who are already part of the schooling system.
Based on National Education Policy 2020
The revision of the age limit is a direct implementation of the NEP 2020, which recommends that formal schooling should begin at the age of six, following three years of preschool or foundational learning.
Under the NEP’s 5+3+3+4 structure, children are expected to undergo three years of early childhood care and education (ECCE), followed by Class 1 at the age of six. This policy is being adopted across multiple states, and Haryana is among the latest to implement this change in full.
Official Statement from the Education Directorate
The Education Department’s notification clearly mentions.
“Only those children who complete the age of six years on or before April 1, 2025, shall be eligible for admission in Class 1. However, children attaining the age of six years by September 30, 2025, shall also be allowed for admission.”
This policy ensures flexibility while maintaining the structural guidelines of NEP 2020, allowing schools and parents ample time to prepare for the upcoming academic year.
Implementation Across Government and Private Schools
The order has been made mandatory for all schools in Haryana, including private institutions. School heads and administrators have been instructed to follow the age criteria strictly during the admission process. Any deviation may attract administrative action.
The guidelines also aim to eliminate confusion and maintain a uniform age entry point for students across the education system in the state.
What This Means for Parents and Guardians
If you are a parent planning to admit your child to Class 1 in the 2025-26 academic year, here’s what you need to keep in mind.
- Your child must be six years old on or before April 1, 2025.
- If your child’s birthday falls between April 2 and September 30, 2025, they are still eligible for admission due to the six-month relaxation.
- If your child is currently in pre-primary class and turns six by September 30, 2025, they will be promoted to Class 1 without any hindrance.
Make sure to have the birth certificate and relevant school documents ready during the admission process to avoid delays.
Aligning with a National Vision
By implementing this age guideline, Haryana joins other progressive states in aligning its education system with national reforms. The move is expected to improve learning outcomes, reduce dropouts, and ensure that children are developmentally ready when they begin formal schooling.
Conclusion
The Haryana government’s decision to enforce a minimum age of six years for first-grade admissions from the 2025-26 session reflects its commitment to educational reform and child development. With a reasonable age relaxation window and clear guidelines, the state aims to support both schools and families in ensuring a smooth transition.
Parents are advised to stay informed, verify their child’s eligibility early, and coordinate with schools for the admission process well in advance.