School Starting Age by State – Class 1 Admission Age Guide in India
Each Indian state may follow different rules for minimum school starting age, especially for Class 1 admission.
This page provides an updated list of state-wise age criteria based on the latest education policies.
Use it as a reference before filling out school admission forms.
Class 1 Admission Age by State – 2025 Update
| State / Board | Class 1 Minimum Age | Cutoff Date | Follows NEP 2020? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBSE (all India) | 6 years | 31 March | ✅ Yes |
| Maharashtra | 6 years | 30 September | ✅ Yes |
| Karnataka | 6 years | 1 June | ✅ Yes |
| Tamil Nadu | 5+ years | 31 July | ⚠️ Partially |
| Telangana | 6 years | 1 June | ✅ Yes |
| Andhra Pradesh | 6 years | 1 June | ✅ Yes |
| West Bengal | 5+ years | 1 January | ❌ No |
| Delhi (Govt. Schools) | 6 years | 31 March | ✅ Yes |
| Uttar Pradesh | 6 years | 1 April | ✅ Yes |
| Gujarat | 6 years | 1 June | ✅ Yes |
📌 Boards are shifting to 6+ years for Class 1 based on NEP 2020 compliance.
What Is NEP 2020’s Guideline on School Age?
The National Education Policy (NEP 2020) recommends:
- 💡 6 years of age for entry into Class 1
- 📘 A 5+3+3+4 structure (Foundational + Prep + Secondary)
- 📅 Uniform cutoff dates for all boards
Most states are now aligning with this model for academic year 2025–26 onward.
Why Does Age Rule Vary by State?
- 🏛 Education is a state subject in India
- 🏫 Local boards & private schools may follow different age policies
- ⚖️ Court rulings & parental petitions sometimes delay uniform adoption
How to Use This Table
Use the chart above to:
- 📝 Confirm eligibility before applying for admission
- 📋 Prepare documents & proof of age
- 🎓 Choose schools aligned with your child’s birthdate
🎯 Not Sure If Your Child Is Eligible?
Use our School Admission Age Calculator to find the right class based on date of birth and state-wise cutoff dates.
🧮 Try the Calculator Now