Check whether your child is old enough for Class 1. The minimum age is 6 years under NEP 2020; the cut-off date is set by each State, so pick your State below.
Wondering if your child is old enough for Class 1 this year? Just put in the date of birth, pick your State and the admission year, and this tool tells you whether the child meets the age, going by the cut-off your State uses. And if the child just misses the current intake, it shows you the next session they will qualify for.
Under NEP 2020 and the RTE Act, the minimum age for Class 1 is 6 years. The cut-off date, though, is set by each State, so the exact rule depends on where you live. You can also put in your own school’s cut-off to be fully sure.
Minimum age for Class 1 admission
NEP 2020 and the RTE Act both fix the minimum age for Class 1 at 6 years. What changes from State to State is the date on which the child must be 6, because the RTE Act does not set one common national cut-off. So a child who turns 6 just a day after the State cut-off usually has to wait for the next session.
Many States and most CBSE schools go by 31 March, which means the child should be 6 on or before 31 March of the admission year. Some States use 1 June or another date. Where your State has its own date, the tool uses it; where nothing distinct is published, it falls back to the common 31 March and asks you to confirm locally.
NEP 2020 and the 5+3+3+4 school stages
NEP 2020 changed the old 10+2 system into a 5+3+3+4 structure, built around how children develop. Class 1 sits right at the start of the Foundational Stage, and that is exactly why 6 years is the entry age.
| Stage | Ages | Classes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | 3 to 8 | 3 years pre-school + Classes 1 and 2 |
| Preparatory | 8 to 11 | Classes 3 to 5 |
| Middle | 11 to 14 | Classes 6 to 8 |
| Secondary | 14 to 18 | Classes 9 to 12 |
State-wise Class 1 admission age and cut-off dates
Here are the distinctive cut-offs the tool treats as confirmed. Every other State falls back to 31 March, unless you set your school’s own date.
| State / board | Cut-off date | Entry age |
|---|---|---|
| CBSE / central board | 31 March | 6 years |
| Maharashtra | 31 December | 6 years |
| Gujarat | 1 June | 6 years |
| Goa | 1 June | 6 years |
| Karnataka | 1 June | 6 years |
| Delhi | 31 March | 6 years |
States are still moving to the 6+ rule and some give one-time relaxations. Always confirm the exact cut-off with your school or State education portal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for Class 1 admission in India?
It is 6 years, under NEP 2020 and the RTE Act. The child must complete 6 years on or before the cut-off date the State or school uses for that session.
What is the cut-off date for school admission?
It is the date on which the child’s age is checked. Many States and CBSE schools use 31 March, while some use 1 June or another date. The cut-off is set by each State, not nationally, so it varies from place to place.
My child turns 6 just after the cut-off. What happens?
The child usually has to wait and join Class 1 the next session. The tool shows you the exact next session your child will qualify for, based on the cut-off you select.
What are the ages for Nursery, LKG and UKG?
As a common guide, going by the school cut-off, Nursery is around 3 years, LKG around 4, UKG around 5 and Class 1 is 6. The exact ages do vary by school and State, so it is best to check with the school.
Can I use my own school’s cut-off date?
Yes. Just put in your school’s exact cut-off and the eligibility is worked out against that date, so the result matches your school’s rule exactly instead of a general default.