One of the most fiercely debated issues in Indian education is the appropriate age for children to start Class 1. Traditionally, several states and Union Territories have permitted Class 1 admission for children who are not yet six years old. However, a new directive issued by the Union government demands that the minimum age for entry to Class 1 be set at six years, as per the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This change affects 14 States and Union Territories which, as of March 2022, allowed younger children to begin Class 1.
New Education Policy’s Take on Minimum Age for Class 1 Admission
The NEP 2020 introduces a new structure for formal schooling. Known as the ‘5+3+3+4’ design, this approach splits education into four stages: the foundational stage (ages 3-8), the preparatory stage (ages 8-11), the middle stage (ages 11-14), and the secondary stage (ages 14-18). Early childhood education, also referred to as preschool for children aged 3 to 5 years, now falls within the realm of formal schooling. The new policy implies that a child needs to be six years old to qualify for admission into Class 1 after completing three years of early childhood education.
It’s worth mentioning that the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, already guarantees education to children aged 6 to 14. Hence, under the RTE Act, children are expected to commence elementary education (Class 1) at the age of 6.
Research Insights on the Ideal Entry Age for Formal Education
Studies conducted in New Zealand provide further evidence on this issue. These studies compared groups of children who began formal literacy lessons at ages 5 and 7. The results highlighted that the children who started at age 5 exhibited less positive attitudes towards reading and had lower comprehension skills than those who started later.
Global Perspective on the Entry Age for Formal Schooling
Internationally, the standard age for starting primary school is six in most European countries and East Asia. Meanwhile, Scandinavian countries initiate formal education at seven years old. This suggests that beginning formal schooling too early may not always yield the best academic outcomes for children.
Relevant Civil Services Examination Question
For further understanding, one can consider a question from the previous UPSC Civil Services Examination Prelims: “Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (2012) Directive Principles of State Policy Rural and Urban Local Bodies Fifth Schedule Sixth Schedule Seventh Schedule Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5”. The correct answer is (d).
