Odisha has recently declared its intention to implement the NEP at the school level in a phased approach
Bhaskar Parichha
The Odisha government has announced that starting from the new academic year, children must be at least six years old to enroll in Class I. This decision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, as stated by the School and Mass Education Department. Beginning with the academic session of 2025-26, the eligibility for admission to Class I will require that a child is six years old by September 1 of that year. This initiative is intended to enhance educational outcomes.
Additionally, the department has instructed all primary schools to establish ‘Sishu Vatikas’ from the 2025-26 academic year, which will serve as supplementary pre-school classes. These Sishu Vatikas will accommodate children aged five to six years for their preschool education.
The state has recently declared its intention to implement the NEP at the school level in a phased approach, with the new policy set to be introduced for primary grades in the upcoming academic session. A high-level committee has been established to oversee this implementation. The educational framework under the NEP will transition to a 5+3+3+4 structure, replacing the current 10+2 system, and will consist of four stages: foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary.
The foundational stage will span five years, during which children aged three to six will receive education in preschool or Anganwadi settings. For Classes I and II, the age range will be six to eight years. Department officials have indicated that the rationale for commencing formal education at the age of six is to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy skills among children. While the current education system includes two years of pre-schooling, the NEP-2020 stipulates a requirement of three years of pre-school education.
Until now, schools within the state have permitted the enrollment of students aged five into Class I. While children aged between three and five can gain admission to pre-primary programs, they may enter Class I if they fall within the age range of five to seven years as of March 31 of the respective calendar year.
A senior official noted, “At present, parents are reluctant to delay their children’s education by a year for various reasons, leading to the enrollment of children in Class I at ages five or six. With three years of pre-school education, these children would have already experienced significant cognitive development, enhancing their ability to learn and engage effectively.”
Over 20 states have adopted the six-year age requirement for admission to Class I. The Kendriya Vidyalaya schools have already revised their policy, establishing the minimum age for admission as six years instead of five.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates for a smooth transition in learning and development for children from preschool through Class II. Officials have indicated that this can be achieved through three years of quality preschool education for all children attending anganwadis, government or government-aided institutions, as well as private and NGO-operated preschools.
(The author is a senior journalist and columnist. Views expressed are personal.)
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