NEW DELHI: The central government has directed the states and union territories to raise the minimum age for Class 1 admission to six. The action of the Union Ministry of Education comes as part of the National Education Policy.

According to the new National Education Policy (NEP), the foundational stage consists of five years of learning opportunities for all children (between 3 to 8 years) that includes three years of preschool education followed by Classes 1 and 2.

Children should be ensured uninterrupted learning during the basic education period from pre-school to Class 2. Quality pre-school education should be ensured for children from the age of three. For this, Anganwadis and pre-schools should be set up at the government and private levels.