The Odisha government will implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 starting from the 2025-26 academic session. Under the new guidelines, students must be six years old or older to enroll in Class I. This change aligns with NEP’s goal of creating a flexible and structured early education system.
Revised Age Criteria for Class I Admission
The School and Mass Education Department stated that the revised age requirement aims to enhance the overall academic development of young learners. After consulting scholars and experts, the government extended the deadline for completing six years of age from March 31 to September 1. This adjustment gives parents more flexibility in managing admissions.
“After consultation with various scholars and experts, the age limit for enrollment in Class I has been fixed at six years or above as part of the National Education Policy 2020. The deadline for completing six years of age has been extended to September 1 instead of March 31,” the statement said.
Alignment with NEP 2020 Goals
The NEP 2020 introduces a 5+3+3+4 structure to replace the previous 10+2 system. This change ensures that students begin formal education at an age when they are developmentally ready. Aligning the age requirement with national guidelines helps standardize early education across states.
Implications for Early Education in Odisha
- Improved Learning Outcomes: Starting school at six years ensures that students are developmentally prepared, which enhances learning outcomes.
- Flexibility in Enrollment: Extending the age deadline to September 1 gives parents more time to adjust to the new guidelines.
- Standardization: The revised age limit aligns Odisha’s policies with national standards, ensuring consistency across the education system.
Implementation Timeline
The new age requirement will take effect from the 2025-26 academic session. This provides schools and parents with enough time to adjust to the revised guidelines.
Conclusion
Odisha’s decision to implement NEP 2020 and set the minimum age for Class I at six years reflects a strategic shift toward a more structured education system. This move is expected to strengthen early childhood education and create a more supportive learning environment.
