The Maharashtra government is revising the age criteria for school admissions, with a focus on aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Beginning the academic year 2024/25, a child seeking admission to nursery must be at least 3 years old when entering school. The policy change aims to ensure that the entry age corresponds with the developmental needs outlined in NEP 2020. The government resolution, currently requiring completion of three years by December 31, will be updated to enhance the educational experience for young learners.Sharad Gosavi, State Director of Primary Education, stated, “We are working on a new age policy for admission, and it will be applicable for the academic year 2024/25. The new policy is being drawn up in collaboration with the Women and Child Development Ministry, which handles the anganwadis.”The Early Childhood Association (ECA) has advocated for this chaange, emphasizing the potential negative impact of admitting children under 3 to nursery. Swati Popat Vats, President of ECA, highlighted that curricula designed for nursery are aligned with the well-researched developmental abilities of a 3-year-old child. The association urged the government to adopt a minimum age of three for kindergarten entry, aligning with the NEP 2020.ECA President Vats stated, “Attending nursery before the age of 3 years will leave a deep negative impact on children in the long-term. Curricula designed for nursery are in line with well-researched developmental abilities of a 3-year old child. However, children younger than 3 may struggle to cope.”Concerns have been raised about the increasing trend of younger entry ages, with children starting nursery at 2.5 years and reaching grade one at 5.5 years.
