
Choosing the right time to begin formal learning is an important decision for parents, as a child's age and developmental readiness play a key role in the admission process. However, the preschool admission age varies depending on the school, class, and location. Therefore, parents should check the preschool age eligibility criteria of their preferred school before applying for the 2027–28 academic session.
In this regard, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises the importance of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in supporting a child's overall development. This guide explains the preschool age range, age requirements for different classes, and the key signs parents should consider when assessing their child's readiness for admission.
The National Education Policy 2020 introduces a 5+3+3+4 structure for school education, covering children between the ages of 3 and 18 years. Under this framework, early childhood education forms the first part of the Foundational Stage.
The policy identifies three years of Anganwadi, preschool or Balvatika education for children aged 3 to 6 years. These years are followed by two years of primary education in Classes 1 and 2, covering ages 6 to 8 years.
The policy also envisages pre-primary sections covering at least the 5–6 years age group in existing primary schools. Before reaching the age of 5, every child is expected to move to a Preparatory Class or Balvatika before entering Class 1 admission age.
The NEP 2020 framework provides an Preschool age-based structure for early childhood education, while The Gurukulam School also follow the NEP 2020 framework preschool age requirements for admission to different classes. The table below distinguishes the general age guidance under NEP 2020 from TGS School's class-wise eligibility criteria for 2027–28:
|
Educational Level/Class |
Age Guidance Under NEP 2020 Minimun & Maximum Age ((As on 31stMarch of the year) |
TGS School Minimum Age |
|
Pre Nursery |
Not separately specified |
2+ years |
|
Nursery |
3+ years up to 4 years preschool stage |
3+ years |
|
LKG |
4+ years up to 5 years preschool stage |
4+ years |
|
UKG |
5+ years up to 6 years preschool stage |
5+ years |
|
Preparatory Class/Balvatika |
Before Class 1, within the Foundational Stage |
As per school policy |
|
Class 1 |
6 years |
6+ years |
|
Class 2 |
7–8 years |
As per school policy |
The NEP age groups provide general guidance for early childhood and primary education. TGS School's minimum age requirements are separate admission criteria
Parents comparing different preschool age levels can also understand the Nursery vs LKG vs UKG distinction before selecting an admission level. For more information about the next stage, they can refer to 1st Standard Admission Age in India.
Also Check: Nursery Curriculum in India
Apart from the general age framework under NEP 2020, TGS School has specific minimum age requirements for admission to different preschool classes. The class-wise criteria shared for TGS School are given below:
|
Class |
Minimum Age |
|
Pre Nursery |
2+ years |
|
Nursery |
3+ years |
|
4+ years |
|
|
UKG |
5+ years |
|
Class 1 |
6+ years |
Note: Parents should confirm the official age cut-off date and the date on which a child's age will be calculated from the school.
Also Check: LKG and UKG Full Form
The right age for preschool depends on the educational stage and the admission guidelines followed by the school. NEP 2020 recognises the importance of beginning early childhood care and education from the age of 3.
The policy highlights that more than 85% of a child's cumulative brain development occurs before the age of 6. This makes early childhood an important period for appropriate care, stimulation and learning opportunities.
The framework also emphasises the development of different abilities, including:
Physical and motor development.
Cognitive development.
Social, emotional and ethical development.
Cultural and artistic development.
Communication and early language skills.
Early literacy and numeracy.
These areas form an important part of early childhood education. Parents can consider the child's developmental needs while selecting an appropriate preschool programme.
For children moving towards primary education, understanding the Nursery Admission Age can also help parents understand the entry-level requirements of a school.
The best age to start preschool should be considered in the context of the child's developmental needs and the learning environment offered by the institution.
NEP 2020 recommends a flexible, play-based, activity-based and inquiry-based approach to early childhood education. Instead of relying only on formal classroom instruction, the framework encourages learning through activities that allow children to explore and understand their surroundings.
Some important aspects of early learning highlighted in the policy include:
Play and physical activities: Indoor and outdoor games, puzzles and movement activities help make learning engaging.
Creative expression: Drawing, painting, crafts, music, drama and puppetry are included in the recommended learning approach.
Language and communication: Activities involving alphabets, languages and early communication support foundational learning.
Social development: Teamwork, cooperation, courtesy, sensitivity and good behaviour are also important parts of early childhood education.
Parents should consider these aspects when selecting a preschool programme. The preschool age group is intended to receive learning experiences that support different areas of development rather than focus only on academic activities.
NEP 2020 focuses on the holistic development of young learners. It recommends educational experiences that support physical, cognitive, social, emotional, ethical, and communication skills.
For parents, this means looking beyond academic knowledge while considering early education. Children can participate in different learning experiences, including:
Exploring colours, shapes, numbers and the alphabet.
Taking part in indoor and outdoor games.
Participating in drawing, painting and craft activities.
Listening to stories and engaging in music and movement.
Learning cooperation and teamwork through group activities.
Developing communication and early language skills.
These activities are part of the ECCE framework and are intended to make learning enjoyable and suitable for young children.
Preschool education does not focus only on preparing children for written assessments. Instead, it aims to create opportunities for learning through exploration, interaction, and practical experiences.
Parents who are unsure about the appropriate preschool admission age level should check the school's eligibility guidelines before applying.
Admissions are open at The Gurukulam School for the 2027–28 academic session. Parents looking for preschool admission can visit the school's website or contact a nearby TGS branch to enquire about available classes and admission requirements.
Parents can follow these steps to apply for Preschool admission 2027-28:
Enquiry: Contact the school to ask about admission and class availability.
Counselling: Discuss the child's age, class eligibility, and other admission-related queries with the school team.
School Visit: Visit the nearest TGS branch to see the campus and learn about its facilities.
Student Assessment: Complete the assessment process, if applicable.
Document Submission: Submit the required documents for verification.
Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment and other admission formalities to confirm the admission.
Parents should keep the following documents ready:
Child's birth certificate (for pre-primary admission)
Three passport-size photographs of the child
Two passport-size photographs of each parent
Aadhaar card copies of both parents
Child's Aadhaar card copy
Medical fitness certificate
Previous school's report card or passing certificate
School Leaving Certificate or Transfer Certificate
Caste certificate, if applicable
Parents who want to see the school before applying can visit their nearest TGS branch. Since TGS has multiple branches, families can choose a convenient location and speak with the school team about admission, class availability and preschool age eligibility.
Admissions are currently open for the 2027–28 session. Parents can visit The Gurukulam School's official website to enquire about the application process. For more admission-related information, refer to TGS School Admission 2027–28.
Considering The Gurukulam School? Get in touch with the admissions team for information about admissions and the school. Contact The Gurukulam School Admissions
