Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department Implements New Age Criteria for Nursery Admissions Under NEP 2020
By Meer Altaf Hussain
The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department has issued a significant circular outlining the minimum age requirements for admission to Nursery/Balvatika/Pre-school/Anganwadi classes. This step aligns with the mandates of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ensuring a standardized admission process across the region.
Key Highlights of the Circular
Circular Details: Issued under Circular No. 08-JK (Edu) of 2024, dated November 29, 2024.
Minimum Age Requirement: Admissions will now be based on a cut-off date of 30th November of the admission year.
Age Limit: Children must be over three years old for admission to these grades as per NEP 2020 guidelines.
Regions Affected
This directive applies to the Kashmir Division and winter zones of Jammu Division, where the November-December academic calendar has been reinstated.
Objective of the Move
The decision is aimed at:
- Streamlining the Admission Process: Establishing a uniform age criterion ensures consistency across educational institutions.
- Adhering to NEP 2020 Standards: The policy emphasizes early childhood education starting at age three, ensuring developmental readiness among students.
- Enhancing Efficiency: Clear deadlines will simplify administrative tasks for institutions and parents alike.
Implementation and Compliance
Principal Secretary to the Government, Suresh Kumar Gupta, IFS, has directed:
Educational Institutions: All schools and Anganwadi centers must adhere strictly to the new guidelines.
Authorities Involved: The circular has been disseminated to Chief Education Officers and the Directorates of School Education in Jammu and Kashmir for immediate implementation.
Impact on Early Childhood Education
This move underscores the government’s commitment to providing quality early education, aligning with national standards and fostering holistic development in children.
Educational institutions and parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new regulations to ensure a smooth admission process for the upcoming academic session.
