Nursery, Junior KG and Senior KG are the first years of formal schooling.
Age is the main condition. Nursery entry is usually at about 3 years of age on a cut-off date, but the date and the minimum age differ by state, board and school. Check the school admission notice for the current year.
Most pre-primary schools run their own admission. They announce dates, issue forms (online or on paper) and publish the age cut-off they follow.
Overview
Nursery, Junior KG and Senior KG are the first years of formal schooling. Under the National Education Policy 2020 they belong to the foundational stage, where children learn through play, stories, songs, movement and simple activities rather than heavy writing or exams. Admission at this level is made by each school, within the rules of its state. Age cut-off dates differ from state to state and school to school. Schools in some states are not allowed to test small children, so the process is usually an application, documents and sometimes a short meeting with parents. Families should ask each school to explain its process in writing.
At a glance
Eligibility
Typical pattern. The official notice for the current year is final.
- Age is the main condition. Nursery entry is usually at about 3 years of age on a cut-off date, but the date and the minimum age differ by state, board and school. Check the school admission notice for the current year.
- The child must be admitted to the class that suits the age. The exact age-class chart is published by the state or the school as it notifies.
- A birth certificate is usually asked as proof of age. Hospital or municipal records are accepted in most places; confirm what the school accepts.
- Immunisation records and a recent medical or health form are often requested. Ask the school what it needs.
- Address proof, parent identity proof and passport-size photographs of the child and parents are commonly asked for.
- Aadhaar is not a legal condition for school admission. The Supreme Court and the UIDAI have said that no child should be refused admission for lack of Aadhaar. A school may ask for it for records, but you can ask them to admit first.
- Children are not expected to read, write or pass a test. Be cautious if a school describes a written test for a small child, and ask which state rule it follows.
Entrance and counselling
- Most pre-primary schools run their own admission. They announce dates, issue forms (online or on paper) and publish the age cut-off they follow.
- Many schools admit new Nursery children in the months before the new session, which in most places starts around April. Some schools start the process much earlier, so ask for the calendar.
- Some states and cities run a common online application for schools. Where one exists, the official education department site is the only place to apply.
- If a school has more applications than seats, it may use a draw of lots, a points system on its published criteria, such as distance from home or a sibling in the school, or a parent interaction. Ask the school to share the criteria in writing.
- Under the RTE Act 2009, private unaided schools reserve a share of entry-level seats for economically weaker and disadvantaged children, through a state process. Entry class and documents differ by state; check your state notice.
- Admission may be offered as a seat to confirm within a few days. Read the school terms and withdrawal rules before you confirm.
- Parents are advised to apply to more than one school, since seats are limited and results depend on the school.
Admission process
The usual journey, step by step. Dates and rules for the current year are on the official notice.
- 1Decide the stage and ageCheck your child's age against the cut-off dates the school or state publishes for the coming session
- 2Shortlist schoolsLook at distance, daily travel time, board, language of instruction, safety and the way the school teaches young children
- 3Ask in writingRequest the admission process, criteria, seat rules and school policies by email before applying
- 4Apply on timeFill the school form or the state portal form and upload or attach the documents asked
- 5Interaction or drawAttend the parent and child meeting or a lottery, if the school holds one
- 6Receive the offerCheck the offer letter and the last date to confirm the seat
- 7Complete the formalitiesSubmit the documents, read the school rules and prepare your child for the first days
Documents
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and certificates
- Entrance scorecard, if any
- Photo ID and photographs
- Category / EWS / PwD certificate, if applicable
- Migration / transfer certificate
- Fee payment receipts
Read the document preparation guide →
What you study
- Language: listening, speaking, storytelling, rhymes, and then early letters and sounds in the home language and in English or another language as the school chooses.
- Early numbers: counting, shapes, sorting, patterns and comparing sizes through play.
- Environment: the family, the body, plants, animals, seasons, festivals and neighbourhood.
- Art and craft: drawing, colouring, clay work, paper craft and simple making activities.
- Music, movement and dance: songs, rhythm, games and free play.
- Physical development: running, balancing, throwing, climbing and fine motor skills like holding a crayon.
- Social and emotional skills: sharing, waiting for a turn, following simple routines and speaking about feelings.
- Moral and life values: habits of cleanliness, kindness and care for others, taught through stories and daily routine.
Skills you build
Careers and next steps
- Class 1 in the same school, where the school has a primary section and promotes its own children.
- Class 1 in another school, which needs a fresh application and the documents that school lists.
- Move into the preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5) after Classes 1 and 2, as set out in NEP 2020.
- Choose a board for the primary years: CBSE, CISCE, a State board, IB or Cambridge. The choice can be reviewed later but a switch needs care, see the Class 1 to 10 page.
- Support at home: reading aloud, play and talking in the home language help children more than early tuition.
- Early learning support if a teacher or doctor flags a developmental concern, through the school counsellor or a paediatrician.
Is it for you?
A good fit if
- Your child is of the age the school cut-off allows and is ready for a few hours away from home
- You want a school that teaches through play, not worksheets and exams
- You have checked the daily travel time and found it manageable for a small child
- You can attend parent meetings and follow the school calendar
Think twice if
- The school asks you to prepare your child for a written test or interview. Ask the school which rule permits this
- The school asks for money before giving you its written policies. Do not pay anything before you have the offer and rules in writing
- You are choosing a school only because of a name, not because of travel time and teaching style
- The school cannot explain its age rule or its admission criteria clearly
- You have been told that a seat is certain. No agent or school can promise admission before the school confirms it
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not checking university or programme approval
- Missing the application window
- Ignoring documents needed for category or domicile benefits
- Choosing by name rather than curriculum and outcomes
Official sources to check
- Ministry of Education: National Education Policy 2020www.education.gov.in
- Ministry of Education: Right to Educationwww.education.gov.in
- UIDAIuidai.gov.in
- NCERTncert.nic.in
Frequently asked questions
At what age can my child join Nursery?
Usually at about 3 years, counted on a cut-off date. The date and the minimum age differ by state and by school, so check the notice of the school or your state education department for the session you want.
Do small children have to pass an entrance test?
They should not be expected to. Many states prohibit screening tests for young children. Schools often hold a short, informal meeting. Ask in writing what the school will do and what rule it follows.
Is Aadhaar needed for admission?
No. The Supreme Court judgment of 2018 and the UIDAI have said that a child cannot be denied school admission for lack of Aadhaar. Schools may request other proofs of identity and age, such as a birth certificate. Verify the latest instructions with your school and state.
What documents do schools usually ask for?
Birth certificate, address proof, parents' identity proof, photographs, immunisation record and sometimes a medical form. Your school lists the exact documents.
What is the RTE quota for private schools?
The Right to Education Act 2009 asks private unaided schools to reserve a share of seats at the entry class for children from economically weaker and disadvantaged groups. Each state runs its own application process, with its own dates and documents. Check your state education department site.
Which board should I choose at this stage?
Nursery to Senior KG is not board-specific in practice. Look at the school's own approach and which board it follows from Class 1 onwards. Both CBSE and CISCE and many State boards follow the NEP stages and you can compare them on the Class 1 to 10 page.
Can I apply to more than one school?
Yes. Seats are limited and each school decides on its own process. Keep the dates of every school in one place and note the last date to confirm a seat.
Is mid-year admission possible?
Sometimes, if a seat is open. It depends on the school. Ask the school directly and keep your documents ready.
Does Padhaidekho guarantee admission?
No. Admission depends on the official counselling authority, your eligibility and merit. We guide you, verify information against official notices and keep you on track.
How Padhaidekho helps
We review your eligibility against the current official notice, build a ranked options list, keep your documents and deadlines on track and stay with you through every round. Fees and service scope are shared in writing before you enrol.
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Content checked against the official sources above in 2026-10. Rules, dates and eligibility change every cycle: always confirm on the official notice. This page is general guidance, not legal advice or an admission guarantee.