India Guide

Preschool Curriculum in India

Everything school owners, directors, and teachers in India need to know about preschool standards, licensing, funding, and choosing a curriculum that meets local requirements.

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National framework
National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) under NEP 2020
Regulator
State Department of Women and Child Development
Age range
3 to 8 years (Foundational Stage)
Typical ratios
1:20 typical

India early learning standards

The official curriculum framework for preschools in India is the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) under NEP 2020. Read the full standards on the official site.

IPC aligns to all five domains of the NCF-FS Panchakosha framework and supports play-based, mother-tongue instruction.

Public funding programs in India

Anganwadi (ICDS)
Government-funded preschool and nutrition program serving children up to age 6.
Samagra Shiksha
Centrally sponsored scheme extending support to preschool education in government schools.
Balvatikas
Three preschool years now integrated into government primary schools under NEP 2020.

How IPC fits preschools in India

IPC gives India preschools 20,000+ ready-to-teach activities, lesson plans, parent reports, and assessment tools that map to National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) under NEP 2020. Trusted by 20,000+ schools and 60,000+ teachers across 98 countries.

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Opening a new setting?

Playschool startup guide for India

From licensing and ratios to choosing a preschool curriculum, our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to open a playschool in India and align it to National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) under NEP 2020.

How to start a playschool in India

Frequently asked questions

What preschool curriculum is required in India?
India preschools follow National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) under NEP 2020. IPC aligns to all five domains of the NCF-FS Panchakosha framework and supports play-based, mother-tongue instruction.
Who licenses preschools in India?
State Department of Women and Child Development, with NCERT and NCPCR oversight oversees early childhood settings in India.
What public funding is available for preschool in India?
Anganwadi (ICDS): Government-funded preschool and nutrition program serving children up to age 6. Samagra Shiksha: Centrally sponsored scheme extending support to preschool education in government schools. Balvatikas: Three preschool years now integrated into government primary schools under NEP 2020.
Can IPC be used as a preschool curriculum in India?
Yes. IPC is trusted by 20,000+ schools across 98 countries. Activities, lesson plans, and assessments map to National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) under NEP 2020.

Related guides for India

How to start a playschool in India Compare preschool curriculum models How to start a playschool (global overview) Preschool homeschool curriculum