Preschool education is the foundation of children’s later learning, development and well-being. In India, preschool provision is delivered through both government and private sectors, but the quality, accessibility and educational practices of the two sectors vary considerably. A critical comparison requires attention to infrastructure, teachers, curriculum, pedagogy, inclusion, affordability and learning outcomes. Government preschool education is primarily provided through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), especially through Anganwadi Centres, along with preschools attached to government schools. Its major strength is accessibility. Government centres are generally located within communities and are intended to reach children from economically disadvantaged, rural and socially marginalised groups. They also provide an integrated package involving early childhood education, nutrition, health check-ups and referral services. This holistic approach is particularly important during the foundational years. Government provision is comparatively affordable and supports the principle of equity by attempting to provide educational opportunities irrespective of family income. However, the quality of government preschool provision is often uneven. Many Anganwadi Centres face inadequate buildings, insufficient teaching-learning materials, overcrowding, poor sanitation and limited space for play-based activities. Anganwadi workers frequently have multiple responsibilities related to nutrition, health, record keeping and community services, leaving limited time for systematic pedagogical work. Training and professional development