Delhi Nursery Admissions 2026-27: Applications begin today onwards, check important dates, selection criteria here
The admission process for Nursery, KG and Class 1 in Delhi’s private unaided schools for the 2026-27 academic session has officially begun, with online and offline application forms now available from December 4, 2025. The Directorate of Education (DoE) had earlier directed all schools to publish their admission criteria, point distribution and seat availability in advance on their websites and on the DoE portal. The 2026-27 cycle also marks the second year of Delhi’s revised age-eligibility norms aligned with the foundational stage under NEP. With thousands of open seats and a high-competition point-based selection system, parents are expected to complete documentation early and track school-wise notifications closely. Applications will remain open until December 27, 2025.
Admission timeline parents must follow
The DoE has emphasised strict adherence to timelines and transparent display of data on school websites. Check important dates below:
Age eligibility rules for Nursery, KG and Class 1
According to the guidelines published on edudel.nic.in, the following age limits apply as on March 31, 2026:
- Nursery (Pre-School): 3 years or above but less than 4 years
- KG (Pre-Primary): 4 years or above but less than 5 years
- Class 1: 5 years or above but less than 6 years
Children already enrolled in Nursery or KG in 2025-26 will automatically progress to the next level. Only fresh applicants falling within the age bracket are eligible for new Nursery admissions.The DoE has capped the registration fee at ₹25 and prohibited capitation fees or mandatory purchase of prospectus.
Point system, selection policy, and draw of lots
Schools follow a published point-based system for open seats, with parameters commonly including:
- Distance from school
- Sibling studying in the same school
- Alumni status
- Staff ward
As reported by PTI earlier, most schools continue to assign the highest weightage to proximity to school.After receiving applications:
- Schools must upload the complete list of applicants.
- They must then upload points awarded to each child before any selection.
- In case multiple candidates score the same points for limited seats, a lottery/draw of lots is mandatory.
- The draw must be video-recorded, conducted in the presence of parents, and notified at least two days in advance.
Under RTE norms, 25% seats remain reserved for Economically Weaker Section/Disadvantaged Groups/Children with Disabilities, following a separate centralised mechanism.
Documents required for Delhi nursery admissions 2026-27
As per the Directorate of Education (DoE) guidelines, parents must keep the following documents ready before beginning the application process:
- Birth certificate issued by a competent authority (age proof)
- Any valid residence proof: ration card, electricity/water bill, Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport
- Identity proofs of both parents
- Recent photographs of the child and parents
- Proof of sibling studying in the same school (if applicable)
- Proof of parent as school alumnus (if applicable)
- Disability certificate issued by a government authority (only for CwD applicants under the reserved category)
How to apply for Nursery, KG and class 1 admissions
Applications may be submitted online through school websites or via offline forms, depending on individual school policies.Here is how parents can register for admissions online:
- Visit the school’s official website or obtain the form from the school.
- Enter all required details and upload/attach the specified documents.
- Pay the registration fee of ₹25, as permitted by DoE.
- Save or print the acknowledgment receipt for verification during admission.
- Regularly check the school website for:
- List of applicants
- Points awarded
- First and second selection lists
- Dates for verification and completion of admission formalities
Note: It is advisable for parents to check school-specific guidelines by visiting the respective websites of their preferred schools.
