Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27
OCTOBER 2025 - SEPTEMBER 2026
Delhi Nursery & Pre-Primary Admission 2026–27 — Parent’s Complete Guide
What’s New This Year
For the first time, Class 1 admissions require children to be at least 6 years old as on 31 March 2026. The early-years structure has been aligned with the NEP foundational stage model.
Revised Age Eligibility
- Nursery (Balvatika 1): 3+ years
- Lower KG (Balvatika 2): 4+ years
- Upper KG (Balvatika 3): 5+ years
- Class 1: 6+ years
Parents must always verify the date-of-birth window mentioned on the school’s official website.
Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27: Official Guidelines & Schedule (DoE)
The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, released its official circular on 22 November 2025 for Nursery, KG, and Class 1 admissions in private unaided schools.
These guidelines apply only to open-category seats. Admissions under EWS, DG, and CWSN are handled separately by DoE.
Admission Timeline: Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Criteria upload by schools | 28 November 2025 |
| Forms available | 4 December 2025 |
| Last date to apply | 27 December 2025 |
| Applicants list published | 9 January 2026 |
| Points uploaded | 16 January 2026 |
| First list | 23 January 2026 |
| Second list | 9 February 2026 |
| Final closure | 19 March 2026 |
Important: No deviation from this schedule is permitted.
Age Criteria (As on 31 March 2026)
| Class | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nursery | 3 – 4 years |
| KG | 4 – 5 years |
| Class 1 | 5 – 6 years (6+ mandatory) |
Proof of Residence: Accepted Documents
- Ration Card / Smart Card
- Domicile Certificate
- Voter ID
- Utility Bill (Electricity / Water / Phone)
- Passport
- Aadhaar Card
Admission Fees: Strict Cap
- Maximum registration fee: ₹25
- No forced purchase of prospectus
- Printed material must be optional
25% EWS / DG / CWSN Quota
- Admissions handled centrally by DoE
- No manual admission by schools
- Draw of lots conducted by DoE
Seat Intake Rules
Schools cannot reduce entry-level seats below the highest intake offered in the last three academic years.
Draw of Lots
- Parents must be present
- Videography mandatory
- Two-day advance notice required
What Parents Should Keep in Mind
- Apply within official dates only
- Verify points system carefully
- Do not pay beyond ₹25
- Track school websites regularly
Final Takeaway
The Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27 process is structured, transparent, and time-bound. Parents should strictly follow DoE guidelines and school notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What has the Directorate of Education announced for Nursery admissions?
The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has issued revised guidelines for Nursery, KG, and Class 1 admissions in private unaided recognised schools. These include updated age criteria, admission timelines, point-based selection systems, and mandatory transparency norms.
2. When will the Nursery admission process for 2026–27 begin?
The admission process begins when schools release application forms on 4 December 2025. Schools must publish their admission criteria and point distribution by 28 November 2025.
3. What is the minimum age for Nursery admissions in Delhi?
A child must be 3 years old as on 31 March 2026 to be eligible for Nursery admission. Some schools may allow a one-month relaxation as per their internal policy.
4. What are the updated age norms for KG and Class 1?
- KG: The child must be at least 4 years old as on 31 March 2026.
- Class 1: The child must be 6 years old as on 31 March 2026.
These norms are aligned with the NEP 2020 foundational stage structure.
5. How does the points system work in Delhi Nursery admissions?
Private unaided schools use a point-based system to shortlist applicants. Common criteria include neighbourhood distance, sibling currently studying, alumni status of parents, and staff-ward category. Children with higher total points are given preference.
6. Is distance from home to school still the most important factor?
Yes. Distance or proximity to the school usually carries the highest weightage. Children residing closer to the school often receive maximum points under the neighbourhood criterion.
7. Do siblings studying in the same school get preference?
Yes. Most schools award additional points if an elder sibling is already enrolled. This helps families manage logistics and ensures continuity for the child.
8. Can schools introduce additional admission criteria?
Schools may introduce additional criteria, provided they comply with DoE rules and do not include parameters that have been disallowed earlier. All criteria must be published publicly before the admission process begins.
9. What is the maximum fee schools can charge for registration?
The Directorate of Education allows schools to charge a maximum of ₹25 as a non-refundable registration fee. Charging capitation fees or forcing parents to buy prospectuses is strictly prohibited.
10. What is the purpose of the draw of lots?
A draw of lots is conducted when multiple applicants receive equal points and the number of applications exceeds available seats. The draw must be transparent, recorded, and conducted in the presence of parents.
11. When will the first and second lists of selected candidates be released?
- First list: 23 January 2026
- Second list: 9 February 2026
Each list includes selected candidates as well as waiting-list applicants.
12. What should parents do if points have been calculated incorrectly?
Parents can raise objections or seek clarification during the official grievance-redressal window from 24 January to 3 February 2026. Schools are required to address all genuine concerns.
13. What documents are required for Nursery admissions?
- Child’s birth certificate
- Residential address proof
- Passport-size photographs
- Sibling or alumni proof (if applicable)
- Any other school-specific documents
14. When does the admission cycle officially end?
All private unaided schools must complete the Nursery, KG, and Class 1 admission process by 19 March 2026.
15. How can parents best prepare for Nursery admissions?
- Shortlist schools based on distance
- Prepare documents well in advance
- Confirm age eligibility before applying
- Track school websites for updates
- Apply early once forms are released
