Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27
AUGUST 2025 - JULY 2026
Delhi Nursery & Pre-Primary Admission 2026–27 — Parent’s Complete Guide
What’s New This Year
The education authorities in Delhi have introduced an important change for the 2026–27 admission cycle. For the first time, Class 1 admissions will require children to be at least 6 years old as on March 31, 2026. Alongside this, the age eligibility for early years (Nursery and KG stages) has been restructured into clear bands to align with the foundational stage model.
Revised Age Eligibility
For the academic session 2026–27, the age bands for entry-level classes in Delhi private unaided recognised schools are as follows:
Nursery (Balvatika 1 / Pre-School 1): Children aged 3+ years as on March 31, 2026
Lower Kindergarten (Balvatika 2 / Pre-School 2): Children aged 4+ years as on March 31, 2026
Upper Kindergarten (Balvatika 3 / Pre-School 3): Children aged 5+ years as on March 31, 2026
Class 1: Children must be 6+ years as on March 31, 2026
It’s crucial for parents to check the exact date-of-birth window published by each school online and confirm eligibility before applying.
Key Timeline (Estimated)
While the exact calendar is issued annually by the DoE, parents should expect the following approximate schedule for 2026–27:
Official DoE notification and school-initiated registration window: Late November 2025
Registration forms accepted: Late November – December 2025
First list of selected children: January 2026
Waiting lists / subsequent rounds: February – early March 2026
Admission closure and final enrolments: Mid-March 2026
Parents should bookmark dates and keep alert on school websites and the DoE portal.
Admissions Mechanism & Seat Allocation
Schools typically allocate seats under several categories:
General / Open category (majority of seats)
EWS/DG quota (approx. 25%)
Children with Special Needs (as mandated)
For open category seats, most schools publish a point-based criteria where factors such as distance from school, siblings studying in the school, alumni status, first-born girl child, staff ward status, etc., carry different weightages. Parents should review the published criteria of each school to understand realistic chances.
Required Documents Checklist
When preparing for admission, parents should ensure the following are ready:
Child’s birth certificate for age verification
Parent/guardian address proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill etc.)
If applicable: sibling proof, alumni certificate, disability certificate
Recent scanned photograph of the child and parent (if required by school portal)
Having digital copies ready in advance speeds up registration and avoids last-minute hassles.
Step-by-Step Admission Flow
Verify your child’s age and match it with the eligible class date-range.
During the registration window, apply online for the desired school(s).
After submission, check the provisional points list or shortlist published by the school, and raise grievance if process allows.
Monitor first and waiting lists for seat allotment.
On allotment, visit the school with original documents, complete verification and pay admission fees to secure place.
Practical Tips for Parents
Start document readiness and plan list of preferred schools before registration opens.
Apply to multiple neighbourhood schools to enhance chances of admission.
Review each school’s point system closely — a difference of a few points can matter.
Keep track of deadlines and communicate with the school admission office if there are clarifications.
For children applying under special quotas (EWS/DG or disability) ensure all required certificate formats and submission deadlines are followed carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When will the 2026–27 admission process begin?
The process is expected to begin in late November 2025, once the DoE publishes the official schedule.
Q2: What is the minimum age for Nursery admission?
For 2026–27, a child needs to be 3+ years as on 31 March 2026 to apply for Nursery.
Q3: Has the age requirement for Class 1 changed?
Yes. From the 2026–27 session onward, 6+ years as on March 31 is the minimum age for Class 1 admission.
Q4: How does the point system work?
Schools publish weightages for factors like distance, siblings, alumni, girl-child/first born. Understanding the list helps you pick realistic schools and assess chances.
Final Word
The 2026–27 admission round in Delhi marks a significant shift with clearer age bands and strengthened foundational stage structure. Parents who begin preparation early, keep informed of notices and fulfil document requirements will have a strategic advantage in the process. Keeping multiple school options and understanding point systems can make a big difference in ensuring your child secures a seat at a preferred institution.
