Delhi Nursery Admission 2026-27: Registration Dates, Criteria, Points System & EWS Quota

Delhi Nursery Admission 2026-27 — Overview

Delhi nursery admission for private unaided schools is regulated by the Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of NCT of Delhi. Each year, DoE issues a schedule, guidelines, and a points-based admission criteria framework that all private schools must follow for pre-primary (Nursery/KG/Class 1) admissions.

For 2026-27, the process is expected to follow the same structure as previous years: online registration through individual school websites/portals, followed by DoE-supervised draw of lots (lottery) for the general category and separate processing for EWS/DG seats.

Delhi Nursery Admission 2026-27 Key Dates

Exact dates are released by DoE each year. Monitor edudel.nic.in and individual school websites from October 2025 onwards.

Age Criteria for Delhi Nursery Admission 2026-27

DoE Points-Based Admission Criteria

Delhi private schools use a points system to shortlist general category applicants. Points are awarded across several criteria. Schools must publish their specific points criteria on their websites before registrations open.

Common criteria and typical point ranges used by Delhi schools:

Key rule: Schools cannot use parent's profession, income, donation, interview, or academic qualification as admission criteria. DoE strictly prohibits capitation fees and interviews for pre-primary admission.

How the Draw of Lots Works

When multiple applicants score the same points, schools must conduct a transparent computerised draw of lots (lottery) in the presence of DoE officials and parent representatives. This ensures fairness within tied groups.

EWS/DG Quota in Delhi Nursery Admission

Under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, all private unaided schools in Delhi must reserve 25% of Nursery/Class 1 seats for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG).

• EWS: Annual family income below ₹1 lakh
• DG (Disadvantaged Group): Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), children with disabilities
• Admission process: DoE conducts a centralised lottery for EWS/DG seats separately from the general category process
• Fee: Schools cannot charge any fee from EWS/DG students admitted under RTE; government reimburses schools
• Apply at: edudel.nic.in → EWS/DG Admission section

How to Apply for Delhi Nursery Admission 2026-27

1. Research schools: Shortlist 5–10 schools in your neighbourhood (distance is the biggest criteria factor)
2. Check school websites: Each school publishes its specific points criteria, form dates, and fee structure
3. Apply online: Most schools accept applications through their own portals or through the DoE-provided system; some accept forms in person
4. Submit documents: Birth certificate, residence proof (Aadhaar / utility bill), passport photos
5. Check points list: Schools publish first points list in February; verify your child's points and ranking
6. Raise objection if needed: DoE provides a formal objection period after the first list
7. Complete admission: If selected, pay fees and submit original documents within the deadline

Documents Required for Delhi Nursery Admission

• Child's birth certificate (BMC / Hospital / Gram Panchayat)
• Residence proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID, ration card, utility bill (of parent/guardian)
• Passport-size photographs (child and parents)
• Aadhaar card of child (if available)
• Caste/income certificate (for EWS/DG/OBC category)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Sibling's school ID (if applying under sibling criteria)

Tips for Delhi Nursery Admission 2026-27

• Apply to schools within 1 km first — distance is the highest-weighted criteria in most schools
• Apply to multiple schools simultaneously — you can register at multiple schools and decide after seeing results
• Verify your address proof carefully — the registered address on Aadhaar/utility bill must match what you submit
• Don't pay capitation fees — they are illegal; report to DoE if any school demands them
• EWS families: register on edudel.nic.in — the centralised DoE lottery often has less competition than private applications

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Delhi nursery admission 2026-27 registration start?

Based on the historical schedule, Delhi nursery admission 2026-27 registration is expected to start in January 2026. DoE typically releases the official schedule in November–December 2025.

Can schools conduct interviews for nursery admission in Delhi?

No. Screening of children through interviews, written tests, or any assessment of the child is strictly prohibited by DoE for pre-primary admission. Schools can only use the points-based criteria.

How many schools should I apply to for nursery admission in Delhi?

Apply to all schools within your neighbourhood — especially those within 1 km (highest points for distance criteria). There is no limit set by DoE on how many schools you can apply to simultaneously.

What is the EWS income limit for Delhi nursery admission?

Annual family income must be below ₹1 lakh to qualify as EWS. You need an income certificate from a competent authority (SDM or Tehsildar office).

What happens if my child is not selected in the lottery?

You can try: (1) the second merit list, (2) schools with vacant seats, (3) government (MCD/DoE) schools which admit all neighbourhood children without a selection process. Also explore private schools on PickMySchool's Delhi school directory.