Delhi Nursery Admissions 2026-27: Criteria for academic session out; application dates, eligibility

— A child must be between three and four years old for Nursery

— Four and five years for KG

— Five and six years for Class 1

Schools may allow age relaxation of up to one month at the discretion of the head of school. These norms will be uniformly implemented across all recognised unaided private schools from the upcoming academic year, the department said.

Schools are required to upload their admission criteria and point allocation for open seats (other than EWS, DG, and CWSN categories) by November 28. The last date for submitting application forms is December 27.

According to the schedule, schools must upload details of all applicants by January 9 and release the marks allotted to each child under the points system by January 16. In 2026, the first list, along with the waiting list, will be announced on January 23, followed by the second list on February 9.

Parents can seek clarification on point allocation from January 24 to February 3. The admission process will conclude on March 19. A district-level monitoring cell will oversee compliance and handle grievances.

The DoE has reiterated that no school may adopt admission criteria previously abolished by the department and upheld by the Delhi High Court. Schools have also been reminded to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act while framing admission norms.

All schools must clearly display the point distribution for each criterion on their websites and upload details of students admitted under open seats, including their point scores. The circular emphasises transparency, mandating that any draw of lots be conducted in the presence of parents and video recorded.

The DoE has also reiterated that schools may collect only a non-refundable registration fee of Rs 25 and cannot charge capitation fees or compel parents to purchase prospectuses.