Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27: First Merit List Released Today – What Parents Need to Know

The first merit list for Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27 has been released today by private unaided schools across Delhi, marking a crucial milestone in the admission process for Nursery, KG, and Class 1. With over 1.25 lakh children listed, including those on waiting lists, thousands of parents are closely tracking the outcome of the first admission round.

As per the Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, a total of 1,741 private unaided schools have published the first selection and waiting lists simultaneously, either on their official websites or on school notice boards, in line with prescribed admission guidelines.

What Is the First Merit List?

The first merit list includes the names of children provisionally selected for admission based on the school’s points-based admission criteria approved by the DoE.
Most schools also release a waiting list, which comes into effect if selected candidates do not complete admission formalities within the given timeline.

👉 A majority of admissions are finalized in this round, making the first merit list particularly important.

Classes Covered Under the First Merit List

The list applies to admissions in:

• Nursery (Pre-School)

• KG (Pre-Primary)

• Class 1

📌 The process applies only to private unaided schools in Delhi. Government schools are not part of this admission cycle.

How Schools Prepare the Merit List

Delhi nursery admissions follow a transparent points system, with each school defining its criteria within DoE-approved norms.

Common Admission Criteria

• Distance between home and school

• Sibling studying in the same school

• Parent is an alumnus/alumna

• Staff ward (where applicable)

Children scoring the highest points are selected first.
In case of a tie, schools may conduct a draw of lots, which must:

• Be held in the presence of parents

• Be video recorded, as directed by the DoE

A monitoring cell has been set up to ensure compliance and address grievances.

How Parents Can Check the First Merit List

Parents can check the admission list by following these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the school applied to

2. Go to the Admissions / Nursery Admission 2026–27 section

3. Click on the First Merit / Selection List link

4. Download the PDF file

5. Search using the child’s name or application number

Some schools also display the list on their physical notice boards.

What to Do If Your Child Is Selected

If your child’s name appears in the first merit list:

✅ Read the admission instructions carefully
✅ Arrange all required documents for verification
✅ Complete admission formalities within the deadline
✅ Pay the admission and tuition fees as specified

⚠️ Failure to meet deadlines may result in cancellation of the seat, which will then be offered to a waiting-list candidate.

Documents Usually Required for Admission

Although requirements may vary slightly, schools typically ask for:

• Child’s birth certificate

• Address proof (as per distance criteria)

• Sibling proof (if applicable)

• Alumni proof (if applicable)

• Passport-size photographs of child and parents

• Application form printout

Parents should carry original documents along with photocopies.

If Your Child Is Not Selected in the First List

Parents are advised not to panic. Many seats are filled in subsequent rounds due to withdrawals.

Next Steps

• Watch for the second merit list

• Regularly check school websites for updates

• Track your child’s position in the waiting list

• Raise objections or queries during the clarification window, if required

Admission Timeline for Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27

• First Merit List: Released today

• Query / Objection Window: 24 January – 3 February 2026

• Second Merit List: 9 February 2026

• Final Admission Closure: 19 March 2026

📌 Exact timelines may vary slightly by school.

Age Criteria for Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27

Age eligibility is calculated as of 31 March 2026:

• Nursery: 3 to under 4 years

• KG: 4 to under 5 years

• Class 1: 5 to under 6 years

Schools may allow an age relaxation of up to one month, at the discretion of the head of school.

Automatic Progression Clarified

• Children admitted to Nursery in 2025–26 will automatically move to KG in 2026–27

• Children in KG will progress to Class 1

• Hence, Nursery admissions for 2026–27 apply only to children who are 3+ but under 4 years as of the cut-off date

Important Advice for Parents

• Monitor multiple schools you applied to

• Rely only on official lists, not verbal assurances

• Keep all documents organised and ready

• Track deadlines carefully to avoid missing admission opportunities

Final Word for Parents

The release of the Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27 first merit list is a significant step in your child’s education journey. Whether your child is selected in this round or awaiting further lists, staying informed, calm, and proactive will help you navigate the process smoothly.

Parents are encouraged to follow official instructions, keep checking updates, and make timely decisions to secure admission successfully.