Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27: Latest Official Dates, Age Criteria & Complete Parent Guide

Delhi’s nursery admission season is officially here — and with it come the biggest questions from parents about age eligibility, NEP 2020 changes, admission dates, forms, point system, and required documents.

With the Directorate of Education (DoE) announcing the confirmed admission schedule for 2026–27, parents can now start preparing with complete clarity.

This guide simplifies everything you need to know — step by step 👇

Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27: At a Glance

🟢 Pro Tip: Keep checking both DoE Delhi and UniApply.com for real-time circulars, forms, and merit lists.

Key Updates for Parents (2026–27)

• NEP 2020 age rule implemented: Class 1 minimum age is now 6 years.

• Updated age norms apply to all Nursery, LKG, and UKG admissions.

• Online process continues for transparency.

• Points-based selection remains mandatory for open category.

• 25% seats reserved for EWS/DG as per RTE Act.

Official Admission Schedule Confirmed

The DoE has released the complete timeline for 2026–27:

👉 Tip: Fill the form early — last-week applicants often face rush, errors, or verification delays.

Updated Age Criteria for Nursery, KG & Class 1

Age is calculated as on 31 March 2026:

📌 Why this change?
Delhi has aligned its system with NEP 2020 (5+3+3+4), ensuring children spend 3 years in foundational learning before Class 1.

How NEP 2020 Changes Impact Parents

• Children must complete Nursery + LKG + UKG before Class 1.

• No early admission to Class 1 will be allowed.

• Children who turn 5 years by March 2026 will continue in KG, not Class 1.

• Focus shifts to play-based and foundational learning.

💡 Good for kids:
This reduces early academic pressure and supports emotional and cognitive readiness.

Documents Required for Nursery Admission 2026–27

Prepare both digital and physical copies:

1️⃣ Proof of Age

• Birth Certificate (MCD/NDMC/SDMC or government body)

2️⃣ Proof of Residence (any one)

• Aadhar Card

• Passport

• Voter ID

• Electricity/Water bill

• Rent agreement

3️⃣ ID Proofs

• Parents’ IDs

• Photos (parents + child)

4️⃣ Additional (if applicable)

• Sibling proof

• Alumni proof

• Income certificate (EWS)

• Caste certificate (DG)

🗂 Pro Tip: Create a folder with scanned documents (PDF/JPG under 1 MB) for fast uploading.

Quick Checklist Before You Apply

✅ Confirm age eligibility
✅ Shortlist schools within 3–8 km
✅ Check each school’s point system
✅ Keep all documents ready
✅ Apply before Dec 27
✅ Track lists published on Jan 23 and Feb 9

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Delhi Nursery Admission

Step 1: Visit School Website or DoE Portal

Forms go live on December 4, 2025.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Enter:

• Child’s details

• DOB

• Address

• Distance from school

• Parent details

Step 3: Upload Documents

Step 4: Pay Registration Fee

Schools may charge only ₹25.

Step 5: Check Merit Lists

• First List: Jan 23

• Second List: Feb 9

Step 6: Complete Verification & Admission

Submit documents and fees by March 19, 2026.

Can a 2.5-Year-Old Join Nursery?

❌ No.
A child must be 3+ years as of 31 March 2026.

Such children can join:

• Play school

• Pre-nursery programs

Which Class Is Right for a 3-Year-Old?

This matches NEP 2020’s foundational stage.

Delhi Nursery Admission Point System (Open Category)

👉 Apply to multiple nearby schools to maximize chances.

EWS/DG Admission (25% Reserved Seats)

Reserved for:

• Income ≤ ₹1,00,000 (EWS)

• SC/ST/OBC/Disabled/Orphans/Transgender (DG)

Applications are processed only through the DoE online portal.

Documents needed:

• Income certificate

• Category proof

• Residence proof

• Birth certificate

Smart Tips for Parents

• Track announcements daily from late November

• Apply to 5–8 schools

• Understand each school’s point criteria

• Keep documents ready early

• Submit forms well before the deadline

• Check lists regularly — many parents forget after the first list

• Stay calm — draw rounds often open new opportunities

The Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27 cycle marks a significant shift with updated NEP-aligned age norms and a transparent, structured admission process. With the dates now announced, parents should start preparing documents, shortlisting schools, and planning submissions early.

For trusted, real-time updates, school comparisons — visit UniApply.com, your official companion for Delhi school admissions.