Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27
DECEMBER 2025 - NOVEMBER 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.
Delhi Nursery Admission 2026–27: Confirmed Dates & Timeline
Parents must take note of the official admission timeline released by the DoE:
28 November 2025: Schools must upload the complete admission criteria and points system.
4 December 2025: Admission forms become available for parents.
9 January 2026: Schools must upload the list of all applicants.
16 January 2026: Points awarded to each applicant must be published.
23 January 2026: First list of selected students and the waiting list will be released.
24 January – 3 February 2026: Window for parents to raise queries related to points.
9 February 2026: Second list of selected students will be published.
19 March 2026: Entire admission process concludes.
This schedule ensures consistency across all private unaided schools in Delhi.
Age Criteria for Entry-Level Admissions
As per the updated framework aligned with NEP 2020:
Nursery: Child must be at least 3 years old as of 31 March 2026
KG: Minimum age of 4 years
Class 1: Minimum age of 5 years
Schools are also allowed to provide up to one month of relaxation, subject to approval by the school head.
Points Criteria Used by Delhi Schools
The DoE allows schools to design their own point-based criteria, provided they fall within approved guidelines. Key parameters generally include:
1. Neighbourhood (Proximity to School)
Higher points for students living close to the school, making distance the most influential factor.
2. Sibling Studying in the Same School
Additional weightage is given if an older sibling is already enrolled.
3. Alumni Status
Many schools offer points when one or both parents are alumni.
4. Staff Ward Category
Children of the school’s staff may receive preference under this category.
5. First-Born Child or Other Approved Criteria
Some schools include additional parameters as long as they are compliant with DoE rules.
Transparency Measures Mandated by the DoE
To ensure a fair and accountable admission process, schools must follow strict regulations:
Admission criteria and points must be clearly uploaded on school websites.
Registration fee cannot exceed ₹25 and must remain non-refundable.
Schools cannot demand capitation fees or sell prospectuses.
Any draw of lots, if needed, must be conducted in the presence of parents and recorded on video.
No school may use any admission criteria that have been previously rejected by the government or courts.
These steps aim to eliminate unfair practices and improve parent trust in the admission system.
How Parents Can Prepare for Nursery Admissions
Parents applying for Nursery, KG, or Class 1 should:
Check distance from school, as proximity often carries the highest weightage.
Organize essential documents like birth certificate, address proof, sibling/alumni proofs, and photos.
Ensure age eligibility based on DoE norms.
Monitor school websites for criteria, applicant lists, and point allocation updates.
Submit forms early to avoid last-minute issues.
FAQs: Updated Nursery Admission Points Criteria Released by the Directorate of Education, Delhi
1. What has the Directorate of Education announced for Nursery admissions?
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued revised guidelines for Nursery, KG, and Class 1 admissions in private unaided schools in Delhi. These guidelines include the points system, age criteria, timelines, and mandatory transparency measures.
2. When will the Nursery admission process for 2026–27 begin?
The admission process officially begins when schools release forms on 4 December 2025. Schools are required to publish their criteria and point distribution by 28 November 2025.
3. What is the minimum age for Nursery admissions in Delhi?
A child must be 3 years old by 31 March 2026 to be eligible for Nursery. Schools may allow a one-month grace period depending on internal policies.
4. What are the updated age norms for KG and Class 1?
KG admission requires the child to be 4 years old by 31 March 2026.
Class 1 requires the child to be 5 years old by the same date.
These norms support the NEP 2020 foundational stage structure.
5. How does the points system work in Delhi Nursery admissions?
Private unaided schools award points based on predefined criteria. Common parameters include neighbourhood distance, sibling currently enrolled, alumni status of parents, and staff-ward category. Children with higher points receive priority in selection.
6. Is distance from home to school still the most important factor?
Yes. Schools typically assign the highest weightage to proximity. Children living within the closest radius to the school often receive maximum points.
7. Do siblings studying in the same school get preference?
Absolutely. Schools usually assign specific points if an elder sibling is already enrolled. This helps families manage logistics and ensures continuity for the child.
8. Can schools introduce additional criteria?
Yes, schools may include additional parameters as long as they follow DoE rules and avoid any criteria previously rejected by authorities. All criteria must be publicly displayed before admissions start.
9. What is the maximum fee schools can charge for registration?
The DoE allows schools to charge up to ₹25 as a non-refundable registration fee. Any capitation fee or forced prospectus purchase is strictly prohibited.
10. What is the purpose of the draw of lots?
A draw of lots is used when multiple children receive the same total points but limited seats are available. Schools must conduct the draw transparently, record the process, and allow parents to witness it.
11. When will the first and second lists of selected candidates be released?
First list: 23 January 2026
Second list: 9 February 2026
These lists will include selected candidates as well as waiting list entries.
12. What should parents do if points have been calculated incorrectly?
Parents can raise issues or seek clarification from 24 January to 3 February 2026, during the designated grievance period. Schools must respond to all point-related concerns.
13. What documents do parents need for Nursery admissions?
Most schools request:
Child’s birth certificate
Residential address proof
Passport-size photographs
Sibling/alumni documents (if applicable)
Any other school-specific documents
14. When does the admission cycle officially end?
All private schools must complete the admission process by 19 March 2026.
15. How can parents best prepare for the upcoming Nursery admissions?
Parents should:
Check which schools fall within a comfortable distance
Prepare all required documents in advance
Confirm age eligibility before applying
Track announcements on school websites
Apply early when forms are launched
