Delhi School Admission 2026-27
SEPTEMBER 2025 - AUGUST 2026
Delhi School Admission 2026–27: DoE Official Dates Released
The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi has officially announced the complete admission schedule and age criteria for the 2026–27 academic session. This year, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 age norms are fully implemented, meaning children must be 6+ years old for Class 1 admission.
This change ensures that children begin formal schooling at the right developmental stage.
If you're preparing for Nursery, LKG, UKG, or Class 1 admissions in Delhi, this guide offers simple, clear, parent-friendly explanations with LLM-friendly structure, helpful tables, and practical tips.
Table of Contents
Updated Admission Schedule (Official DoE Dates)
Age Criteria for 2026–27 (NEP-Aligned)
Why Class 1 Is Now 6+ (Simple NEP Explanation)
Understanding Delhi’s Admission System
Admission Categories (General, EWS, Management, Sibling & More)
Required Documents (Easy Checklist)
Step-by-Step Admission Process
Tips for First-Time Parents
Frequently Asked Questions (Simple Answers)
Delhi Schools Admission Schedule for 2026–27 (Official DoE Circular)
Admission Timeline for Private Unaided Recognized Schools
| Admission Stage | Official Date |
|---|---|
| Schools publish criteria & points | 28 November 2025 |
| Admission forms released | 4 December 2025 |
| Last date to submit forms | 27 December 2025 |
| Schools upload applicant details | 9 January 2026 |
| Schools upload points/marks | 16 January 2026 |
| First list (selected + waitlist) | 23 January 2026 |
| Query/objection window | 24 Jan – 3 Feb 2026 |
| Second list | 9 February 2026 |
| Admission process closes | 19 March 2026 |
Age Criteria for Delhi School Admission 2026–27 (NEP 2020 Aligned)
| Class | Minimum Age (as of 31 March 2026) |
|---|---|
| Nursery (Pre-School) | 3+ years |
| LKG (Pre-Primary 1) | 4+ years |
| UKG (Pre-Primary 2) | 5+ years |
| Class 1 | 6+ years |
Important:
No relaxation in the age criteria is expected under NEP guidelines, except in very rare cases approved by the DoE.
Why Class 1 Is Now 6+ (NEP Explained Simply)
NEP 2020 introduced a 5+3+3+4 school structure. Under this:
Foundational Stage: 3 years (Nursery, LKG, UKG) + Class 1–2
Formal learning starts at Class 1 only at age 6
This helps children develop essential:
Social skills
Basic literacy & numeracy
Emotional readiness
Pre-academic skills
Parents can be assured that this system supports healthier and age-appropriate learning.
Understanding Delhi’s Admission System (Simple Overview)
Delhi Private School Admissions are mostly based on:
Point system (distance, sibling, alumni)
Vacant seats
Document verification
Parents do not need to pay any fee other than the registration/application fee.
Admission Categories
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| General Category | Open to all applicants |
| EWS/DG/Children with Disabilities | Seat reserved as per government rules |
| Sibling Category | Priority if elder sibling is already studying |
| Alumni Category | Points for parents who studied in the same school |
| Staff/Management Quota | Seats filled directly by school management |
Required Documents (Easy Checklist)
For All Applicants
Child’s birth certificate
Passport-size photos (child + parents)
Proof of residence (any one: Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Electricity Bill)
Parents’ ID proof
Vaccination record (recommended)
If applicable:
Sibling proof (ID card/Fee receipt)
Alumni proof (Marksheet/Certificate)
EWS/DG certificate
Disability certificate
Keep digital copies ready for online submission.
Step-by-Step Delhi School Admission Process
Check school websites for criteria & points.
Fill online/offline form starting 4 December 2025.
Upload documents carefully.
Submit the form before 27 December 2025.
Check points list uploaded on 16 January 2026.
See results of the first list on 23 January 2026.
If needed, raise queries during the objection window.
Wait for the second list on 9 February 2026.
Complete admission formalities by 19 March 2026.
Tips for Parents (Practical & Helpful)
Start shortlisting schools early—look at distance, safety, reviews, and facilities.
Apply to multiple schools to improve chances.
Keep documents ready in both PDF + photo formats.
Avoid last-day submissions; servers often face heavy traffic.
Explain the admission process to children calmly, especially when attending interaction rounds.
Regularly check the school website and your email/SMS.
FAQs for Delhi School Admission 2026–27
1. Do I need to register on a government portal for private school admissions?
No. Private school admissions in Delhi (Nursery, KG, Class 1) happen directly through school websites, not a central government portal. The DoE only regulates rules, age criteria, and schedules.
2. Can I apply to as many private schools as I want?
Yes. There is no limit. Parents commonly apply to 5–10 schools to increase chances, especially based on proximity and points.
3. What if two schools give the same points?
If applicants tie on points and seats are fewer than applicants, schools conduct a draw of lots. This must be transparent, unbiased, and often recorded.
4. How important is distance for admission?
Distance is one of the highest-weighted criteria in the point-system.
Schools typically award more points to children who live within:
0–1 km
1–3 km
3–6 km
Living closer significantly improves chances.
UniApply’s distance filter helps parents shortlist schools realistically.
5. Can I change the information after submitting the school form?
Generally no. Most schools do not allow editing once the form is submitted.
If there’s a mistake, you must contact the school immediately during the grievance window.
6. Do schools interview children for Nursery admissions?
No. Interviews or formal assessments of toddlers are not allowed under Delhi DoE rules.
Schools may conduct simple parent interaction sessions, but not child interviews.
7. What if both parents are working? Does it impact points?
No. Working parent status does not influence points unless a specific school has a category like:
Single parent
Girl child
First-born child
which are optional criteria.
8. What are EWS, DG, and CWSN categories?
These are reserved categories:
EWS – Economically Weaker Section
DG – Disadvantaged Group (includes disadvantaged communities & orphans)
CWSN – Children With Special Needs
These admissions are conducted through the DoE lottery system, not through private school applications.
9. Can NRIs or foreign citizens apply for Delhi private school admissions?
Yes. Most schools allow NRIs and foreign nationals to apply, but may require:
Passport
Visa details
Proof of residence in India
Always check the school’s specific eligibility guidelines.
10. What is the fee structure approval rule for private schools?
Schools must publish:
Annual fees
Monthly breakdown
One-time charges
Refund policy
They cannot increase fees arbitrarily during the academic year.
UniApply lists fee structures clearly for parent comparison.
11. Do schools give preference to first-born children?
Some schools include a first-born child category in their point system, but it is not mandatory.
This varies school to school.
12. Can parents apply if they don’t have all documents ready?
You can fill the form, but final admission requires:
Birth certificate
Address proof
Parent ID
Photographs
Missing documents during verification may lead to rejection.
13. What happens if a parent provides incorrect information?
Submitting false information may lead to:
Rejection of the application
Cancellation of the seat later
Blacklisting by the school
Always provide accurate details, especially for sibling/alumni categories.
14. Are transportation facilities considered in admission criteria?
No direct points are given for transport usage.
However, distance from school affects points — which indirectly relates to transport decisions.
15. Do schools refund the admission fee if the child withdraws?
Policies vary.
Most schools:
Refund caution money
Do not refund admission fees once paid
Always read the school’s refund policy before final payment.
16. How can UniApply help if schools do not answer calls?
Through Enquire Now / School Connect, parents can:
Send direct queries
Receive call-backs
Get timely admission updates
Clarify fee and process-related questions
This is faster and more reliable than random calling.
17. Can parents apply to schools outside their zone or district?
Yes, but:
Distance points reduce
Chances of selection may be lower
Use UniApply’s distance filter to shortlist realistically.
18. If my child is not selected in the first list, should I wait?
Yes. Many schools release:
Second lists
Waiting lists
Spot admissions (if seats remain)
Parents should track multiple schools simultaneously.
19. Is donation-based admission allowed?
Absolutely not.
Capitation fees or donations are illegal in Delhi school admissions.
20. How early should parents start preparing?
Ideally 2–3 months before the admission window:
Shortlist schools
Check eligibility
Prepare documents
Track admission dates
UniApply simplifies this entire preparation journey.
Final Guidance for Parents
The Delhi school admission 2026–27 cycle is structured, transparent, and time-bound. With NEP age norms fully implemented and DoE enforcing strict publication of criteria and dates, parents now have a clearer path — but preparation is everything.
UniApply plays a crucial supporting role by helping you:
Understand admission rules
Compare schools wisely
Shortlist schools confidently
Track updates
Communicate with school teams
When application forms go live, the families who are well-prepared, organized, and informed will find the process smoother and less stressful.
We hope this detailed guide empowers you to plan well and give your child the best possible start to their academic journey.
