Delhi to release criteria for nursery admissions
From neighbourhood proximity to sibling and alumni considerations, a wide range of criteria is likely to shape admissions in entry-level classes in Delhi’s private schools, as the Government prepares to release the detailed criteria for the 2026-27 academic session on November 27.
The Directorate of Education notified that forms will be available from December 4, while the first list of selected candidates will be declared on January 23.
Under the revised structure issued by the DoE, the foundational stage comprises Nursery and KG, followed by Class 1.
According to the DoE, for the 2026-27 session, a child must be between three to four years for nursery, four to five years for KG and five to six years for Class 1 as on March 31, 2026. Schools may allow age relaxation of up to one month at the discretion of the head. These norms will be uniformly implemented across all recognised unaided private schools from the upcoming academic year, it added.
According to the department, schools are required to upload their admission criteria and points for open seats (other than, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Disadvantaged Group (DG), and Children with Special Needs (CWSN) categories) by November 28. The last date for submitting application forms is December 27, it said.
According to the schedule, schools must upload details of all applicants on January 9 and release the marks allotted to each child under the points system by January 16. The first list, along with the waiting list, will be announced on January 23, followed by a 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 address grievances.
The DoE has reiterated that no school may adopt 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, it said.
