With the application window for Delhi Nursery, Kindergarten (KG) and Class 1 admissions for the 2026-27 academic session set to close on December 27, 2025, parents are entering the final and most critical phase of the admission process. The Directorate of Education (DoE) has reiterated strict compliance with timelines, documentation rules, and transparency norms for all private unaided schools.Before submitting or finalising application forms, parents should carefully verify the following five key aspects to avoid disqualification, errors, or last-minute confusion.
Age eligibility as on March 31, 2026
One of the most common reasons for rejection is incorrect age eligibility. For the 2026-27 cycle, the age norms remain aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) foundational stage framework.As per DoE guidelines:
- Nursery (Pre-School): Child must be 3 years or above but less than 4 years
- KG (Pre-Primary): Child must be 4 years or above but less than 5 years
- Class 1: Child must be 5 years or above but less than 6 years
The age is calculated strictly as on March 31, 2026. Children already studying in Nursery or KG in the 2025–26 academic year will automatically progress to the next class and do not need to apply again.
School-wise admission criteria and point distribution
All private unaided schools were required to upload their admission criteria, point system, and seat availability by November 28, 2025, on both their individual websites and the DoE portal.Before applying, parents should:
- Check the weightage assigned to distance, sibling, alumni, and staff ward categories
- Verify how proximity to the school is calculated, as distance continues to carry the highest points in most schools
- Confirm the total open seats available for Nursery, KG or Class 1
Submitting forms without understanding the point structure may lead to unrealistic expectations during the selection stage.
Accuracy and completeness of documents
Incomplete or mismatched documentation can affect point allocation or result in rejection during verification.Parents should ensure the following documents are ready and correctly uploaded or attached:
- Birth certificate issued by a competent authority
- Valid residence proof such as ration card, electricity or water bill, Aadhaar card, voter ID or passport
- Identity proofs of both parents
- Recent photographs of the child and parents
- Proof of sibling studying in the same school, if applicable
- Proof of parent being an alumnus, if applicable
- Disability certificate issued by a government authority, only for Children with Disabilities (CwD) applicants
All information entered in the form must exactly match the supporting documents.
Application fee and prohibited charges
The Directorate of Education has capped the registration fee at ₹25 per application. Schools are strictly prohibited from charging:
- Capitation fees
- Mandatory prospectus fees
- Any additional admission-related charges at the application stage
Parents should avoid schools that demand payments beyond the prescribed amount and retain the payment acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
Post-application tracking and selection process
Submitting the form is only the first step. Schools are required to follow a transparent, step-by-step disclosure process after applications close.Parents must regularly check school websites for:
- List of all applicants (to be uploaded on January 9, 2026)
- Points allotted to each applicant (January 16, 2026)
- First admission list and waiting list (January 23, 2026)
- Updates on grievance or query redressal between January 24 and February 3, 2026
- Second admission list, if applicable, on February 9, 2026
In case of tied scores for limited seats, schools must conduct a draw of lots, which has to be video-recorded, held in the presence of parents, and announced at least two days in advance.Parents should note that 25% of seats remain reserved under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for Economically Weaker Section, Disadvantaged Groups and Children with Disabilities through a separate centralised admission process.Important note: Applications for Delhi Nursery, KG and Class 1 admissions for the 2026-27 academic session will close on December 27, 2025. Parents are advised to complete submissions well before the deadline and closely monitor school-specific updates to avoid last-minute issues.
