As the new academic season approaches, a significant disparity has emerged in the nursery admission process across the National Capital Region. While schools in neighboring areas like Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad have already commenced their admission procedures, several schools within Delhi are lagging behind in officially kicking off the process by uploading their point criteria, as mandated by the Directorate of Education (DoE).
Race to Upload Point Criteria
The formal beginning of the admission season is marked by schools uploading their point-based selection criteria. Some institutions, such as Salwan Public School and Sachdeva Public School, have proactively uploaded this information on their official websites. However, the DoE guidelines stipulate that all schools across the national capital must provide the point criteria for entry-level admission by the evening of 28 November. This step is crucial for parents to understand how seats will be allocated.
Complete Admission Schedule for 2026-27
The Directorate of Education has released a detailed and strict timeline for nursery admissions for the 2026-27 academic session. Parents seeking admission for their children in private unaided recognized schools must carefully note the following schedule:
The process will begin in earnest with the availability of registration forms on specific school websites starting 4 December. Parents will have until 27 December to submit the application forms to the schools of their choice.
Key subsequent dates include:
- Schools upload details of children who applied under Open Seats: 9 January, 2026
- Uploading marks given to each child under the points system: 16 January, 2026
- Display of the first list of selected children: 23 January, 2026
- Display of the second list (with waiting list): 9 February, 2026
- Closure of the admission process: 19 March, 2026
It is mandatory for all schools to display the admission lists along with the marks allotted under the points system, ensuring transparency.
Important Rules for Parents
According to the official notification dated 22 November, there are several key rules parents need to be aware of. The registration fee is capped at a nominal and non-refundable ₹25. Furthermore, the age criteria are strictly defined. For admission in the 2026-27 session, a child must have attained the minimum age as of 31st March 2026.
The specific age requirements are:
- Nursery: Over three years
- Lower Kindergarten: Four years and above
- Upper Kindergarten: Over five years
- Class I: Over six years
The DoE has also provided a provision for age relaxation. Heads of schools may grant age relaxation of up to one month in the minimum and upper age limit. Parents seeking this relaxation must submit a manual application to the school principal.
With the deadline for uploading point criteria imminent, parents in Delhi are advised to regularly check the websites of their preferred schools to stay updated and ensure a smooth admission process for their wards.
