The annual race for nursery seats in Delhi's schools has officially commenced, marking the start of a high-stakes period for thousands of parents. With admission forms now accessible, families across the capital are embarking on a weeks-long journey of shortlisting institutions, gathering paperwork, and submitting applications before the fast-approaching deadline.
Critical Timeline and Submission Process
Parents must navigate a strict schedule to secure their child's chance. The final date for submitting all nursery admission forms is December 27. Following this, schools will upload the details of all applicants on January 9. The anxiously awaited points-based marks, which form the core of the selection criteria, will be released on January 16. The first list of selected candidates will then be announced on January 23, a date met with both hope and anxiety in households citywide.
Officials from the Directorate of Education have advised parents to maintain calm and stay organized. "Keeping documents ready and submitting accurate information will help parents avoid last-minute stress and ensure that their applications move smoothly through the system," a department official stated.
Essential Documents and Online Application Steps
A smooth application hinges on having the correct paperwork prepared in advance. Parents are required to keep the following key documents ready:
- A ration card or smart card in the parent's name.
- The domicile certificate of either the parent or the child.
- Voter ID card of at least one parent.
- Address proof via electricity, water, or MTNL bills, or a passport bearing the parent's or child's name.
- An Aadhaar card of either parent to facilitate seamless online submission.
The application process is conducted online. Parents should visit the official Directorate of Education website and click on the 'Nursery Admission 2026–27' link. First-time users need to register to generate a login ID and password. After signing in, they can fill out the form, upload the necessary documents, pay the application fee, and finally submit. Officials strongly recommend saving a copy of the final submission for future reference.
Understanding the Points-Based Selection Criteria
The competitive admission season was signaled on November 28, when schools published their individual admission criteria. The points system continues to allocate weightage to factors such as the sibling quota, alumni status, and single-parent households. However, neighbourhood proximity remains the most decisive factor in the selection process.
Many schools award a significant 30 to 50 points to applicants living closest to the campus. "While schools consider multiple parameters, proximity remains central because it directly supports safety, convenience and reduced travel time for children," the official explained. For countless families, the tally of these points will ultimately determine which school gates their child will walk through in the upcoming academic year.
As the deadline looms, the emphasis is on meticulous preparation and timely action to navigate Delhi's intense nursery admission landscape successfully.
