Delhi Nursery Admissions: Second Merit List Released, Final Round Scheduled for March 5
Private schools across New Delhi have officially unveiled the second merit list for nursery admissions for the upcoming 2026–27 academic session. This critical phase in the admission process was announced on Monday, with the third and final merit list set to be published on March 5, marking a pivotal milestone for parents and guardians.
Admission Process and School Participation
A total of 1,741 private schools have uploaded their second merit lists, accompanied by waiting lists, as part of the streamlined admission framework. Parents of shortlisted children are advised to check the merit lists on the respective school websites and complete admission formalities by visiting the schools between February 10 and 16. This window provides a crucial opportunity for securing spots in the foundational education stage.
Notable School Admissions and Shortlists
Several prominent schools reported significant shortlists, reflecting the competitive nature of the admissions. For instance, Sovereign School in Rohini selected 409 students, while Gita Ratan School shortlisted 136 candidates. St George’s School in Alaknanda confirmed admission for 155 students, and Loreto Convent School in Delhi Cantonment shortlisted 11. Additionally, Delhi Public School, East of Kailash, offered admission to 14 candidates and placed 132 on the waiting list, and Apeejay School in Saket confirmed 150 admissions with 176 applicants on standby, according to official sources cited by PTI.
Revised Admission Framework and Age Criteria
Under the Directorate of Education’s revised admission framework, the foundational stage encompasses nursery, kindergarten (KG), and Class 1. For the 2026–27 admissions, children must meet specific age requirements: at least three years old for nursery, four for KG, and five for Class 1 as of March 31, 2026. Schools may grant an age relaxation of up to one month at the discretion of the head of the institution, providing some flexibility in the process.
Admission Criteria and Transparency Measures
Schools employ varied criteria for admissions, including factors such as neighbourhood proximity, sibling preference, and alumni status. To ensure fairness and transparency, the Directorate of Education has mandated that any draw of lots, if required, must be conducted in the presence of parents and video recorded. This measure aims to uphold integrity throughout the admission process.
Timeline and Compliance
The admission process follows a structured timeline: applicant details were uploaded on January 9, points awarded under the criteria were published by January 16, and the process will conclude on March 19. A district-level monitoring cell has been established to ensure compliance with guidelines and address any grievances promptly. The department has reiterated that schools are only permitted to charge a non-refundable registration fee of ₹25, with strict prohibitions on capitation fees or coercing parents to purchase prospectuses.
