The Delhi government has announced the admission schedule for Nursery, Kindergarten (KG), and Class 1 in private unaided recognised schools for the upcoming **2026-27 academic year**. Parents who wish to admit their children in these classes should note that applications will begin on **December 4, 2025**.
This important update comes from the Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi Government. The DoE has issued a clear circular stating that all private unaided recognised schools must follow this schedule strictly. These schools must also publish important admission details on their websites to ensure fairness and clarity for all parents.
Key Dates for Delhi School Admissions 2026-27
Parents and guardians should mark these important dates related to the admission process:
| Activity | Date |
| Schools to publish admission criteria, seat list, and point system on websites | November 28, 2025 |
| Online application forms become available | December 4, 2025 |
| Last date to submit application forms | December 27, 2025 |
| First list of selected children released | January 23, 2026 |
| Second list of selected children (if seats are still available) | February 4, 2026 |
It is crucial for parents to check the websites of their preferred schools by **November 28, 2025**. On this date, schools will share details about their admission rules, how many seats they have, and how they will give points to children applying. This information helps parents understand how schools will choose students.
Age Requirements for Each Class
The DoE has set specific age limits for children applying to Nursery, KG, and Class 1. These ages are calculated as of **March 31, 2026**.
| Class | Minimum Age (as of March 31, 2026) |
| Nursery | 3 years old |
| Kindergarten (KG) | 4 years old |
| Class 1 | 5 years old |
For example, if a child is applying for Nursery, they must be at least 3 years old by **March 31, 2026**. Similarly, for KG, they must be 4 years old, and for Class 1, they must be 5 years old by the same date.
Rules for Schools and Parents
The Directorate of Education has put in place strict rules to make sure the admission process is fair for everyone:
- Fair Admission Rules: Schools cannot create any admission rules that are unfair or treat some children differently. All criteria must be reasonable and clear.
- Application Fee Limit: The registration fee for application forms cannot be more than **₹25**. Schools cannot ask for a higher amount.
- Transparency in Selection: If a school receives more applications than available seats, they must hold a 'draw of lots' (a kind of lucky draw) to select students. This draw must happen in front of the parents of the children who applied. This ensures that the selection is open and honest.
These rules aim to prevent any unfair practices and ensure that every child has an equal chance at admission, as long as they meet the age and other general criteria.
Important Notes for Parents
Parents are advised to:
- Visit the official websites of the private schools they are interested in well before **December 4, 2025**, to understand their specific admission criteria and rules.
- Collect all necessary documents required for admission beforehand to avoid last-minute rush.
- Keep track of the official dates for application submission and result announcements.
- Attend the draw of lots if their child's application is part of one, to ensure transparency.
Separate Announcements for Special Categories
The current admission schedule shared by the DoE is specifically for **open-category seats**. This means it applies to general admissions.
The DoE has confirmed that there will be separate announcements for admissions under other important categories. These include:
- EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): For children from families with lower incomes.
- DG (Disadvantaged Group): For children from specific disadvantaged communities.
- CWSN (Children With Special Needs): For children who require special support in education.
Parents whose children fall into these special categories should wait for separate notifications from the Directorate of Education for their admission processes.
Staying informed about these dates and rules will help parents complete the admission process smoothly for the **2026-27 academic year**.