Delhi Nursery School Admission Guidelines 2026-27 Explained

Regulated by the Directorate of Education (DoE), the admissions for open seats in entry-level classes (excluding EWS/DG/CWSN) are all set to begin from December 4, 2025. With major changes to the age criteria this year, it is important that parents remain updated with all the necessary nursery admission guidelines in Delhi. Read on to find out crucial details on the admission schedule, updated age criteria, points-based system and so on!

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Alignment with NEP 2020 beginning from 2026-27

The 2026-27 session marks a major change under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introducing the 5+3+3+4 school structure. Under this new setup, the Foundational Stage now covers the first five years of schooling: from Nursery (Pre-School 1) to Class 2. The focus of this stage is on play-based, hands-on, and activity-driven learning, replacing the earlier emphasis on early academic drills.

In order to align the education system with NEP 2020, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has announced an updated age criteria in Delhi schools that increases the minimum age for admission to Class 1. However, as of now, the age criteria will be the same as previous years, i.e. 3 years for Nursery, 4 years for KG and 5 years for Class 6. The new age criteria will be implemented only in phases, with full implementation expected by 2028-29.
 

Admission Schedule for Nursery Admissions in Delhi 2026-27

The admission process for nursery classes in Delhi is to begin by December 4, 2025, with the first list releasing on January 23. Here are the complete admission dates for Delhi school admissions as announced by the DoE:

Understanding the Guidelines for Nursery School Admissions in Delhi

Delhi nursery school admission guidelines enforce a clear criteria for the selection of students for admission to the entry-level classes. Let us take a look at each of these in detail.

1. Point-based Criteria for Delhi Nursery Admissions

Admission to approximately 75% of open seats in private unaided schools is governed by the 'Point System,' where schools allot marks to applicants based on transparent, predetermined criteria, up to a maximum of 100 points. The higher the score an applicant secures, the greater their probability of admission. 

Schools are required to upload a transparent breakdown of the criteria and corresponding marks assigned to each applicant, ensuring accountability in the process. Here is a look at the key criteria for the point-based admissions system in Delhi:

• Distance from School (Neighborhood Criterion): This criterion consistently constitutes the largest segment of the 100 points, frequently ranging between 60 to 80 points, making it the most critical deterministic factor. Most schools divide neighborhoods into zones, typically measuring distance in kilometers. For example:
  • 0-1 km: Highest points (typically 60-70)
  • 1-3 km: Moderate points 
  • 3-8 km and Beyond: Points decrease as the distance increases

Please Note: The distance criteria contributes almost 70-90% to securing the admission. Thus, when planning for nursery school admissions in Delhi, proximity should be your top priority as it can significantly improve your child’s chances of selection.

• Sibling Preference: Schools allocate 20-20 points if the applicant has a sibling currently enrolled and studying in the same school. This requires mandatory submission of proof of the sibling's enrollment.   
• Alumni Status: 5 to 10 points are assigned if either the child's mother or father is a recognized alumnus of the school. Parents must verify the school’s definition of "alumnus," as criteria vary (e.g., completion of Class X or Class XII).

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What happens if multiple applicants have the same point score?

When multiple applicants have the same point score, schools usually conduct a draw of lots (lottery system) to decide admissions. For example, if 100 applicants receive the same points but the number of seats in that particular school is just 30, then a lottery is conducted to draw out the 30 candidates that will be selected on the first list.

This process ensures fairness by randomly selecting among applicants with identical scores, allowing each child an equal chance of admission when they meet the cutoff or point criteria equally. The draw of lots is conducted under the strict regulation of the DoE and is also recorded and telecast through a livestream to maintain transparency.

Also Read | Delhi School Admission Point System 2026-27 
 

2. Updated Age Criteria for Delhi Nursery Admissions 2026-27

The new age criteria, announced recently by the DoE, state that a child must be a minimum of 3 years old by March 31st of the year in which admission is sought. While the age criteria makes considerable changes to the foundational framework (breaking KG to LKG and UKG and implementing a 6+ years age criteria for admission to Class 1), the DoE has made it clear that the transition will happen gradually, with the new structure starting in 2026-27 and that existing students will not be affected.

Here is a closer look at the age criteria announced by DoE for the academic year 2026-27:

Note: Age relaxation of up to 30 days can be availed on the minimum and maximum age limits upon discussion with the Head of School.

Check Out | Age Criteria for Nursery Admission in Delhi 2026-27 (Updated) 

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3. EWS/DG/CWSN Seats in Delhi Nursery Admissions

Recognized private unaided schools are mandated under the Right to Education (RTE) Act to reserve a mandatory 25% of their entry-level seats for applicants belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Disadvantaged Group (DG), and Children With Special Needs (CWSN).   

According to DoE’s set guidelines for nursery school admission in Delhi, this 25% of the reserved seats are further distributed as:

• 22% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG)
• 3% for Children With Special Needs (CWSN)

Also Read | EWS/DG Admissions 2026-27: All You Need to Know
 

4. Documents Required for Delhi Nursery Admissions 

Here is the complete list of documents required according to the Delhi nursery school admission guidelines:

• Passport-size pictures of the child and parents, at least 2 of each
• A print-out of the filled application form, just in case
• A family photo consisting of the parents and the child
• Proof of residence, any two of the following should be kept ready:
  • Ration/Smart Card issued in the name of parents (Mother/Father, having the name of the child)
  • Domicile certificate of the child or his/her parents
  • Voter I-Card (EPIC) of any of the parents
  • The latest paid Electricity bill/MTNL telephone bill/Water bill/Passport in the name of any of the parents or child
  • Aadhaar Card/UID card issued in the name of either of the parents
• Birth Certificate, for proof of age
• Tuition fee receipt of the applicant’s sibling, in case you are applying via the sibling quota
• Proof regarding parents being alumni of the school, for those applying via the alumni criteria

Check Out | Documents Required for Delhi Nursery Admissions 2026-27 

After provisional selection, admission is confirmed only after the school physically verifies all documents. The DoE carefully checks all documents and does not accept forged papers like simple notarized affidavits. 

If any false information or fake documents are found at any stage, the admission is immediately cancelled. This strict process ensures that only genuinely eligible students are admitted.

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5. Delhi Nursery School Admission Guidelines Against Arbitrary Fee Hikes

From the 2026-27 session, parents will have stronger financial protection under the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025. This law ensures clarity and fairness in how schools decide their fees.

All private and unaided schools must now get approval from the Directorate of Education (DoE) before increasing fees. The Act also includes parents in the fee-setting process, giving them a voice and veto power. 

With this oversight, schools can no longer impose sudden or unjustified fee hikes. The new law aims to make school finances transparent and prevent misuse, easing the financial burden on parents.
 

How to Apply for Nursery School Admission in Delhi?

Here’s how you apply for Delhi school admissions at one place, without having to fill multiple forms for each school:

• Visit www.ezyschooling.com and create your child's profile on the site.
• Add all your desired school forms to your cart.
• Complete the Form Purchase using your preferred mode of payment.
• Fill out the common application form and enter all the required details.
• Preview the form and make your final submission.

Please Note: Parents can access application forms for a nominal fee of Rs. 25.

By following these steps, you avoid the hassle of multiple registrations and applications. Ezyschooling ensures every detail is tracked and no deadlines are missed, giving your child the best chance to begin their academic journey smoothly.

Pro Tip: Please make sure to double-check all information as applications once submitted cannot be edited. There can be re-submissions after discussing the same with the concerned school, but even that is a hectic process. So, make sure that everything is filled correctly before you submit the form.

Also Read | How to Apply for Nursery Admission in Delhi 2026-27: Full Guide 

Pro Tip: Please make sure to double-check all information, as applications once submitted cannot be edited. There can be re-submissions after discussing the same with the concerned school, but even that is a hectic process. So, make sure that everything is filled correctly before you submit the form.

Please Note: No interviews, interactions, or child assessments are allowed at Nursery, LKG/UKG, or Class 1.

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FAQS

Q1. When will Nursery admissions 2026-27 start in Delhi?

A: The admission process for open seats in recognized private unaided schools is scheduled to commence by December 4, 2025. The Directorate of Education (DoE) typically opens the application window for approximately 23 days, with submissions scheduled to close by December 27, 2025.

Q2. What is the minimum age for nursery admission in Delhi for 2026-27?

A: For the session 2026-27, the minimum age for Nursery admission is 3+ years as of March 31, 2026. This means, children must have been born between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023 in order to be eligible for Delhi nursery admissions 2026-27.

Q3. Are there any interviews or tests for nursery admissions?

A: No, the Directorate of Education strictly prohibits any interviews, interactions, or formal assessments of the child for admission to entry-level classes (Nursery, LKG, UKG, or Class 1). Instead, selection for general seats must be based exclusively on objective, transparent criteria such as the 100-point system.

Q4. Can I apply for both Open Seats and EWS/DG/CWSN category?

A: No, parents must apply only under one category. Applying under both categories at the same time may lead to disqualification. 

Q5. Are schools allowed to charge a registration fee?

A: Schools are permitted to charge a nominal fee of a maximum of ₹45 for the admission registration form. The Directorate of Education restricts schools from charging any additional fees beyond the cost of the form at the registration stage.

Q6. How will I know if my child is selected through the draw of lots?

A: Schools display the draw results on their notice board, website, and sometimes send email/SMS notifications.As per DoE guidelines, the entire process must be recorded or livestreamed to ensure transparency.

Q7. What if I live outside Delhi but want admission in a Delhi school?

A: Applicants living outside Delhi (such as Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, or Faridabad) are not eligible for seats reserved under the Delhi DoE jurisdiction, as residence proof within the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi is a mandatory requirement for admission to Delhi-recognized private schools.

Q8. Is there any difference in applying via Ezyschooling rather than school websites?

A: You won’t be doing anything different whether you apply via Ezyschooling or individual school sites. Your method of applying does not have any impact on the selection process as the criterion of selection and awarding points is done in the same manner for everyone.

Q9. Where can I find the latest updates on nursery admission guidelines and notifications?

A: The official nursery admission notifications are available on the official DoE site: edudel.nic.in. Follow this community on WhatsApp to receive all important admission-related updates and notifications.

Conclusion

The 2026-27 admission cycle marks a major shift in Delhi’s education system with the full rollout of the NEP 2020 Foundational Stage. For parents, the key is to follow the 3+ age rule for Nursery admissions and focus on nearby schools, as distance carries the most weight in the 100-point system. 

The DoE’s new fee regulation law also adds financial protection, making the process more transparent and secure. With proper planning and awareness, parents can ensure their child’s first step into school is confident, fair, and well-prepared.

Apply to multiple schools with one common application form.

Apply to Schools in Delhi 2026-27

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Looking for more information on Delhi Admissions? Check out:

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