Delhi School Admission Process 2026-27: Entry-Level & Non-Plan Admissions in Delhi

The Delhi school admission process is all set to begin by December 4, 2025, in entry-level classes for general seats (excluding EWS/ DG/ CWSN categories) in private unaided recognized schools in Delhi. While the Directorate of Education (DoE) ensures a transparent system, the admission procedure in Delhi schools can feel overwhelming without the right information.

This guide simplifies each stage of the school admission process in Delhi, from eligibility and documentation to timelines and online form submission.

Apply to multiple schools with one common application form.

Apply to Schools in Delhi 2026-27
 

Delhi School Admission Timeline 2026-27

The Delhi admission forms for entry-level classes are to be released by December 4, 2025. Here are the complete admission dates for Delhi school admissions as announced by the DoE:

Check Out | Ultimate Guide for Delhi School Admissions 2026-27
 

Age Criteria for Delhi School 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:

Class	Age Criteria	Born Between
Nursery	3+ years as of 31 March 2026	1 Apr 2022 – 31 Mar 2023
KG	4+ years as of 31 March 2026	1 Apr 2021 – 31 Mar 2022
Class I	5+ years as of 31 March 2026	1 Apr 2020 – 31 Mar 2021

Note: While the age criteria for nursery admissions in Delhi are strictly enforced, some schools allow a 30-day relaxation on upper and lower age limits. In case of concerns, it is always a good idea to reach out to the school directly.

Also Read | Age Criteria for Nursery Admission in Delhi 2026-27 (Updated) 

Apply to multiple schools with one common application form.

Apply to Schools in Delhi 2026-27
 

Age Criteria for Higher Classes in Delhi Schools

Please Note: Some schools offer flexibility on the upper age limit for higher classes, but are firm about the lower age limit for younger classes. For students who have repeated a year or failed, some schools may offer a relaxation in the upper age limit to accommodate their admission. If you have concerns or need clarification, it’s best to reach out directly to the school for accurate information. 

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

Understanding the Delhi School Admission Process

The school admission process in Delhi is regulated by the Directorate of Education (DoE) and follows a systematic, transparent approach. The process varies slightly depending on the class level.

Let's break down the admission procedure in Delhi schools for each category.
 

Delhi School Admission Process for Entry-Level Classes

The admission process for entry-level classes is the most structured and follows a strict timeline with multiple stages.
 

Stage 1: Notification and Form Release

When? From December 4, 2025.

The DoE releases an official notification announcing:

• Start date for applications
• List of participating schools
• Seat matrix (available seats per school)
• Points criteria and weightage
• Important dates and deadlines

What Can Parents Do During This Time?

• Stay updated on all dates and get clarity on the entire process.
• Confirm your child’s eligibility as per the criteria set by the DoE.
• Start collecting the required documents for admission.

Please Note: Parents can shortlist schools using platforms like Ezyschooling, which allows you to compare schools by location, board, and facilities before applying.

Apply to multiple schools with one common application form.

Apply to Schools in Delhi 2026-27
 

Stage 2: Application Submission

When? December 4 to December 27

The DoE usually fixes a window of 23 days for schools to accept applications for admission. These 23 days are thus of crucial importance as the entry-level classes do not open admissions more than once a year.

How to Apply for Delhi School Admission?

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 

Apply to multiple schools with one common application form.

Apply to Schools in Delhi 2026-27
 

What are the Documents Required?

Parents are advised to keep the following documents handy while applying for Delhi school admission:

• 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 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 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
• Previous School Reports (for admission to higher classes)

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

Stage 3: Points Calculation and Verification

When? January 9 to January 16

As schools start accepting applications, the verification process also starts almost simultaneously, or once the application window closes. On successful verification, schools “Acknowledge” the applications and start assigning points according to the point system, following the regulations set by the DoE.

What is the Points System in Delhi School Admissions?

The Point System assigns points based on specific criteria, giving priority to applicants with the highest scores. For example:

• Neighbourhood or Distance from School: Points are allotted based on how far the student lives from the school locality. 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
• Sibling Factor: Schools allocate 20-30 points to applicants with siblings already enrolled.
• Alumni Status: 5-10 points may be assigned if one or both parents are alumni of the school.

And many more!

Please Note: On applying through ezyschooling.com, parents receive real-time updates and stay informed every step of the way through emails and texts. Parents can also directly check the status of their application or provisional points assigned by schools through the tracking dashboard.

Also Read | Delhi School Admission Point System 2026-27 

Draw of Lots for Applicants Scoring the Same Points

When multiple applicants have the same point score, schools usually conduct a draw of lots (lottery system) to decide admissions. 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.

Apply to multiple schools with one common application form.

Apply to Schools in Delhi 2026-27
 

Stage 4: Release of 1st List of Selected Candidates

When? January 23

As specified by the DoE, schools will release the 1st list of selected candidates on January 23, along with the points scored by each candidate and a separate waiting list. This is usually followed by a resolution window, wherein parents can reach out to respective schools in case they spot any errors or possible discrepancies.

What if your child’s name is not on the 1st list of your “desired” school?

Parents usually have to deal with the following 2 circumstances during this period:

• Child is selected in another or more than 1 school: Reserving a seat is your smartest choice here. In case he/she is selected in more than one school, closely compare the schools and reserve a seat in the school that seems like the right choice for your child. Wait for the 2nd list to see if your child is selected to the desired school. If the 2nd list of your ideal school bears your child’s name, you can easily get them admitted there and get your fee refunded from the school you earlier chose.
• Child’s name does not appear in the 1st list: Do not panic. The schools are yet to release the 2nd list of selected students by early February. While waiting for the 2nd  list, you could also spend some time analyzing which schools your child is likely to get admitted to according to the second list.

Stage 5: Release of 2nd and Subsequent Lists

When? February 9 to March 5

While the 1st and 2nd lists are common throughout all schools, some schools might also release subsequent lists of selected students in case seats are still available. These lists include students who had been waitlisted in the previous lists in order to fill the seats that remained vacant due to non-reporting candidates.

Please Note: Parents should be available after the release of list of selected students as they will need to report to the schools in order to complete the admission process and lock in the child’s admission.
 

Stage 6: Closure of Admission Process

When? March 19

The DoE officially closes the admission process for entry-level classes. No new admissions are entertained after this date for the regular cycle.
 

EWS/DG/CWSN Quota Admission Process (25% Seats)

The admission process for EWS/DG/CWSN Quota for the entry-level classes is entirely centralized and managed by the DoE's IT branch. Here is a brief description of the process:

Step 1: Online Application (Expected February 2026)

• Portal: Parents apply exclusively online through the centralized link on the DoE website (edudel.nic.in).
• Eligibility: Application is open only to residents of Delhi who belong to the EWS (income certificate required) or DG (caste/disability certificate required) categories.
• Multiple Schools: Parents can list multiple schools in their locality (neighborhood) as preferences in the single application form.

Step 2: Computerized Draw of Lots (Expected March 2026)

• Selection: The DoE conducts a Computerized Draw of Lots. This process selects candidates randomly from the eligible pool, prioritizing those closest to their chosen school(s).
• Transparency: The draw is fully automated and without manual intervention.

Step 3: Allotment and Reporting

• Notification: Successful candidates are informed via SMS on their registered mobile number, and the allotment list is displayed online.
• Reporting: The allotted school cannot deny admission on grounds of distance or lack of vacancy (as the seats are reserved). Parents must report to the allotted school with original documents for verification within the specified deadline, or the admission may be cancelled.

Check Out | EWS/DG Admissions 2026-27: All You Need to Know

Apply to multiple schools with one common application form.

Apply to Schools in Delhi 2026-27
 

Delhi School Admission Process for Higher Classes

The Delhi School Admission Process for higher classes is significantly different from the entry-level classes (Nursery/KG/Class 1). While the DoE monitors the overall process, the selection for the general category shifts entirely from a subjective "points system" to an objective "merit and vacancy" model.
 

Admission Process for Private Schools

The DoE grants private schools autonomy to assess the student’s readiness for their curriculum for non-entry-level classes. Here is a detailed breakdown of the differences and the process involved:

Step 1: Application and Waiting Period

• Application: Parents can check the individual school's profile on ezyschooling.com for "Apply Now" or "Requeest a Callback". Most applications for these classes are accepted throughout the year and kept on a waiting list for a short period.
• Fees: Registration fees are determined by the school and are often significantly higher than the ₹25 DoE cap for entry-level classes.
• Vacancy: The process begins only when a seat becomes vacant in a particular class (due to a student transferring out of the school).

Step 2: Academic Assessment (The Entrance Test)

• Written Test: Shortlisted applicants (based on vacancy) are called to appear for a formal Written Entrance Test.
• Syllabus: The test covers subjects like English, Mathematics, and General Science/General Awareness, based on the syllabus of the class the student is currently studying.
• Merit: Selection is primarily based on the marks obtained in this entrance test.

Step 3: Document Review and Admission

• Academic Proof: The submission of the Transfer Certificate (TC) and the Report Card (Marksheet) of the previous class passed is mandatory.
• Age Check: The student's age must adhere to the DoE's age guidelines for the specific class (e.g., 13 to 15 years for Class 9), though private schools often have slightly more flexibility in the upper age limit than government schools.
• Admission Offer: Successful candidates are issued an admission offer, which must be secured by paying the admission fees within a short, non-negotiable deadline.

Also Read | How to Apply for Delhi School Admissions 2026-27  

EWS/DG Reservation in Higher Classes

The DoE’s mandate for reserved seats extends to these classes, but only in specific schools:

• Target Schools: The 20% EWS/Freeship quota for Classes 2 onwards is primarily enforced in private unaided schools that are situated on government-allotted land.
• Process: Like the entry-level quota, the seats are filled online by the DoE through a computerized draw of lots, using the official DoE portal against the reported vacant seats.

Apply to multiple schools with one common application form.

Apply to Schools in Delhi 2026-27
 

Non-Plan Admission Process for Government Schools

The Non-Plan Admission Process is the mechanism used by the Directorate of Education (DoE) for admission to Delhi Government schools (including regular government schools and some specialized schools) in mid-level and senior classes (Class 6 to 12).

This process is strictly for students who were not previously enrolled in a Delhi Government or Government-Aided school for the immediate past academic session.
 

Step-by-Step Admission Process (Classes 6-9)

The process is generally conducted in three main cycles throughout the year (e.g., April, May, and July) to fill vacant seats.

1. Online Registration

• Portal: The applicant must register online on the DoE portal (www.edudel.nic.in) under the "Govt. School Admissions" link.
• Proximity Selection: Applicants must carefully select the Assembly Constituency of the school nearest to their residence. This data is used to assess the applicant’s location and allot a nearby school where seats are available.
• Correction: Parents can delete and resubmit the form before the cycle deadline using an OTP verification system if they make an error.

2. Academic Assessment (For Out-of-School Children):

• Classes 7 & 8: Students who have not studied in a recognized school can be admitted based on a simple parental undertaking and are placed in an age-appropriate class.
• Class 6 (Out-of-School): Children aged 10-12 who are out-of-school must register and be assessed for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) at a nearby school before their class is finalized.
• Class 9: Admission requires the student to have passed Class 8 from a recognized school.

3. School Allotment:

• Centralized Allotment: The DoE allots schools online based on vacancy and available infrastructure in the nearest cluster/zone to the applicant's residence.
• Verification: The list of allotted schools is displayed online. Parents must submit and verify their documents at the allotted school within the stipulated window.

Admission Process for Class 11

The Non-Plan process for Class 11 is highly competitive and merit-driven:

• Eligibility: Student must have passed Class 10 from a recognized non-DoE board.
• Stream Selection: The student is provisionally allotted a stream (Science, Commerce, or Humanities) based on their Class 10 marks and the minimum percentage criteria set by the DoE for each stream (e.g., 55% aggregate for Science).
• Age Criteria: Normal age criteria is 15 to <17 years as of March 31, with age relaxation of up to 1 year granted by the HoS for students without a gap year.
• Specialized Schools: Admission to Schools of Specialised Excellence (SoSEs) for Class 11 requires students to clear a merit-based Entrance Test.

The entire Non-Plan admission system is conducted in multiple phases to ensure no child in Delhi is denied the opportunity to continue their education due to missed deadlines or changing circumstances.

Apply to multiple schools with one common application form.

Apply to Schools in Delhi 2026-27
 

FAQS

Q1. When will the application forms for the General Category (Nursery, KG, Class 1) be available?

A: The Delhi school admission process timeline is set by the Directorate of Education (DoE). Application forms for the General Category are going to be released on December 4, 2025, with a deadline falling on December 27, 2025. 

Q2. What is the mandatory age criteria for Class 1 admission starting 2026-27?

A: As per the DoE's circular aligning with NEP 2020, a child must complete 5 years of age as of March 31, 2026, to be eligible for Class 1. Consequently, the minimum age for Nursery is 3+ years and KG is 4+ years (as of March 31, 2026).

Q3. How is the 100-Point System calculated for Nursery admission?

A: The 100 points are awarded based on verifiable, school-specific criteria, as mandated by the DoE. The majority of points are assigned for Neighbourhood/Distance (often 60 to 70 points). Other common criteria include the Sibling Factor (having an older sibling in the school) and Alumni Status (parents who attended the school).

Q4. Is an interview or written test allowed for entry-level classes (Nursery, KG, Class 1)?

A: No, the DoE strictly prohibits any form of screening, interview, or written/oral test for the child or parents for admission to entry-level classes (Nursery, KG, Class 1) in private unaided schools.

Q5. How do I apply for the EWS/DG Quota?

A: The EWS/DG admission is managed centrally and separately. You must apply online only through the dedicated link on the official edudel.nic.in portal during the registration window (typically starts in February). Selection is strictly through a Computerized Draw of Lots.

Q6. How can I check if my child is selected?

A: Schools publish the first and second lists of selected candidates on their websites and notice boards. Parents can also track their child’s application status directly through platforms like Ezyschooling, which sends real-time SMS/email updates.
 

Conclusion

Understanding the Delhi school admission process is essential for every parent looking to secure quality education for their child. The admission process in Delhi schools is designed to be fair, transparent, and accessible, but it requires careful planning and timely action.

Whether you're navigating the points-based system for entry-level classes, the residence-based allotment for Classes 6-9, or the merit-based process for Class 11, being well-prepared makes all the difference.

Apply to multiple schools with one common application form.

Apply to Schools in Delhi 2026-27

Stay updated on Delhi School Admissions 2026-27!

Join Exclusive Parents Community
 

Looking for more information on Delhi Admissions? Check out:

Delhi Nursery Admission Online Registration Form 2026-27 
Delhi School Admission Online Registration Form 2026-27 
Delhi KG/Pre Primary School Admission Form 2026-27 
Apply Now for KG Admissions in Delhi 2026-27: Full Guide
Delhi Class 1 Admission Form Filling Guidelines 2026-27 
How to Apply for Admission in Class 1 in Delhi 2026-27: Full Parent Guide
Age Criteria for Pre-Nursery Admission in Delhi 2026-27 
Procedure for Nursery Admissions in Delhi 2026-27 (Updated) 
Delhi School Admission Process 2026-27: Entry-Level & Non-Plan Admissions in Delhi
Criteria for Nursery Admissions in Delhi 2026-27 (Updated)
Criteria for Delhi School Admissions 2026-27: Age, Points & Domicile Explained 
Delhi Nursery School Admission Guidelines 2026-27 Explained
Full Guide On Delhi Nursery Admissions 2026-27: Apply Online