The Directorate of Education (DoE) orchestrates Delhi’s 2026-27 school admissions with a strict, time-sensitive process. For parents, securing a spot for their child means mastering online forms, meeting rigid age criteria, and understanding a complex point system. Success hinges on meticulous preparation and flawless execution, especially when vying for seats in private schools.
The Challenge: Navigating Delhi School Admission Criteria
The annual scramble for Delhi school admissions is a high-stakes race against time. The DoE enforces a tight schedule and a complicated point system, leaving many parents anxious about missteps. That fear is justified. A single missed deadline or one incorrect document can lead to outright rejection, turning a hopeful process into a major setback.
With the right strategy, you can navigate the system confidently. This guide breaks down the process into clear, manageable steps, from key dates to the crucial criteria used by private unaided recognised schools.
Step 1: Master the DoE’s Official Timeline
The entire admission process follows a rigid schedule. While the DoE has not yet released the official 2026-27 circular, the timeline is remarkably consistent each year. Below is the expected schedule for nursery, KG, and Class 1 admissions based on the previous cycle.
Expected Timeline for Delhi School Admissions
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Admission Process Begins & Forms Available | November 23, 2025 |
| Final Day for Application Form Submission | December 15, 2025 |
| Schools Upload Applicant Points | January 5, 2026 |
| First List of Selected Children Displayed | January 12, 2026 |
| Resolution of Parent Queries (First List) | January 13 – 22, 2026 |
| Second List of Selected Children Displayed | January 29, 2026 |
| Resolution of Parent Queries (Second List) | January 31 – February 6, 2026 |
| Subsequent Admission Lists (If Required) | February 21, 2026 |
| Admission Process Closes | March 8, 2026 |
(Note: These dates are projected based on last year’s schedule and are subject to change once the official DoE circular for 2026-27 is released.)
Step 2: Crack the Admission Point System
Most private CBSE Schools in Delhi have replaced interviews for entry-level classes with a point-based allocation system. Understanding how these points are awarded is essential to assess your child’s chances.
Key factors that determine your score include:
- Neighbourhood: Schools award the highest points to children living closest to the campus. This is often the most heavily weighted criterion.
- Sibling: An applicant with a brother or sister already enrolled in the school receives significant preference points.
- Parent Alumni: If one or both parents attended the school, their child usually gets additional points.
After points are tallied, a critical step follows. If multiple applicants finish with the same score for the final seats, the school holds a draw of lots to make the final selection.
Step 3: Required Documents for Your Admission Form
Online forms have simplified submissions, but the demand for perfect documentation is stricter than ever. An application with incomplete or incorrect paperwork is a primary reason for rejection. Get ahead by gathering these essential documents now to avoid last-minute panic.
Pro-Tips for a Successful Nursery Admission Application
To avoid the most common application killers, follow these practical tips:
- Confirm the Age Limit: The DoE sets a strict upper age limit for Nursery, KG, and Class 1. Verify your child’s eligibility before you even begin an application.
- Never Miss a Deadline: The admission timeline is non-negotiable. Mark your calendar with reminders for form submissions, list announcements, and query windows.
- Prepare for Online Portals: Get comfortable with online application systems. Most schools require you to create an account, fill out detailed forms, and upload scanned documents.
- Organize Documents Early: Missing documents or deadlines is one of the most common reasons for rejection. Keep certified birth certificates, valid address proof, and recent photographs ready to go.
Delhi School Admissions 2026-27: FAQ
Who runs the admission process?
The Directorate of Education (DoE) regulates the timeline and core criteria for admissions in most private unaided recognised schools across Delhi.
Why do most applications get rejected?
Failing to meet deadlines and submitting incomplete or incorrect documents are the most frequent reasons an application is rejected.
What are the most important admission criteria?
The three primary factors in the point system are the neighbourhood (your distance from the school), the sibling rule (if a sibling is already enrolled), and parent alumni status.
When does the 2026-27 admission season end?
Based on previous years, the entire admission process is expected to conclude by March 8, 2026.
