List of Documents Required for Nursery Admission 2026 in Delhi Schools

Getting your child started with their first school journey is a major milestone for any family living in the capital. In Delhi, the nursery admission season is often met with a mix of excitement and a bit of nerves. With thousands of families applying simultaneously, the key to a stress-free experience is staying organized and having your paperwork ready well before the forms are released.

The Directorate of Education (DoE) sets a structured timeline, and for the 2026-27 session, the process typically begins in late 2025 with forms becoming available in early December. One of the most common reasons for application rejection isn’t a lack of points, but simple errors or missing documents in the folder.

Before you dive into the paperwork, it is helpful to assess if your little one is truly prepared for this new chapter. You can check out our guide on 7 signs your child might be ready for school to help gauge their emotional and social development.

Core Documents Every Parent Needs

Regardless of which school you choose, these documents form the foundation of your application. Most schools require self-attested photocopies for offline submissions and clear, high-quality scans for online portals.

1. Proof of Age (Birth Certificate)

The most critical document is the Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation (MCD) or an equivalent authority.

• Vital Detail: The child’s name must be clearly mentioned on the certificate. If you haven’t added the name to the official record yet, now is the time to visit your local municipal office to have it updated.
• Verification: Ensure the date of birth matches all other supporting documents like your Aadhaar or insurance papers.

2. Proof of Residence

Delhi schools use a point-based system where “distance” or “neighborhood” usually carries the highest weightage—often up to 70 out of 100 points. To claim these points, you need solid proof of where you live. The DoE generally accepts the following documents:

• Ration Card/Smart Card issued in the name of parents (Mother/Father) that includes the child’s name.
• Domicile Certificate of the child or the parents.
• Voter ID (EPIC) of either parent.
• Utility Bills: Recent Electricity, Water, or MTNL telephone bills in the name of either parent.
• Aadhaar Card/UID Card issued in the name of either parent.
• Passport in the name of either parent or the child.

While some schools accept registered rent agreements, they often require them to be at least six months old to ensure the residence is permanent. Always keep a utility bill as a secondary backup to be safe.

3. Photographs

You will need several recent passport-sized photographs. It is a good idea to keep at least a dozen handy for multiple applications.

• Child’s passport-size photos (usually on a plain white or light background).
• Passport-size photos of both the Mother and Father.
• Family Photograph: Many schools ask for a combined photo of the Mother, Father, and Child together.

Category-Specific Documents

If you are applying under specific criteria to gain extra points, you will need additional verification. These “points” are what determine your child’s rank in the selection list.

• Sibling Criteria: If you already have a child in the school, you will need a copy of the latest fee receipt or the School ID card of the real sibling.
• Alumni Criteria: For parents applying to their own alma mater, schools usually ask for the School Leaving Certificate, Character Certificate, or Class 10/12 Marksheet of the parent.
• First Child: Many schools award points if the applicant is the first-born child. You will need an affidavit on a ₹10 or ₹20 stamp paper declaring this.
• Single Parent: Legal proof of custody, a divorce decree, or a death certificate of the spouse is required as applicable.
• Special Needs: A disability certificate issued by a government hospital or a recognized authority is mandatory for applications under this category.

Health and Medical Records

While not always required at the initial form-filling stage, these are mandatory once the admission is offered and you go to finalize the seat:

• Vaccination/Immunization Card: A photocopy of the child’s vaccination record to ensure they are up to date with their shots.
• Medical Fitness Certificate: A certificate from a registered MBBS doctor stating the child is fit to attend school and mentioning their blood group and any known allergies.

Age Criteria for 2026-27 Session

Before gathering documents, ensure your child meets the age requirements set by the DoE. For the 2026-27 academic session, the age is calculated as of March 31, 2026.

• Nursery (Pre-School): 3 years or above, but less than 4 years.
• KG (Pre-Primary): 4 years or above, but less than 5 years.
• Class 1: 5 years or above, but less than 6 years.

Most schools offer a 30-day relaxation (on both the lower and upper ends) at the Principal’s discretion. If your child narrowly misses the cutoff, you can usually submit a manual request to the school head. For a deeper look at how this works in our local area, read our nursery and KG admission age criteria guide.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Application

1. Digital Folder: Create a folder on your computer with high-quality scans of all documents. Ensure each file is under 300KB, as many school websites have strict size limits for uploads.
2. Self-Attestation: Keep 5–10 sets of photocopies pre-signed. “Self-attested” simply means the parent signs the photocopy to confirm it is a true copy of the original.
3. Check for Consistency: Ensure the spelling of names (especially the child’s and parents’) is identical across all documents. A mismatch between the Birth Certificate and Aadhaar can lead to unnecessary hurdles.
4. Aadhaar Update: If you have recently moved, update the address on your Aadhaar card immediately, as this process can take a few weeks.
5. The ₹25 Rule: Schools are only allowed to charge a non-refundable registration fee of ₹25. Buying a school prospectus is optional and cannot be made mandatory.

Summary and Next Steps

The nursery admission process in Delhi is all about preparation. By gathering your birth certificate, residence proofs, and photographs early, you eliminate the stress of the December rush. Always double-check the specific requirements of each school, as some may ask for an additional affidavit or specific neighborhood proof.

At Mata Nand Kaur Public School, we understand that choosing the right foundation for your child is a significant decision. As one of the best schools in Delhi, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment that fosters growth, curiosity, and character. We invite you to stay updated with our admission cycle and join a community dedicated to excellence in education.