The Education Department has issued a new circular for admissions to Nursery, KG and Class 1 for the 2026-27 academic session in Delhi.
The admission process will begin on March 2, 2026, marking a shift from the earlier schedule under the previous circular.
Application forms will be available at schools from March 2 to March 16, 2026, and parents must submit completed forms in the drop box within the specified timings of 8:30 am to 11:30 am and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Only children residing in Delhi are eligible to apply.
SELECTION PROCESS AND DISTANCE PRIORITY
- The list of applicants and any errors will be displayed on March 18, 2026.
- Selection will be carried out through a draw of lots on March 20, 2026.
- The selected list will be published on March 23, 2026.
- Admissions for successful candidates will run from March 24 to April 2, 2026.
- If seats remain vacant, waitlist admissions will be conducted from April 4 to April 7, 2026.
The new circular gives priority based strictly on distance; within a 1 km and 3 km radius from the school. For children living beyond 3 km, parents must submit a parental affidavit confirming safe transportation arrangements.
Selection will be carried out through a draw of lots, ensuring transparency in the final allocation of seats.
AGE LIMITS AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
The age criteria remain unchanged. As of March 31, 2026:
Nursery: 3+ to 4 years
KG: 4+ to 5 years
Class 1: 5+ to 6 years
Parents must submit a birth certificate, residence certificate, recent photograph and reservation certificate, if applicable.
Children belonging to disabled or disadvantaged categories will be eligible for temporary admission for 30 days even if they do not have complete documents at the time of admission.
Selected students must also submit a vaccination certificate within six months of admission.
KEY DATES
- Forms available: March 2–16, 2026
- List of applicants: March 18, 2026
- Draw of lots: March 20, 2026
- Selected list: March 23, 2026
- Admission period: March 24–April 2, 2026
- Waitlist admissions: April 4–7, 2026
WHAT CHANGED FROM THE OLD CIRCULAR
The earlier circular for the same session followed a December start with the first lists released in January. It relied heavily on a detailed point-based system for selection.
The new circular shifts the timeline to March and April and simplifies selection through distance priority and draw of lots.
Additional requirements such as a parental affidavit for distances beyond 3 km and submission of vaccination certificates within six months have also been introduced.
While the age criteria remain consistent, the revised rules focus on transparency and streamlined procedures.
