Delhi school admission guide 2027-28

Delhi private-school nursery, KG and Class 1 admissions are coordinated by the Directorate of Education, which usually publishes one common schedule for all private unaided schools — typically with forms from late November and the first list in January or February.

Typical timeline

Enquiries & campus visits
Aug–Oct 2026 · happening now
Shortlist schools, attend open days and register interest. Popular schools start taking enquiries from August.
Nursery & entry-class registration
Nov 2026–Jan 2027
Pre-primary and entry-level forms are released first and fill fastest — register in the first fortnight.
Main admission window
Nov 2026–Feb 2027
Forms for Class 1 onwards, interactions or entrance tests, and document submission at most private schools.
Results, offers & fee payment
Feb–Mar 2027
Schools publish lists and offers; secure a seat by paying the admission fee before the stated deadline.
New session begins
Apr 2027
The academic year starts in April for CBSE, ICSE and most state-board schools.

Dates are typical. Always confirm with the school or the official Delhi government notice.

Rules to know in Delhi

Points-based selection

Each school publishes its own admission criteria and points (for example distance from home, siblings in the school, alumni parents). Check each school's published criteria before applying — they differ from school to school.

EWS / DG quota

A share of entry-level seats in private schools is reserved for economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, with a separate centralised online application run by the Directorate of Education.

Age criteria

Delhi sets minimum and maximum ages for nursery, KG and Class 1 as on 31 March of the admission year. Confirm the exact limits in the current year's DoE notice.

Application tips

Shortlist 6–10 schools by distance first — most city schools give weight to how close you live, and a long commute wears children down.
Keep a documents folder ready before forms open: birth certificate, address proof, parents' ID, recent photos, Aadhaar (if available), caste/EWS certificate where applicable, and the previous school's report card and transfer certificate for older children.
Visit campuses or attend open days. Ask about class size, teacher turnover, transport routes and the full fee breakup, not just tuition.
Apply to several schools rather than one — popular schools receive many more applications than seats.
Note every school's fee-payment deadline separately. An offer usually lapses if the admission fee is not paid in time.
Save receipts and registration numbers for every form; you will need them to check lists and results.