Delhi nursery admission 2026 criteria explained; proximity to school tops priority list
The registration process for Delhi nursery admissions 2026-27 will begin on December 4, 2025. Schools considered distance as the most weighted factor, often worth up to 55 points. Parents should note that the fee is only Rs 25 for registration.
New Delhi: All the private schools in Delhi have started releasing their criteria for Delhi nursery admissions 2026-27. Distance has emerged as the most weighted factor. Some schools assign as high as 55 points out of 100 for Delhi school admission for the academic year 2026-27.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has released the admission schedule for Entry Level classes (below six years of age) for open seats (other than EWS/ DG/ CSWN category seats) in private unaided recognised schools of Delhi for the academic session 2026-27. The DoE has released the admission schedule, and parents can start the application process from December 4. The last date to apply for Delhi schools admission 2026 is December 27. The first list of selected candidates will be released on January 23, 2026.
What is Delhi nursery school admission criteria?
The DoE has notified the full admission criteria while releasing the admission schedule. Under the revised structure, the foundational stage includes Nursery and KG, followed by Class 1. One should note that age is the main criterion for admission. Schools may also allow age relaxation only up to one month.
| Class | Minimum and maximum age for admission (as on 31st March, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Nursery (Balvatika I, Pre School I) | 3+ years up to 4 years |
| KG | 4+ years up to 5 years |
| Class I | 5+ years up to 6 years |
The DoE has directed all the schools to collect only a non-refundable registration fee of Rs 25, and no capitation fee or compulsory purchase of prospectuses is permitted.
What does the DOE notice read?
The DoE has clearly stated in the official schedule regarding the criteria for admission. It has asked all the schools to upload their criteria adopted (including points for each criterion) for admission under Open Seats at Entry Level Classes (Other than EWS/DG/CWSN category seats) for the academic session 2026-27.
The official notice reads, "All the Private Unaided Recognized Schools shall develop and adopt criteria for admission which shall be fair, reasonable, well defined, equitable, non-discriminatory, unambiguous and transparent."
Earlier, the Hon'ble High Court in 2014 directed all the Private Unaided Recognized Schools to prepare the procedure to admit students but subject to the condition that the procedure is fair, reasonable and transparent.
Indraprastha International School admission criteria
Indraprastha International School in Dwarka has allotted 55 points (maximum) for students living within 0-12 km of the school. It is 45 points for those residing 12-15 km away from the school. A total of 35 points for distance beyond 15 km. The school has also assigned a total of 15 points each for sibling, alumni and staff ward categories.
Tagore International School admission criteria
The Tagore International School in East of Kailash has released the admission criteria. For students living within a 4-km radius or in areas covered by school transport, the school authority has given a total of 50 points. It has allotted 30 points for first-born children and 20 for second-born, along with 10 points each for siblings, alumni and staff wards.
ITL International School admission criteria
The Principal of ITL International School in Dwarka, Sudha Acharya, said their criteria will focus on distance, sibling preference, alumni connection and staff wards. "Proximity remains the most practical factor for us, and giving weightage to siblings and alumni helps strengthen long-term family associations with the school," PTI quoted as saying of Sudha Acharya.