Delhi Nursery Admissions 2026: Key Dates and Guidelines
Overview of Nursery Admissions in Delhi
The nursery admission process for the 2026-27 academic year is set to commence on March 2, 2026. This opportunity is exclusively for children residing in Delhi, with priority given to those living in close proximity to the school.
Admission Process Details
The Education Department has outlined the admission criteria for nursery, KG, and Class 1. This announcement is particularly significant for parents seeking quality education for their children aged between 3 and 6 years. A detailed circular has been released to guide the process.
Key Dates for Nursery Admissions
The nursery admission process will officially start on March 2, 2026. Only children who reside in Delhi are eligible to apply, with those living closest to the school receiving priority. Children within a 1-kilometer radius will be given first preference, followed by those within a 3-kilometer radius. For families living further away, an affidavit will be required to confirm safe transportation arrangements for their child.
Application Form Availability
Parents can collect application forms from schools between March 2 and March 16, 2026. The collection and submission hours are as follows:
| Shift | Collection & Submission Time |
|---|---|
| Morning/General | 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Evening | 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM |
Completed forms should be dropped in the designated school drop box, and there is no fee for obtaining or submitting the form.
Important Dates for Results and Enrollment
On March 18, 2026, schools will release a list of all applications, allowing parents to identify any errors for correction. A lottery will be conducted on March 20, 2026, to ensure a fair selection process. The names of selected children will be displayed on school notice boards on March 23, 2026. Enrollment for these children will take place from March 24 to April 2, 2026. If there are any unfilled seats, a waiting list will be established, with admissions from this list occurring between April 4 and April 7, 2026.
Age Requirements for Admission
The age of the child will be assessed as of March 31, 2026. The age criteria are as follows:
| Class | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nursery | 3 to 4 years |
| KG | 4 to 5 years |
| Class 1 | 5 to 6 years |
Age verification will be based on the birth certificate. Required documents include the child's birth certificate, proof of residence in Delhi (like an Aadhaar card or electricity bill), a recent photograph, and any applicable reservation proof. Temporary admission may be granted for 30 days for children with disabilities or from disadvantaged groups, even without these documents.
Reservation Policies
The admission guidelines specify reservation policies as follows: 15% of seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 3% for children with disabilities, and 2% for children of education department employees. This reservation applies to private institutions to promote equal opportunities. Additionally, a vaccination certificate must be submitted within six months of admission; failure to do so may result in denial of admission.