Delhi Private School Admissions: 2026-27 Schedule Unveiled, Parents, Get Ready!

For countless parents in Delhi, the annual quest to secure a coveted spot for their little ones in a top private school can feel like navigating a maze – a mix of anticipation, planning, and sometimes, a little bit of stress. Well, for those eyeing the 2026-27 academic session, a significant milestone has just been reached! The Directorate of Education (DoE) has officially released the much-anticipated admission schedule for entry-level classes – think Nursery, Kindergarten, and Class 1 – across the city's private unaided recognized schools. It's time to mark those calendars and get organised!

Let's dive straight into the dates you'll want to remember. The window to submit applications opens relatively soon, on Saturday, November 23, 2025. That gives families a solid three weeks to get all their ducks in a row, because the final deadline for submitting those precious forms is set for Saturday, December 13, 2025. Missing this cut-off simply isn't an option, so it’s wise to aim to complete everything well before the eleventh hour.

After the application period closes, the wait begins. The first admission list, often a moment of immense relief or, sometimes, a touch of disappointment, will be proudly displayed on Friday, January 3, 2026. This initial wave of excitement (or queries!) will be followed by a dedicated window, from January 4th to 10th, 2026, for parents to raise and resolve any questions they might have with the respective schools. Should seats still be available, a second list is slated for display on Monday, January 20, 2026, with its own query resolution period from January 21st to 27th. And yes, if needed, further lists will follow on February 6th, 2026, leading all the way up to the final admission closure date on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Phew!

Beyond the dates, what about the children themselves? The age criteria are absolutely crucial and non-negotiable, with no relaxation allowed. For admission to Nursery, a child must be less than four years old as of March 31, 2026. For Kindergarten, the cutoff is less than five years, and for Class 1, it's less than six years as of the same date. So, before you even begin filling out forms, a quick check of your child's birth date against these requirements is paramount.

Now, how do schools decide? For general category applicants, most private schools in Delhi employ a transparent, point-based system. Points are typically awarded for factors like proximity to the school (neighbourhood criteria), having an older sibling already studying there, or if a parent is an alumnus. When applications in specific categories, such as Economically Weaker Section (EWS) or Disadvantaged Group (DG), outnumber the available seats, a fair and impartial draw of lots, commonly known as a lottery system, is conducted. It’s a mechanism designed to give everyone an equal shot.

And speaking of getting ready, ensure you have all your documents in order. Typically, you'll need proof of residence, the child's photograph, a family photograph, their birth certificate, a vaccination card, and often, an Aadhar card. Keep both originals and photocopies handy! Regarding the application form itself, schools are permitted to charge a nominal, non-refundable fee of Rs 25. What they cannot insist on, however, is the compulsory purchase of their school prospectus. That’s an important point for parents to remember.

In essence, securing a school admission is a journey that demands vigilance and preparation. The best advice for parents right now? Stay proactive. Regularly monitor the official websites and notice boards of your preferred schools, as these will be your primary sources for updates, specific requirements, and any potential changes. With this schedule now firmly in place, Delhi parents can begin their planning with a clearer roadmap. Good luck to all the little applicants and their hopeful families!