Delhi private schools release nursery admission criteria for 2026–27

Private schools in Delhi have started releasing their point systems for nursery admissions for 2026–27, and early disclosures show that location continues to dominate the selection process.

Most schools are granting the largest share of points to families living closest to the institution.

In Dwarka, Indraprastha International School has placed 55 points for children residing within 0–12 km, 45 points for those 12–15 km away, and 35 points for applicants living farther than 15 km.

The school has also earmarked 15 points each for siblings, alumni, and staff wards.

Tagore International School in East of Kailash has structured its criteria around similar priorities. It awards 50 points to applicants within a 4-km radius or those covered by school transport.

The school has added a separate status for the child category, with 30 points for firstborn children, 20 for second-born applicants, and 10 points each for siblings, alumni, and staff ward categories.

Several other schools in Dwarka, East of Kailash, and nearby areas are adopting comparable parameters.

ITL International School Principal Sudha Acharya said their criteria will continue to emphasize proximity, sibling preference, alumni links, and staff wards.

She added that proximity remains the most practical admission factor, while sibling and alumni points help strengthen long-term school–family associations.

The Directorate of Education has issued the admission schedule for this cycle. Application forms will be available from Dec 4, and submissions will close on Dec 27.

Schools must upload applicant information by Jan 9, publish point details on Jan 16, and release the first selection list on Jan 23.

Parents can raise queries between Jan 24 and Feb 3, and the second list will be out on Feb 9. The process will conclude on March 19.

The age cutoffs for the upcoming session require children to be 3–4 years old for nursery, 4–5 years for KG, and 5–6 years for Class 1 as of March 31, 2026, with a one-month relaxation allowed at the principal’s discretion.

All recognized unaided private schools must upload their point structures for open seats by Nov 28.

Schools have also been reminded to avoid criteria previously struck down by the DoE and to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.

Institutions must publish their criteria online, display scores of selected students, and record any draw of lots.

The DoE has reiterated that only a non-refundable registration fee of ₹25 may be charged and that no capitation fee or compulsory purchase of a prospectus is permitted.