The Delhi government recently released the admission schedule for entry-level classes in private schools for the 2026–27 academic year, setting the stage for a high-stakes process watched closely by thousands of parents every year. Registration opens on December 4, and the first admission list will be published on January 23.

According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), schools must upload their admission criteria and point system for open-seat admissions—excluding EWS, DG and CWSN categories—no later than November 28. Parents will have until December 27 to submit applications.

Schools are mandated to upload the complete list of applicants by January 9, and display marks allotted under the point system by January 16. The second list will follow on February 9, and the entire process will formally close on March 19.

Transparency rules at the core of admission reforms

To prevent discretionary practices, the DoE has instructed schools not to reinstate criteria that were earlier abolished and struck down by the Delhi High Court. All institutions must make public the points assigned for each criterion, display the list of admitted students with corresponding points, and ensure draws of lots are held in the presence of parents and video-recorded.

Schools framing criteria must also comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, reinforcing inclusive admission practices.

Age criteria, fee regulations and monitoring

For the 2026–27 session, the minimum age requirements remain unchanged:

·        Nursery: 3 years

·        KG: 4 years

·        Class 1: 5 years
(Age to be completed as on March 31, 2026)

Heads of schools may grant a relaxation of up to one month.

Charging capitation fees or forcing parents to purchase school prospectuses is strictly prohibited. Schools may only collect a non-refundable registration fee of ₹25.

To maintain oversight, a district-level monitoring cell will supervise the process and handle grievances throughout the admission cycle.

With the schedule officially notified, Delhi’s private school admission season has begun—bringing with it the familiar mix of anticipation, competition and scrutiny. This year, the government has signalled that the watchwords will be transparency, fairness and compliance, as parents prepare for one of the most consequential phases in their child’s academic journey.