Delhi Nursery Admission 2025-26: Complete Guide

The nursery admission process for the 2025-26 academic year in Delhi is about to commence, allowing parents to apply for open seats (excluding EWS/DG/CWSN categories) in private unaided recognized schools. To make the process smooth, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued a clear schedule along with updated criteria. This guide covers all essential details, including eligibility requirements, a step-by-step application process, and key dates, ensuring parents have everything they need for a successful admission journey.

Key Dates for Delhi Nursery Admission 2025-26

To streamline the admissions, the DoE has outlined an official schedule for nursery admissions across private schools in Delhi. Here are the important dates for the admission process:

S. No.	Activity	Date
1	Uploading of criteria and points in the Department’s module by schools	November 25, 2024 (Monday)
2	Commencement of admission process and availability of forms	November 28, 2024 (Thursday)
3	Last date for submission of application forms in schools	December 20, 2024 (Friday)
4	Uploading details of children who applied to schools for admission under Open Seats	January 3, 2025 (Friday)
5	Uploading marks (points) given to each applicant	January 10, 2025 (Friday)
6	Display of first list of selected children (including Waiting List) with allotted marks	January 17, 2025 (Friday)
7	Resolution of parental queries regarding points in the first list	January 18–27, 2025
8	Display of second list of selected children (if required) with allotted marks	February 3, 2025 (Monday)
9	Resolution of parental queries regarding points in the second list	February 5–11, 2025
10	Subsequent admission list, if necessary	February 26, 2025 (Wednesday)
11	Closure of the admission process	March 14, 2025 (Friday)

Note: Schools must adhere strictly to this schedule. Any deviations are not permitted, and the DoE has mandated that each school display this schedule on its website and notice board.

Eligibility Criteria for Delhi Nursery Admission 2025-26

Age Requirement:

• For nursery admission, children must be at least 3 years old and under 4 years as of March 31, 2025.
• The age requirement for pre-primary (KG) is 4 years and under 5 years by March 31, 2025.
• For Class 1, the age limit is 5 years and under 6 years by March 31, 2025.
• Schools may grant a relaxation of up to 30 days in the minimum and upper age limits upon request.

Reserved Seats for EWS/DG Categories and Children with Disabilities (CWSN):

According to DoE regulations, private schools must reserve 25% of seats at entry-level classes for students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Disadvantaged Groups (DG), and Children with Disabilities (CWSN) under Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Education Act, 2009.

Important: The application process and lottery system for EWS/DG category seats will be conducted separately, and these seats are not part of the Open Seat admissions.

Step-by-Step Admission Process for Delhi Nursery Admission 2025-26

This step-by-step guide is designed to help parents navigate the admission process effectively.

1. Research and Shortlist Schools:
   • Begin by researching and listing preferred schools based on proximity, curriculum, facilities, and reputation.
   • Check each school’s specific admission criteria and points system, which can guide your selection.
2. Check Eligibility and Gather Required Documents:
   • Ensure your child meets the age and other eligibility criteria.
   • Commonly required documents include:
     • Child’s birth certificate
     • Aadhar Card (for both parents and child)
     • Passport-sized photos (child and parents)
     • Family photograph
     • Medical fitness certificate (if required)
3. Complete the Application Form:
   • Admission forms will be available starting November 28, 2024.
   • Complete the application form and submit it along with a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 25. Schools are prohibited from charging additional fees or requiring parents to buy a prospectus.
4. Wait for Admission Lists:
   • First List: Published on January 17, 2025, this list includes selected candidates and the waiting list with points allotted.
   • Second List: If seats remain, the second list will be displayed on February 3, 2025.
   • Subsequent Lists: If necessary, additional lists will be published on February 26, 2025.
5. Complete Admission Formalities:
   • Once your child is selected, complete the required admission formalities, including document submission and fee payment, to secure their seat.

Important Guidelines for Parents

• Registration Fee: Schools may only charge Rs. 25 as a registration fee for the application.
• Prospectus Purchase: Buying a school prospectus is optional, and schools cannot compel parents to purchase additional materials for the admission process.
• Application Tracking: The DoE portal provides tools for parents to monitor their application status and stay updated on admission lists.

District-Wise Breakdown of Nursery Admission Criteria in Delhi for 2025-26

The table below provides a district-wise breakdown of schools with set admission criteria across Delhi.

District Name	Total Schools	Schools with Set Criteria	Remaining Schools
East	143	115	28
North East	298	285	13
North	51	48	3
North West A	142	133	9
North West B	242	225	17
West A	57	43	14
West B	237	220	17
South West A	61	55	6
South West B	225	214	11
South	102	100	2
New Delhi	14	14	0
Central	26	22	4
South East	130	117	13
Total	1728	1591	137

How to Apply for Delhi Nursery Admission 2025-26 Online

Parents can apply online for nursery admission by following these steps:

1. Visit the official Delhi Education Department website at www.edudel.nic.in.
2. Select the nursery admission link and fill out the online application form.
3. Submit the form along with the required registration fee.
4. Print a copy of the completed form for future reference.

Key Points for EWS/DG Category Seats

Private schools in Delhi are required to reserve 25% of their seats for students under the EWS/DG category, with a lottery system in place to allocate these seats. The application process for EWS/DG category seats is anticipated to start in April 2025. Interested parents can apply online through the DoE portal.

FAQs on Delhi Nursery Admission 2025-26

Q1. What is the age requirement for nursery admission in Delhi for 2025-26?

Children must be between 3 and 4 years old as of March 31, 2025, to qualify for nursery admission.

Q2. When does the nursery admission process begin?

The application process starts on November 28, 2024, with the last date for form submission set for December 20, 2024.

Q3. Is there a fee for submitting the application?

Yes, a nominal non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 25 is charged as per DoE guidelines.

Q4. Are private schools allowed to require parents to buy a prospectus?

No, purchasing a prospectus is optional. Schools cannot mandate parents to buy any additional materials for admission.

Q5. How can parents track their application status?

Parents can use the DoE’s official portal to monitor their application status and view updates regarding admission lists.

With this guide, parents can confidently navigate the Delhi nursery admission process for the 2025-26 academic year. By staying mindful of important dates, adhering to guidelines, and preparing all required documents, parents can enhance their child’s chances of securing admission in their preferred school. Early preparation and attention to detail are key to a smooth and successful admission journey!