Delhi schools are slated to begin registrations for entry-level admissions from December 4. Guidelines released by the Directorate of Education (DoE) indicate that the last date to apply is December 27. The final admission decisions will be taken by drawing lots, selection can be done using a physical method (like drawing numbered slips of paper or straws from a box) or a fully computerised randomisation program designed to eliminate human bias.
The entry-level admissions, including Nursery (Balvatika 1/ Pre School 1), Lower KG (Balvatika 2/ Pre School 2), Upper KG (Balvatika 3/ Pre School 3), and Class 1, will follow New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines. Parents are required to pay a non-refundable, one-time registration fee, which the state government has limited to Rs 25.
Documents for admission to entry-level classes
The documents mentioned below can be used as valid proof of address, which will be needed at the time of admission:
1. Ration Card/Smart Card issued in the name of the parents
2. A domicile certificate of either a parent or a child is
3. Voter ID (EPIC) of any one of the parents
4. Electricity bill/MTNL telephone bill/Water bill/Passport mentioning the name of either parent or the child.
5. Aadhaar Card /UID card that has been issued in the name of either of the parents.
What is the age criterion for admissions?
A child must be at least three years of age for nursery, four years for KG and five years for class 1 as on March 31, 2026. However, the age relaxation of up to one month upper/lower can be granted at the level of the head of school through a manual application by parents.
Key Dates for Entry-Level School Admissions (DoE)
- Forms Available: Starting December 4, 2025.
- Application Deadline: December 27, 2025.
- Schools Upload Applicant Details: January 9, 2026.
- Schools Upload Points Allotted: January 16, 2026.
- First Selection List: January 23, 2026.
- Grievance Period (Point Allocation): January 24 – February 3, 2026.
- Second Selection List: February 9, 2026.
- Admission Process Closes: March 19, 2026.
How will the draw for admissions take place?
According to the DoE’s guidelines, any draw of lots must be conducted with full transparency, either via a computerised format or using paper slips. This process must occur in the presence of the parents of all registered applicants.
Schools are required to notify parents of the draw date at least two days in advance via the website, notice board, and email. Furthermore, it is mandatory for the school to videograph the entire draw process and to visually show the slips to the parents before they are placed into the draw box.
The first list of selected candidates, including the points earned by each, will be displayed on January 23.
