Understanding the New Nursery Admission Guidelines for 2025-26
New Delhi’s school admissions for nursery classes have undergone significant changes for the 2025-26 academic year, as per the latest guidelines from the Directorate of Education (DoE). These updates impact how private unaided schools allocate seats, giving priority to certain groups while ensuring fairness and transparency.
With a rising number of applicants each year, understanding the revised admission process is crucial for parents seeking the best educational opportunities for their children.
New Delhi School Admissions Changed
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission Categories | General (75% seats), Reserved (25% seats for EWS, DG, and children with disabilities) |
| Selection Process | General category: Schools decide based on a points system. Reserved category: Computerized draw of lots by DoE |
| Top Priority Factors | Distance from school, sibling preference, alumni connection, single girl child quota, children of staff |
| Prohibited Criteria | Parental education, income, food habits, cultural background, interviews/tests for children |
| Application Timeline | Starts in December, results in March |
| Official Website | edudel.nic.in |
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New Delhi School Admissions Changed: Breaking Down the Admission Process
Categories of Admissions
Admissions are divided into two broad categories:
General Category (75% of Seats)
- Schools independently decide admissions based on a points-based selection system.
- Factors like distance from the school, sibling preference, and alumni connections play a crucial role.
- This category is highly competitive, with many applicants vying for limited seats.
Reserved Category (25% of Seats)
This includes:
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS): For families with an annual income below ₹1 lakh.
- Disadvantaged Group (DG): Includes Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
- Children with Disabilities: Special provisions are made for children with physical or learning disabilities.
Admissions for these categories are conducted through a computerized lottery system managed by the DoE, ensuring fairness.
How Schools Award Admission Points
Most private schools in New Delhi follow a points-based system, where students are ranked based on different criteria.
Here’s a breakdown of common factors affecting admission decisions:
| Criterion | Weightage Example (Varies by School) |
|---|---|
| Proximity to School | 50-85 points (Higher points for living within 3 km) |
| Sibling Quota | 10-15 points (If a sibling is already enrolled) |
| Alumni Quota | 5-10 points (If parents are alumni of the school) |
| Single Girl Child | 5-10 points (Applicable in some schools) |
| Children of Staff | 5-10 points (For children of teachers/staff members) |
Example: Mount Abu School in Rohini gives 85 out of 100 points to applicants living within a 3 km radius.
What Schools CANNOT Consider
- To ensure transparency and prevent discrimination, the DoE has banned certain criteria from the admission process:
- Parental Education & Income
Schools cannot favor children based on their parents’ qualifications or financial status. - Food Habits & Lifestyle
Religious, dietary, or cultural choices must not influence admissions. - Interviews & Tests for Children
Children cannot be assessed through interviews or entrance tests.
These measures are designed to prevent elitism and bias in the school selection process.
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New Delhi School Admissions Changed: Step-by-Step Guide for Parents Applying for Admissions
Research & Shortlist Schools
- Visit the DoE website for the official list of recognized schools.
- Check admission criteria and past cut-off scores for each school.
Collect Necessary Documents
- Birth Certificate
- Address Proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Ration Card)
- Income Certificate (For EWS/DG category)
- Caste Certificate (If applicable)
Submit Applications Online
- General Category: Apply directly to schools through their respective portals.
- EWS/DG Category: Register at edustud.nic.in for the lottery system.
Track Application Status
- Most schools release a first list of selected students by February-March.
- If your child isn’t selected, wait for the second and third lists.
Admission & Fee Payment
Once selected, complete the admission formalities within the deadline.
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New Delhi School Admissions Changed (FAQs)
How do I check if my child is eligible for the EWS/DG quota?
Children from families with an annual income below ₹1 lakh and belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes (OBC) are eligible.
Can I apply to multiple schools for my child?
Yes, parents are encouraged to apply to multiple schools to maximize their chances.
How are tie-breakers handled in case of the same points?
If two or more applicants have the same points, the school may conduct a lottery draw to decide.
Are admission forms available online?
Yes, most schools provide online admission forms on their websites.
What happens if my child is not selected in the first list?
Wait for the second and third selection lists. If unsuccessful, consider alternative schools or the EWS/DG quota.
