Delhi EWS Admissions 2026: Apply here for Nursery, KG and Class 1 admissions in private schools

Delhi EWS Admissions 2026

• Delhi opens EWS, DG, CWSN admissions for 2026-27 session
• Apply online for Nursery, KG, and Class 1 by March 16, 2026
• 25 percent seats reserved, selection via online lottery system

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The Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, has officially begun the online application process for admissions under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Disadvantaged Group (DG), and Children with Special Needs (CWSN) categories for the 2026-27 academic session. Parents seeking admission for their children into Nursery, Kindergarten (KG), and Class 1 in private unaided recognized schools can now submit their applications through the official portal.

The application window, which opened on February 21, 2026, will remain active until March 16, 2026. This initiative is part of the government's commitment to providing free and compulsory education to underprivileged children under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

Key Dates and Application Process

Parents and guardians must ensure that the application is submitted before the deadline. The entire process is conducted online to maintain transparency and efficiency. All admission-related communication, including details of the computerized lottery draw, will be sent to the registered mobile number provided during registration.

Officials have strictly stated that parents must submit only one application per child. If multiple applications are detected for the same child, the candidature will be summarily cancelled, even if the child’s name is selected in the lottery.

Eligibility Criteria: Income and Category

Understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial for a successful application.

1. Economically Weaker Section (EWS)

Children applying under the EWS category must belong to families with a total annual income of less than Rs 5 lakh from all sources. Additionally, the family must be a resident of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It is noteworthy that in December 2024, the income cap was increased from the previous Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, significantly widening the eligibility net.

2. Disadvantaged Group (DG)

This category includes children belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (non-creamy layer). It also encompasses orphans, transgender children, and children living with or affected by HIV. Notably, applicants under the DG category are not required to submit an income certificate.

3. Children with Special Needs (CWSN)

Within the overall 25% reservation quota for private schools, 3% of seats are specifically reserved for Children with Special Needs. These applicants are entitled to relaxed age criteria as per existing government orders.

Age Limit Breakdown for 2026-27

The DoE has specified strict age limits for admissions, calculated as of March 31, 2026 . Parents must verify their child's age before applying:

For Nursery: The child must be between 3 and 5 years of age. (Born between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2023).

For KG (Kindergarten): The child must be between 4 and 6 years of age. (Born between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2022) .

For Class 1: The child must be between 5 and 7 years of age. (Born between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2021) .

Reservation Quota and Selection Process

As mandated by the RTE Act, all private unaided recognized schools (excluding minority institutions) are required to reserve 25% of their entry-level seats for students belonging to these categories.

Seat Distribution: Of the total reserved seats, 22% are allocated for the combined EWS and DG categories, while the remaining 3% are earmarked for the CWSN category.

Lottery System: To ensure fairness and eliminate any scope for discrimination, admissions will be conducted exclusively through a computerized online lottery system. The DoE has confirmed that the date for the first draw of lots will be announced separately via an official circular.

Steps to apply for Delhi EWS Admissions 2026

Parents can follow these steps to complete the application process on the official website, edudel.nic.in :

Step 1. Go to the official DoE website and find the EWS/DG/CWSN admission link for the 2026-27 session.

Step 2. Create an account using a valid and active mobile number and email ID.

Step 3. Carefully enter the child's personal information, ensuring the name and date of birth match the birth certificate exactly.

Step 4. Upload clear, scanned copies of required documents such as the birth certificate, residence proof (ration card, voter ID, electricity bill), income certificate (for EWS), caste certificate (for DG), or disability certificate (for CWSN).

Step 5. Double-check all details to avoid errors, as applications cannot be edited after submission. Submit the form and keep a printout for future reference.

Direct Link: Delhi EWS Admissions 2026

With a history of high demand—such as the 2025-26 cycle, where 1,00,854 applications were received for just 24,933 nursery seats—parents are advised to apply early and avoid the last-minute rush. For the latest updates and the official prospectus, keep checking the DoE website regularly.