In a significant development for early childhood education in the national capital, more than 1,700 private schools across Delhi have officially released their first merit lists for admissions to Nursery, Kindergarten, and Class 1 for the upcoming 2026–27 academic session. This marks a crucial phase in the annual admission cycle that thousands of parents eagerly anticipate.
High Applicant Numbers and School-Specific Selections
The release of these lists on Friday saw many institutions experiencing a substantial influx of applicants who successfully made it to the initial shortlist. Alongside the merit lists, schools have also published waiting lists on their official websites, providing transparency and clarity to parents.
Notable Admissions Figures from Key Schools
Several prominent schools in different zones of Delhi reported their selection numbers, highlighting the competitive nature of the process:
- In South Delhi, Bal Vidya Niketan located in Pushp Vihar selected 132 students for admission and placed an additional 100 candidates on the waiting list.
- St Paul’s Pre-Primary School in Hauz Khas shortlisted an impressive 478 candidates, while St George’s School in Alaknanda selected 155 students.
- Delhi Public School in East of Kailash chose 90 students and put 150 applicants on the waiting list, whereas Ambience Public School in Safdarjung Enclave selected 207 students.
- In West Delhi’s Dwarka area, ITL International School confirmed admission for 97 students and kept 43 on the waiting list, while Loreto Convent School in Delhi Cantt shortlisted 87 candidates.
Grievance Redressal and Future Lists
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has established a structured timeline for addressing parental concerns. According to official guidelines, admission-related grievances will be addressed from January 24 to February 3. Should vacancies persist after this period, a second list of selected students is anticipated to be released on February 9.
If this second list materializes, grievances pertaining to it will be addressed from February 10 to 16. Officials have indicated that an additional list may be issued on March 5 if necessary, with the entire admission process scheduled to conclude on March 19.
Admission Criteria and Transparency Measures
The ongoing admission process encompasses 75% of seats under the general category. Separate guidelines will be issued for the remaining 25% of seats, which are reserved for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups. Preparations have already commenced for the EWS admission process, with details being sought from private schools regarding available seats for Nursery, KG, and Class 1.
Schools employ varied criteria for admissions, including factors such as neighbourhood proximity, sibling preference, and alumni status. To ensure fairness and transparency, the DoE has mandated that any draw of lots, if required, must be conducted in the presence of parents and be video recorded.
This comprehensive approach aims to streamline the admission process while maintaining integrity and accessibility for all stakeholders involved.
