Delhi’s first list of selected candidates for the 2026 nursery admissions has been released today, setting the stage for a highly anticipated selection process that will see thousands of parents vying for limited seats across the city’s private and public nurseries.
Background and Context
Every year, the Delhi Education Department and individual schools publish a points‑based list that determines which children secure a place in the city’s nurseries. The process, which began in 2019, has grown in complexity as demand has surged, with more than 200,000 applications received for just 30,000 seats in 2025. The first list, released on January 23, 2026, is the first of several rounds that will continue until the admission window closes on March 19.
“The nursery admission cycle is a critical gateway for early childhood education in Delhi,” says Dr. Anil Kumar, Director of the Delhi Education Department. “We have refined the points system to ensure fairness while also addressing local needs such as proximity and sibling enrolment.”
Parents across the city have been preparing for months, gathering documents, calculating points, and monitoring school websites for updates. The release of the first list has sparked a flurry of activity as families scramble to understand where their child stands.
Key Developments
1. Points Calculation – Schools award points based on a set of criteria that include:
- Distance from the child’s residence to the nursery (up to 10 points)
- Sibling already enrolled in the same nursery (5 points)
- Alumni status of parents (3 points)
- Gender preference in some schools, giving an extra 2 points to girl children
- Single‑parent families or only children may receive 1–2 bonus points, depending on the institution
2. Timeline – The admission schedule is as follows:
- First list released: January 23, 2026
- Query window for first list: January 24 – February 3
- Second list released: February 9, 2026
- Query window for second list: February 10 – 16
- Third list (if seats remain vacant): March 5, 2026
- Final closure of admissions: March 19, 2026
3. Documentation – Parents must submit:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Proof of residence (Aadhaar card, voter ID, or utility bill)
- Parents’ identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport)
- Passport‑size photographs (two recent copies)
- Sibling proof or alumni certificates, if applicable
- Transfer certificates for children moving from another school
4. Multiple Lists – It is common for a child’s name to appear in a later list if earlier offers are declined. “Parents should not panic if their child is not in the first list,” advises education consultant Meera Sharma. “Vacancies often arise, and subsequent lists can offer a second chance.”
Impact Analysis
The release of the first list has immediate implications for families:
- Decision‑Making Pressure – Parents who see their child’s name in the first list must decide quickly whether to accept or decline, as acceptance is required within 48 hours to secure the seat.
- Financial Planning – Nursery fees vary widely, from ₹15,000 to ₹60,000 per annum. Families need to budget accordingly, especially if they are offered a seat in a premium institution.
- Logistical Coordination – For children living far from the nursery, parents must arrange transportation or consider relocating, which can be a significant logistical hurdle.
- Emotional Stress – The uncertainty of the admission process can cause anxiety among parents and children alike, particularly when the child’s future schooling is at stake.
According to a recent survey by the Delhi Parents Association, 78% of respondents reported feeling “highly stressed” during the nursery admission cycle, citing the points system and tight deadlines as primary concerns.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
To help families navigate the process, we gathered advice from education experts, school administrators, and parents who have recently gone through the cycle.
1. Verify Your Points Early
“Most parents wait until the list is released to check their points, which is risky,” says Dr. Kumar. “Use the school’s online portal to calculate your child’s points as soon as you submit the application. This gives you a realistic expectation of where you stand.”
2. Keep All Documents Digitally Backed Up
“In case of a technical glitch or a last‑minute request for additional documents, having PDFs ready can save you hours,” advises Meera Sharma. “Upload them to the school’s portal or email them to the admissions office.”
3. Plan for Transportation
For families whose child is offered a seat in a nursery located more than 5 km away, consider arranging a dedicated bus or a carpool with neighbors. “Distance points are a significant factor, but they also reflect the practical reality of daily commute,” notes school head, Mrs. Ritu Gupta.
4. Understand the Query Window
During the query window, parents can raise objections if they believe points were miscalculated. “Be precise and provide evidence,” says Dr. Kumar. “A well‑documented query can lead to a re‑evaluation of your child’s rank.”
5. Stay Updated on School Websites
“Many schools post updates, clarifications, and even live chat support during the admission period,” says Ms. Gupta. “Regularly checking the official website can alert you to any changes in deadlines or required documents.”
Parents who successfully secured a seat in the first list reported a smoother transition:
- “We received the acceptance letter within 24 hours and had all the paperwork ready. The school’s online portal was very user‑friendly,” says Kavita Sharma, mother of a 3‑year‑old.
- “The school offered a free orientation session for new parents, which helped us understand the curriculum and expectations,” adds Rajesh Patel, father of a 4‑year‑old.
Looking Ahead
The admission cycle is still in its early stages, and several developments are on the horizon:
- Schools will release the second list on February 9, which may include additional seats for children who declined earlier offers.
- There is speculation that the Delhi Education Department may introduce a “priority” category for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, potentially adding 5 extra points.
- Some private nurseries are exploring hybrid admission models that combine online and offline assessments to streamline the process.
- Parents are encouraged to keep an eye on the official Delhi Education Department portal for any policy changes or additional guidelines that may be announced before the final closure on March 19.
As the cycle progresses, the focus will shift from point calculations to logistical arrangements, fee payments, and orientation sessions. Schools will also be preparing for the influx of new students, ensuring that classrooms, staff, and resources are adequately scaled.
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