The Delhi government has launched the online admission process for private school seats under the Right to Education (RTE) quota for the 2026–27 academic session. The initiative aims to provide quality education access to children from economically weaker and disadvantaged backgrounds through reserved seats in private unaided recognised schools across the capital.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) announced that applications are now open for children seeking admission to Nursery, Kindergarten (KG), and Class 1 under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Disadvantaged Group (DG), and Children With Special Needs (CWSN) categories. Parents can apply online until March 16, 2026.
Who Is Eligible Under the RTE Quota
Eligibility varies by category, with specific socio-economic and residency requirements.
EWS Category: Families must have an annual income below Rs 5 lakh and be residents of Delhi.
DG Category: Includes children from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBC (non-creamy layer), orphans, transgender children, and children living with HIV.
CWSN Category: Seats reserved for children with special needs within the overall quota.
Admissions will be conducted through a computerised lottery system, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Reservation Structure in Private Schools
Under the RTE Act provisions implemented in Delhi:
◆22% seats are reserved for EWS and DG categories
3% seats are reserved for CWSN students
Together, these form the mandated 25% reservation in private unaided schools
Officials said the system is designed to promote inclusive education and reduce inequality in access to quality schooling.
Age Criteria for Nursery, KG and Class 1
The government has also specified age limits as of March 31, 2026:
Nursery:
Age: 3 to 5 years
Birth between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2023
KG:
Age: 4 to 6 years
Birth between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2022
Class 1:
Age: 5 to 7 years
Parents must submit only one application per child using a single mobile number. Authorities warned that multiple applications will lead to cancellation, even if the child is selected in the lottery.
Digital Process to Ensure Transparency
All communication regarding admission status, lottery results, and further steps will be sent to the registered mobile number. The fully online process aims to minimise paperwork and ensure a transparent selection mechanism.
Education officials urged parents to apply early and carefully verify eligibility details to avoid rejection.
