Getting your child admitted to a good private school in Delhi can feel overwhelming - especially when navigating the EWS, DG and Children with Disabilities (CWSN) categories.
If you are a parent applying for Nursery, KG or Class 1 admission in Delhi under the 25% RTE quota, this guide explains everything in simple language - eligibility, age limits, documents, lottery process, and how to apply online for the 2026-27 academic session.
The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), through its Directorate of Education (Private School Branch), has issued detailed guidelines for admissions under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Disadvantaged Group (DG), and Children with Disabilities (CWSN) categories for the academic session 2026-27. These admissions apply to entry-level classes - Pre-School/Nursery, Pre-Primary/KG, and Primary/Class-I in Private Unaided Recognized Schools (except Minority Schools) in Delhi. The deadline of the application form is March 16, 2026 and parents can apply through the official website.
Let’s break it down step by step.
What is EWS Admission in Delhi?
Under Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, all Private Unaided Recognized Schools in Delhi (except minority schools) must reserve 25% of entry-level seats for children belonging to:
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Disadvantaged Group (DG)
- Children with Special Needs (CWSN) under RPWD Act, 2016
These children receive free education till completion of elementary level.
Seat Distribution within 25% Quota:
- 22% seats: EWS + DG
- 3% seats: Children with Disabilities (CWSN)
Admissions are conducted through a computerized lottery system managed by the Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi.
Who is Eligible?
Here is a clear breakdown:
1. Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
Your child qualifies if:
- Total family income is less than ₹5 lakh per year
- Must be residents of Delhi
- Income certificate is issued by GNCT of Delhi Revenue Department OR
- You hold a valid BPL/AAY Ration Card
👉 Income certificate must be issued before the last application date.
2. Disadvantaged Group (DG)
Includes children belonging to:
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
- Orphans
- Transgender children
- Children living with or affected by HIV
👉 Income certificate is NOT required for DG category.
3. Children with Special Needs (CWSN)
Child must have:
- Disability certificate issued by a Government Hospital
- Certificate under RPWD Act, 2016
👉 Income certificate is NOT required.
Age Criteria (As on 31 March 2026)
General EWS/DG Category
| Class | Age | Born Between |
| Nursery | 3-5 years | 01 April 2021 - 31 March 2023 |
| KG | 4-6 years | 01 April 2020 - 31 March 2022 |
| Class 1 | 5-7 years | 01 April 2019 - 31 March 2021 |
Age Relaxation for Children with Disabilities
| Class | Age | Born Between |
| Nursery | 3-7 years | 01 April 2019 - 31 March 2023 |
| KG | 4-8 years | 01 April 2018 - 31 March 2022 |
| Class 1 | 5-9 years | 01 April 2017 - 01 April 2021 |
Required Documents Checklist
Make sure you keep scanned copies ready:
Proof of Date of Birth (Any one)
- Birth Certificate
- Hospital Record
- Anganwadi Record
- Parent Declaration
Income Proof (For EWS only)
- Income Certificate (Issued before last date) OR
- BPL/AAY Ration Card
Proof of Residence (Any one)
- Ration Card
- Domicile Certificate
- Voter ID
- Electricity/Water Bill
- Passport
Child Photograph
- JPEG/JPG format
- 20-50 KB
- 350x450 pixels
- Not older than 6 months
⚠ Only documents uploaded during registration will be accepted during verification.
Important Dates (Delhi EWS Admission 2026-27)
Admissions under EWS/DG/CWSN categories will be conducted through a Computerized Online Admission System managed by the Directorate of Education.
- Online Application Starts: 21 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 16 March 2026
- Lottery Draw Date: To be announced separately
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these simple steps:
For more information visit the official website
Step 1: Visit Official Portal
Go to the Directorate of Education EWS Admission portal.
Step 2: Register
- Enter mobile number
- Complete OTP verification
- Only one registration per child allowed
Step 3: Fill Application Form
- Select category (EWS/DG/CWSN)
- Enter child’s details
- Fill residential address carefully (Locality/Sub-locality)
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload clear scanned copies of required documents.
Step 5: Submit Form
Review carefully before final submission. No corrections allowed later.
Step 6: Wait for Lottery Result
Seats are allotted through computerized draw of lots.
Important Rules Parents Must Know
- Only one application per child
- No capitation fee or donation allowed
- False documents lead to cancellation
- Residential address determines school allotment
- Benefit can be availed only once at entry level
Conclusion
Delhi’s EWS/DG/CWSN admission system ensures that children from economically weaker and disadvantaged backgrounds receive equal access to quality private education.
The process is transparent, fully online, and based on computerized lottery. Parents should carefully check eligibility, prepare documents in advance, and apply before the deadline.
Applying correctly and honestly is the key to avoiding rejection or cancellation.
If your child qualifies, don’t miss this opportunity for the 2026–27 academic session.
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