Introduction
The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has officially announced the start of the second cycle of admissions for entry-level classes (Nursery, KG, and Class 1) in government schools for the academic year 2025–26. This second phase is crucial for thousands of parents who missed the first round or seek better schooling options for their children. The admissions will commence on June 20, 2025, and aim to offer equitable access to quality education, especially for families from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups (DG).
Why This Matters
Delhi is home to one of India’s largest urban school populations. Government-run schools, managed by the DoE, have gained a reputation in recent years for improvements in infrastructure, teaching quality, and student performance. The admission process ensures free and fair access to early childhood education, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
The second cycle gives parents another opportunity to enroll their children into schools that follow structured learning, early childhood care, and provide mid-day meals, uniforms, and textbooks—all free of cost.
Key Highlights of the Second Cycle (2025–26)
- Admission Start Date: June 20, 2025
- Classes Covered: Nursery, Kindergarten (KG), and Class 1
- Eligible Age (as of March 31, 2025):
- Nursery: 3 to 4 years
- KG: 4 to 5 years
- Class 1: 5 to 6 years
- Application Mode: Offline forms at selected schools and online form submission through the DoE portal (as per school cluster guidelines)
- Document Verification: To be completed in person after shortlisting
- Reserved Categories:
- 25% seats for EWS/DG (under RTE Act)
- 3% for Children with Special Needs
- Preference to children residing within 1 km of the school
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: Child must be a resident of Delhi
- Income (for EWS): Annual family income should not exceed ₹1 lakh
- Age Proof: Birth certificate, Aadhar card, or hospital records
- Address Proof: Electricity bill, voter ID, or ration card
For children applying under Children With Special Needs (CWSN), a medical certificate from a government hospital is mandatory.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Visit the official DoE website or nearest school cluster for list of participating schools
- Step 2: Fill out the application form (offline or online)
- Step 3: Choose preferred schools (usually up to 5)
- Step 4: Submit form with relevant documents before the deadline
- Step 5: Wait for the draw of lots (in case of oversubscription)
Important Documents Required
- Birth certificate
- Proof of residence
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Income certificate (for EWS)
- Medical certificate (for CWSN)
- Aadhar card of the child and parents
Benefits of Government School Education in Delhi
Delhi’s government schools have undergone a significant transformation in the past decade. Some of the key advantages include:
- Smart classrooms and digital learning tools
- Mission Buniyaad program to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy
- Deshbhakti Curriculum to instill civic responsibility
- Happiness Curriculum focused on emotional well-being
- Free mid-day meals, uniforms, and textbooks
- Dedicated school management committees (SMCs) for transparency and community involvement
Common Challenges Faced by Parents
Despite improvements, the admission process can sometimes be overwhelming. Common concerns include:
- Limited seats in preferred schools
- Lack of awareness about application deadlines
- Internet access issues for online forms
- Difficulty in document preparation or eligibility confusion
The government has responded by providing helplines, local facilitators, and admission camps to ensure smoother implementation.
Expected Timeline After June 20
| Date | Activity |
| June 20 | Start of form distribution and submission |
| June 30 | Deadline for application submission |
| July 5 | Publication of provisional list |
| July 10 | Document verification of selected candidates |
| July 15 onward | Admission formalities and allotment of seats |
Conclusion
The second cycle of Delhi school admissions for the 2025–26 academic year is a golden opportunity for parents who could not participate in the first round or are seeking better educational environments for their children. With the government’s continuous push toward equity, quality, and innovation in education, Delhi’s public school system continues to evolve into a model worth emulating across the nation.
Parents are advised to stay informed, keep documents ready, and seek help from official school authorities or helpline numbers to ensure a successful admission process.
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