Most Delhi nursery applicants focus on neighbourhood distance and sibling status. But families living in the same distance slab often tie on these base scores. To gain an edge, some schools award extra merit points for a parent's professional, academic, civic and sporting achievements. This guide explains which schools give these points, how many, and which documents you need.
These criteria are specific to each school and change from session to session. Please confirm the latest details in each school's official admission notice before applying.
Extra Points at a Glance
| School | Special Criterion | Max Points | Key Document / Verification Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salwan Public School | Published research / writing | 10 | Must include RNI or ISSN/ISBN number |
| Salwan Public School | Sports and culture | 10 | Certificate from a Government or State-recognised body |
| Vasant Valley School | Sports winner | 4 | Government-issued winner certificate (no participation certificates) |
| Vasant Valley School | NGO community service | 4 | Certified minimum of 2 consecutive years with an NGO |
| Vasant Valley School | Original research | 4 | Journal older than 5 years or recognised publisher (no paid or self-published work) |
| Vasant Valley School | Post-Class X leadership | 4 | Head Boy/Girl certificate or scholarship proof |
| Mount Carmel School | Special Grounds | 25 | Proof of Armed Forces, Paramilitary, Medical, Ph.D. or Educationist status |
| Mount Carmel School | Official awards | 5 | International (5), National (3) or State (1) award certificate |
1. Original Academic Research and Writing
Salwan Public School (Rajinder Nagar)
Salwan awards 10 points for 2026-27 (5 points for 2025-26) for original published research, articles, books or blogs. At document verification, you must provide a valid RNI (Registrar of Newspapers for India) or ISSN/ISBN number.
Vasant Valley School (Vasant Kunj)
Vasant Valley gives up to 4 points in total: 2 points for Parent 1 and 2 points for Parent 2. The research must be original and academic, published in a print journal established for more than 5 years or through a recognised publishing house. Self-published or paid publications receive 0 points.
2. Sports and Cultural Recognition
Vasant Valley School (Vasant Kunj)
- Sports: up to 4 points in total (2 per parent) for a winning position in a national or international sports competition. Participation-only certificates are excluded, and the winning certificate must be issued by a Government authority.
- Arts: an additional 4 points (2 per parent) for Government or NGO-recognised awards in the arts.
Salwan Public School (Rajinder Nagar)
Salwan grants 10 points for 2026-27 (5 points for 2025-26) for international, national or state-level achievements in sports, theatre, art, literature, dance, music, environmental conservation or rural development. The competition or recognition must come from a body recognised by the Government of India or a State Government.
3. NGO Work, Innovation and Special Qualifications
Vasant Valley School (Vasant Kunj)
- NGO service: up to 4 points (2 per parent) for at least two consecutive years of active community service with a recognised NGO.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship: up to 4 points for awards in this area.
- Leadership: up to 4 points for post-Class X leadership roles, such as Head Boy/Girl, or academic scholarships.
Mount Carmel School (Anand Niketan and Dwarka Sec-22)
- Special Grounds: up to 25 points for parents serving in the Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, or working as medical professionals, Ph.D. holders or educationists.
- Official awardees: up to 5 points. An international awardee gets 5 points, a national awardee 3 points and a state awardee 1 point.
Which School Gives the Most Weight to Parent Achievements?
- Mount Carmel School: the highest ceiling, with up to 25 points under Special Grounds, plus up to 5 for awards.
- Salwan Public School: up to 10 points each for research and for sports or culture, a meaningful jump from the 5 points of the previous session.
- Vasant Valley School: many small categories worth up to 4 points each, split as 2 points per parent. Both parents can contribute.
How to Prepare Your Documents
- Read the current notice first. Salwan's weightage changed from 5 to 10 points between sessions, so last year's numbers may not apply.
- Check the issuing body. Many schools accept certificates only from Government or Government-recognised bodies.
- Keep publication proof. For research, keep the RNI, ISSN or ISBN details and the journal or publisher information.
- Avoid participation certificates. Vasant Valley counts winning positions only.
- Get NGO service certified, covering at least two consecutive years.
- Collect service or qualification proof for Mount Carmel's Special Grounds, such as a service ID or degree certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Delhi nursery schools give points for parent achievements?
No. Only select schools do, such as Salwan Public School, Vasant Valley School and Mount Carmel School. Most schools use distance, sibling and alumni criteria only.
Can both parents earn points at Vasant Valley School?
Yes. Most Vasant Valley categories give 2 points per parent, up to 4 points in total.
Do self-published books or blogs count?
At Vasant Valley, self-published or paid publications get 0 points. Salwan requires a valid RNI, ISSN or ISBN number for research and writing.
Is a participation certificate enough for sports points?
No. Vasant Valley excludes participation certificates and needs a winning certificate issued by a Government authority.
Who qualifies for Mount Carmel's Special Grounds points?
Parents serving in the Armed Forces or Paramilitary Forces, medical professionals, Ph.D. holders and educationists, for up to 25 points.
Are these points the same every year?
No. Schools revise their criteria. For example, Salwan awards 10 points for 2026-27 against 5 points for 2025-26. Always check the current notice.
Our Verdict
Extra merit points will not replace distance or sibling status, but they can decide the outcome between applicants with identical base scores. If you or your partner have published research, sports wins, NGO service or a qualifying profession, check whether your shortlisted schools reward it, and prepare the right documents early.
Admission rules, points and dates change every year. Please confirm them on each school's official notice before applying.