Delhi nursery admission for 2027-28 is expected to open in early December 2026, with schools publishing their admission criteria in late November. That leaves October and November for the step that matters most and is easiest to rush: building a shortlist. A good shortlist means fewer wasted forms, less stress in December, and a real chance at the schools that suit your child.
Here is the 6-step checklist JEC's counsellors use with families every season.
1. Start with distance — it carries the most points
In Delhi's private schools, children are chosen by published points, and distance from home is the heaviest criterion — usually 30 to 80 points out of 100. Schools use distance slabs (for example 0–3 km, 3–6 km) or a list of localities. A school that looks perfect but sits outside your best distance slab may be out of reach on points alone.
So begin with the schools near you. On JEC you can explore schools and tap "Schools near me" to sort them by distance, or browse by area — for example schools in South Delhi or schools in Dwarka.
2. Set a realistic budget — monthly fees, not just admission fees
Compare the monthly fee you will pay for years, not only the one-time admission charges. Ask what is billed separately — transport, meals, activities, day care — so there are no surprises later. Each school page on JEC shows its monthly fee and fee details.
3. Choose the school first, then check the board
CBSE, CISCE, IB and Cambridge all have good schools. In the early years, a well-run school, experienced teachers, a healthy environment and the right level of academic pressure matter more than the board label. Pick schools that fit your child and family, then check that the board suits your longer-term plans.
4. Visit, and ask the right questions
Where schools offer tours or information sessions, go — you learn more in an hour on campus than from any brochure. A tour is not needed to apply, but it helps you decide. Each school page on JEC has a list of questions to ask on a visit: class sizes, teacher experience, how the day is structured, and how the school handles settling-in.
5. Check your child's age for 2027-28
In Delhi, age is counted on 31 March 2027:
- Nursery: 3+ years
- LKG: 4+ years
- UKG: 5+ years
- Class 1st: 6+ years
Use our nursery admission age checker to confirm which class your child fits. Some Noida and Gurgaon schools use different dates, so check each school's rules.
6. Work out your points and make the final list
When schools publish their criteria in late November, add up your points for each one — distance, sibling (usually 15–40), first-born (often 10–20), and any others the school offers. Keep the schools where you score well, plus a few you love. Most families end up with a list of about 8 to 12 schools.
Remember: each private school has its own form, so a longer list means more forms to fill in December. (EWS/DG seats are different — one common form on the Delhi government portal.)
Common shortlisting mistakes
- Choosing by reputation alone. A famous school far from home may give you too few distance points to get in. Check each school's distance slabs first.
- Confusing an enquiry form with the admission form. An enquiry or expression-of-interest form only records your interest. The registration / admission form is what actually counts — and it opens with the DoE schedule.
- Counting points you can't prove. Every point you claim — sibling, alumni, first-born — needs a document at verification. A mismatch between the form and your papers can cost the seat.
- Leaving it to December. Forms open and close within a few weeks. Families who shortlist in October fill their forms calmly; families who start in December rush.
- Assuming Noida and Gurgaon follow Delhi's dates. Many schools outside Delhi set their own timelines and age rules, and some open earlier. Check each school separately.
Quick answers
When do Delhi nursery admission forms for 2027-28 open?
The Directorate of Education usually announces the schedule in November. Forms are expected to open in early December 2026 and close in late December — last year they opened on 4 December 2025 and closed on 27 December 2025. See the admission last date page for updates.
Can I apply to several schools?
Yes. Each private school has its own form, so you apply to each one separately. Only EWS/DG seats use one common government form.
Does declining a seat hurt my child next year?
No. Each admission session is independent — turning down an offer this year doesn't count against your child later.
Your October checklist
- List the schools within your best distance slab.
- Note each one's monthly fee and board.
- Book visits or information sessions.
- Check your child's age on 31 March 2027.
- Keep documents ready: birth certificate, address proof, photos.
For the full process, dates and points system, read our Delhi Nursery Admission 2027-28 guide.
Want help? JEC's team can shortlist schools for your child and fill the admission forms for you — start with Explore or talk to us.