Delhi’s Directorate of Education has opened online admissions for vacant Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Freeship seats from Class II onwards in eligible private unaided schools for the 2026-27 academic session. Parents can apply until September 20, while the computerised draw of lots is tentatively scheduled for September 24.
The online admission module opened on September 8, according to a circular issued by the DoE’s private school branch. The process applies to vacant seats in private unaided recognised schools operating on government or Delhi Development Authority-allotted land. Minority institutions have been excluded from the admission process.
Admissions will be determined through a computerised draw based on the schools selected by parents and the applicants’ residential addresses. Applicants must be residents of Delhi. For the EWS category, families must have a total annual income of less than Rs 5 lakh from all sources and hold an income certificate issued by the Delhi government’s revenue department. Holders of BPL, AAY ration cards and food security cards are also eligible to apply.
The process covers admissions from Class II up to Class IX. The DoE has prescribed age limits for each class. As of March 31, a child applying for Class II must be at least six years old but younger than seven. The permitted age band increases by one year for each subsequent class up to Class IX.
Parents can submit only one application for each child. The department has warned that duplicate applications may lead to cancellation. It has also cautioned applicants against providing incorrect residential details to obtain admission in a preferred school.
Nearly 30 zonal teams will scrutinise the documents of candidates who are successful in the draw. The verification process will determine whether applicants meet the eligibility and residency requirements stated by the department.
The circular also reiterated that private schools cannot demand capitation fees or donations during the admission process. Schools found violating the applicable rules may face action under the relevant provisions. The next scheduled milestone is the tentative computerised draw on September 24, following the September 20 application deadline.
