Delhi EWS school admissions for vacant seats from Class II onwards opened online on September 8 for the 2026-27 academic session, with parents allowed to apply until September 20. The Directorate of Education has said a computerised draw of lots is tentatively scheduled for September 24.
The process applies to vacant EWS and Freeship seats in eligible private unaided recognised schools operating on government or Delhi Development Authority-allotted land. Minority institutions are excluded from the admission process. Seat allotments will be made through a computerised draw based on the schools selected by parents and their residential address.
Applicants seeking admission under the Economically Weaker Section category must be Delhi residents and have a total annual family income of less than Rs 5 lakh from all sources. They must also possess 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, according to the Directorate of Education’s circular cited in the admission notice.
The process covers classes from Class II onwards, subject to the availability of vacant seats in eligible schools. The Directorate has specified age criteria 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 age band increases by one year for each subsequent class, continuing up to Class IX.
Parents can submit only one application for each child. The Directorate has warned that duplicate applications may lead to cancellation. It has also cautioned applicants against providing incorrect residential details to obtain admission to a preferred school. Residential information will be used as part of the draw and verification process.
Nearly 30 zonal teams will scrutinise the documents of candidates selected through the draw. The verification process is intended to establish the eligibility of successful applicants and confirm the information provided in their applications. Parents will therefore need to retain and present the relevant income, residence, identity and schooling documents required by the department.
The circular has also reiterated that private schools cannot demand capitation fees or donations from families during the admission process. Schools found violating the applicable rules may face action under the relevant provisions. The online application window remains open until September 20, while the September 24 draw date is tentative and subject to confirmation by the Directorate of Education.
