Where things stand
Nothing for 2027–28 yet. The 2026–27 round only finished on 31 October 2026, after three draws, and the EWS portal still lists only that session. Last year the guidelines came out on 20 February and forms opened the next day. Expect something similar, and get the income certificate sorted before then. It is the paper that sinks most applications.
Who can apply
- EWS: total family income under Rs 5 lakh a year from all sources, shown by an income certificate from the Delhi government’s Revenue Department, or a BPL or AAY ration card issued in Delhi. The limit was Rs 1 lakh until a Delhi High Court order of December 2023.
- DG (disadvantaged group): SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, orphans, transgender children, and children living with or affected by HIV. No income certificate needed, but OBC needs a non-creamy-layer certificate.
- CWSN: children with a disability certificate from a government hospital under the RPwD Act. No income certificate needed.
- The family must live in Delhi. A child already admitted on one of these seats can’t apply again.
The quarter of entry seats is split 22% for EWS and DG, and 3% for CWSN.
Which class, by age
EWS and DG age bands are wider than the open-seat ones. For 2026–27, age on 31 March 2026:
| Class | EWS and DG | CWSN |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery | 3 to 5 | 3 to 7 |
| KG | 4 to 6 | 4 to 8 |
| Class 1 | 5 to 7 | 5 to 9 |
For 2027–28 the open-seat side adds Lower and Upper KG. Whether the EWS round adds them too, and with what ages, isn’t known yet.
How it works
- Apply online at ewsadmissions.delhi.gov.in. One application per child, one mobile number per registration. Applying twice cancels both.
- The DoE runs a computerised draw. Where you live (your locality and sub-locality) decides which schools you are matched with.
- If your child is picked, you take the documents to a zonal verification centre. The zone then sends the child to the allotted school.
- The allotted school can’t be changed.
- Last year there were three draws: 6 April, 10 July and 24 September 2026. Missing a verification slot cancels the allotment.
Papers to keep ready
- Date of birth proof, any one: birth certificate, hospital or ANM register record, Anganwadi record, or a parent’s declaration.
- EWS: the Revenue Department income certificate, or a BPL or AAY card. The certificate must be issued before the last date. One you’ve only applied for doesn’t count.
- Address proof, any one: ration card with the child’s name, domicile certificate, a parent’s voter ID, an electricity, MTNL or water bill, or a passport.
- Caste, OBC non-creamy-layer or disability certificate if you apply under those.
- A recent photo of the child: JPEG, 20 to 50 KB, 350 × 450 pixels.
Only what you upload when you register is looked at later, so upload everything the first time.
What it costs
Nothing to apply. Schooling on these seats is free up to the end of Class 8. No school may take a capitation fee or donation.
Watch out for
- Giving a wrong locality to get a better-known school leads to cancellation.
- An income certificate dated after the last date to apply is rejected.
- Last year’s allotments were made subject to the outcome of a Delhi High Court case, W.P.(C) 3566/2026. Keep an eye on news of it.
Last year’s dates
| Step | 2026–27 |
|---|---|
| Forms open | 21 February 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 16 March 2026, extended to 23 March |
| First draw | 6 April 2026 |
| Document checks after the first draw | 9 to 22 April 2026 |
| Last date to join the allotted school (first draw) | 20 May 2026 |
| Second draw | 10 July 2026 |
| Final draw | 24 September 2026 |
| Last date for admission | 31 October 2026 |
Help
Last year’s circular gave a helpline, 9818154069, 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays. Check the 2027–28 circular in case it changes. Each district also has a monitoring cell under its Deputy Director of Education.