What You Need to Know About Delhi SoSE Class 9 Admissions in 2025
The Delhi Directorate of Education has announced the schedule for Class 9 admissions to the Schools of Specialized Excellence (SoSE) for the academic session 2025–26. The selection will be made through centralized aptitude tests scheduled to be held on May 26 and 27, 2025.
This year, a key development is that all SoSE students will now be enrolled under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), replacing the earlier affiliation with the Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE). This transition signals a major shift in the structure of Delhi’s specialized public education model.
Key Dates and Test Schedule
The aptitude tests are scheduled as follows:
- May 26, 2025: Exams for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Armed Forces Preparatory School (AFPS)
- May 27, 2025: Exams for Humanities, Performing and Visual Arts (PVA), and High-End 21st Century Skills (HE21CS)
Each test will be held for a duration of three hours and will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions.
Admit Card Information
Admit cards will be available for download from May 21, 2025. Candidates must:
- Visit the official SoSE website: edudel.nic.in/sose
- Log in with their application ID and password
- Download and print the admit card
Admit cards must be carried to the examination center. Candidates will not be allowed to sit for the test without it.
Test Structure and Syllabus
The exam pattern differs by specialization.
For STEM and AFPS Specializations:
- Language & Comprehension: 20 questions
- Mental Ability: 20 questions
- Mathematics: 30 questions
- Science: 30 questions
- Total: 100 questions
- Negative marking is applicable
For Humanities, PVA, and HE21CS:
- Reading Comprehension & Language Ability: 25 questions
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning: 20 questions
- Quantitative Aptitude and Numerical Ability: 20 questions
- Social and Emotional Aptitude: 15 questions
- Creative and Innovative Thinking: 20 questions
- Total: 100 questions
- Negative marking is applicable
All questions will be multiple choice, and the test will be based on concepts studied up to Class 8.
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must be studying in Class 8 in the academic year 2024–25 from a recognized school in Delhi.
- They must be between 13 and 15 years old as of March 31, 2025.
- Only residents of Delhi are eligible to apply.
What’s New This Year: Transition from DBSE to CBSE
Until now, SoSE schools were affiliated with the Delhi Board of School Education, established by the Delhi government in 2021 to promote a more skills-focused curriculum in collaboration with the International Baccalaureate.
However, this year marks a major shift. The Directorate of Education has confirmed that SoSE schools will now be affiliated with CBSE. This decision is seen as a reversal of the DBSE’s model and is likely to influence future policy decisions regarding curriculum delivery in Delhi government schools.
According to a senior education department official quoted in Indian Express, “The Delhi government wanted to scale SoSE across districts, but parents were still hesitant about DBSE recognition. With CBSE, the schools may now attract more students.”
This change may have long-term implications for the structure of alternative education boards and how they are received by parents, students, and institutions.
Specializations Offered at SoSE
SoSE schools offer advanced, specialized learning tracks in the following areas:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Humanities
- Performing and Visual Arts (PVA)
- High-End 21st Century Skills (HE21CS)
- Armed Forces Preparatory School (AFPS)
These schools aim to provide deeper subject immersion for academically motivated students with specific interests and aspirations.
Exam Orientation for Schools
To ensure the smooth conduct of the aptitude tests, the Directorate of Education has scheduled an online orientation session on May 23 at 11:00 AM. All center superintendents, heads of schools, and exam coordinators are required to attend.
Why SoSE Admissions Matter
The Schools of Specialized Excellence are considered flagship institutions in Delhi’s education system. They were created to nurture high-potential students through subject-focused, experiential, and advanced learning environments. Selection is merit-based and highly competitive, with thousands of applications each year for limited seats.
Switching to CBSE may improve acceptability among parents and open more avenues for students in terms of national board examinations and college admissions.
Where to Get More Information
Candidates and parents are encouraged to regularly check the official SoSE website for updates:
https://www.edudel.nic.in/sose/
Detailed sample papers, eligibility criteria, specialization details, and FAQs are also available on the portal.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What are the Schools of Specialized Excellence (SoSE) in Delhi?
SoSE schools are elite public schools run by the Delhi government offering specialized education tracks in STEM, Humanities, Arts, Armed Forces, and 21st Century Skills. Admission is based on aptitude tests.
Q2. When will the Class 9 SoSE aptitude tests be held in 2025?
The exams will be held on May 26 (for STEM and AFPS) and May 27 (for Humanities, PVA, and HE21CS).
Q3. How can I download the admit card for the SoSE entrance exam?
Admit cards will be available from May 21 on the official SoSE website. You’ll need your application ID and password to download it.
Q4. What is the eligibility criteria for SoSE Class 9 admissions?
You must be a Delhi resident, currently in Class 8 (2024–25), and aged between 13–15 years as of March 31, 2025.
Q5. What is the syllabus and exam pattern for SoSE admissions?
The exam includes 100 MCQs based on concepts up to Class 8, with sections varying by specialization. Negative marking applies.
Q6. Which board will SoSE schools be affiliated with in 2025?
Starting this year, all SoSE schools will be affiliated with CBSE, transitioning from the Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE).
Q7. Is there any coaching or preparation material provided?
Sample papers and preparation material are available on the SoSE portal. It is advised to focus on conceptual clarity in core subjects.
Q8. How competitive is the admission process for SoSE schools?
Admissions are highly competitive due to limited seats and the specialized nature of the programs. High performance in the aptitude test is crucial.