The Delhi Government, through the Directorate of Education (DoE), has launched the online admission portal for EWS, DG, and CWSN categories for entry-level admissions in private unaided recognised schools for the academic session 2026-27. The application window opens on Saturday and will remain active until March 16, 2026. This initiative ensures a transparent, time-bound, and fully digital admission process under the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
The online portal allows parents to submit applications digitally, verify eligibility criteria, and monitor every stage of the admission process in a streamlined manner.
25% Reservation Under RTE Act, 2009
As mandated by the RTE Act, 2009, all private unaided recognised schools (except minority institutions) must reserve 25% of entry-level seats for children belonging to:
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Disadvantaged Group (DG)
- Children with Special Needs (CWSN)
These seats are specifically meant for eligible children residing in the neighbourhood of the school.
Seat Allocation Breakdown
Of the total 25% reserved seats:
- 22% are allocated to the combined EWS and DG categories
- 3% are reserved exclusively for CWSN category
Admissions will be processed through a fully computerised system, and seat allocation will be done via a draw of lots to ensure fairness and transparency.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR EWS, DG & CWSN
EWS Category
- Applicable to families with annual household income up to ₹5 lakh
- Income certificate required
DG Category
Includes:
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
- Orphans
- Transgender children
- Children living with or affected by HIV
Notably, income certificate is not required for DG applicants.
CWSN Category
Children with Special Needs are eligible with relaxed age criteria as per existing government norms.
Age Criteria for 2026-27 Session
Age will be calculated as on March 31, 2026:
- Nursery: 3 to 5 years
- Kindergarten (KG): 4 to 6 years
- Class 1: 5 to 7 years
CWSN applicants are entitled to age relaxation in accordance with government guidelines.
Admission Process & Draw of Lots
- Applications must be submitted via the official DoE admission portal.
- Seat allocation will be done through a computerised draw of lots.
- The date for the first draw of lots will be announced separately through an official circular.
- Parents can track the status of their applications online.
Quick Reference Summary
| Particulars | Details |
| Admission Category | EWS, DG, CWSN |
| Academic Session | 2026-27 |
| Application Deadline | March 16, 2026 |
| Reserved Seats | 25% under RTE Act |
| EWS Income Limit | Up to ₹5 lakh annually |
| Seat Allocation | Computerised draw of lots |
| Age Reference Date | March 31, 2026 |
| Official Authority | Directorate of Education, Delhi |
Why This Portal is Important
The launch of the Delhi EWS Admission Portal 2026-27 ensures:
- Equal access to quality education
- Transparent selection through a digital lottery system
- Fair implementation of the RTE Act
- Direct benefit to economically weaker and disadvantaged families
This initiative strengthens Delhi’s commitment to inclusive education and social equity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| When does the Delhi EWS Admission 2026-27 application window close? |
| The application window closes on March 16, 2026. |
| What percentage of seats are reserved under RTE in Delhi private schools? |
| 25% of entry-level seats are reserved. |
| What is the income limit for the EWS category? |
| The annual household income must not exceed ₹5 lakh. |
| Is an income certificate required for DG category applicants? |
| No, income certificates are not required for DG category. |
| How will seats be allocated? |
| Through a fully computerised draw of lots. |
| What are the age criteria for Nursery in 2026-27? |
| Children must be between 3 and 5 years as of March 31, 2026. |
| Are minority schools required to reserve 25% seats? |
| No, minority institutions are exempt under RTE provisions. |
| When will the first draw of lots be conducted? |
| The date will be announced later via an official circular. |
The launch of the Delhi EWS/DG/CWSN Admission Portal for 2026-27 marks a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to education under the RTE Act, 2009. Eligible parents are advised to apply before March 16, 2026, and carefully review eligibility and age criteria. For official updates and draw of lots announcements, visit the Directorate of Education’s official website and bookmark this page for timely notifications.
