Delhi Govt Introduces Online Platform for EWS, CWSN, and DG School Admissions

According to the department, parents can apply online as per eligibility norms and track the entire admission process in a transparent and time-bound manner through this portal.

The Delhi government has launched an online admission portal for candidates belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Disadvantaged Group (DG), and Children with Special Needs (CWSN) categories seeking entry-level admission in private unaided recognised schools for the academic year 2026-27. As per a circular released on Friday by the Directorate of Education, the application window opens on Saturday and closes on March 16.

The department announced that the online portal allows parents to submit applications digitally, provided they meet the eligibility requirements, and to track each step of the admission process in a transparent and time-bound manner.

In accordance with the Right to Education Act, 2009, all private unaided recognised schools — except minority institutions — are required to reserve 25 per cent of their entry-level seats. These seats are designated for students belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Disadvantaged Group (DG), and Children With Special Needs (CWSN) categories who reside in nearby areas.

Admissions under these categories will be carried out through a fully computerised online system, the education department confirmed. To maintain fairness and transparency, seat allotment will be finalised through a computerised draw of lots.

Out of the total 25 per cent reserved seats, 22 per cent will be allotted to candidates from the EWS and DG categories combined, while the remaining 3 per cent will be reserved exclusively for children in the CWSN category.

Regarding eligibility, the department specified that children from families with an annual household income of up to Rs 5 lakh qualify under the EWS category. The DG category includes children belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (non-creamy layer), as well as orphans, transgender children, and those living with or affected by HIV. Applicants under the DG category are not required to provide income certificates.

The age criteria for EWS and DG applicants will remain the same as last year and will be determined with March 31 as the cut-off date. For the 2026–27 academic session, the age limits are set at 3–5 years for Nursery, 4–6 years for Kindergarten, and 5–7 years for Class 1.

Children with special needs will receive age relaxation in line with existing government norms. The department also stated that the date for the first computerised draw of lots for EWS, DG, and CWSN admissions will be announced separately through an official circular at a later stage.