Admission Season · 2027-28
School Admission Guide 2027-28 — Complete Guide for Indian Parents
Nursery admission dates by city, documents needed, step-by-step process, and EWS quota explained.
School admissions in India for the 2027-28 academic session begin as early as October 2026 in Bangalore and Chennai, and run through March 2027 for most cities. For nursery and LKG admissions, the process typically involves: researching schools (Oct–Nov), registering for the application (Nov–Jan), attending an informal parent-child interaction (Jan–Feb), and confirming the seat after the merit list or lottery (Feb–Apr). Delhi has a distinct system — private unaided schools use a government online portal with a points-based preference. Under the RTE Act, 25% of seats in all private schools are reserved for EWS children at no cost. Key documents required for all admissions: birth certificate, address proof (Aadhaar or utility bill), parent ID, and passport photos. Transfer certificates are needed from Class 2 onwards. All dates below are approximate — confirm with each school directly.
Updated October 2026 · Dates are approximate — confirm with each school.
Nursery / LKG Admission Dates by City (2027-28)
Approximate dates — check school websites for exact schedules.
Delhi
Bangalore
Mumbai
Hyderabad
Pune
Chennai
Step-by-Step Admission Process
Research schools (Oct–Nov)
Shortlist 5–8 schools by board, area, fees, and teaching style. Use SchoolScout to compare class-wise fees without enquiry forms.
Check eligibility & dates (Nov)
Confirm your child's age meets the school's cutoff. Note each school's registration opening date — popular schools often have first-come-first-served registration.
Register / apply (Nov–Jan)
Pick up or download the application form. Pay the registration fee (₹200–₹2,000 depending on school). Submit the completed form with documents.
Assessment / interaction (Jan–Feb)
Most schools hold an informal interaction with the child and parents. It's not a formal exam (RTE prohibits screening tests for Nursery–Class 8 in many states) but schools assess readiness informally.
Merit list / lottery (Feb–Mar)
Schools publish a merit list or conduct a lottery (for EWS seats). Delhi uses a points-based system for private unaided schools.
Pay fees & confirm seat (Mar–Apr)
Pay the first instalment to confirm the seat. Ask for a detailed fee structure — tuition, activity, transport, development fund — before paying.
Documents Checklist
Prepare these before applying. Requirements vary by school — confirm with the admissions office.
| Document | Required? |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate Original + photocopy. Municipality/hospital issued. | |
| Address Proof Aadhaar, electricity/water bill, or rental agreement (last 3 months). | |
| Parent ID Proof Aadhaar of both parents. Passport accepted for foreign nationals. | |
| Photographs 4–6 passport-size photos of child; 2–4 of each parent. | |
| Transfer Certificate (TC) Required for Class 2 and above. Get it from previous school. | If applicable |
| Report Card (last class) Required for Class 3+. Some schools ask for Class 2 marks. | If applicable |
| Caste/Income Certificate Required for EWS/OBC/SC/ST quota seats. Issued by Tehsildar. | If applicable |
| Medical Fitness Certificate Some schools, especially boarding schools, require this. | If applicable |
| Sibling Proof If applying under sibling preference. Existing student ID card. | If applicable |
| Immunization Record Vaccination card for nursery admissions in several states. | If applicable |
EWS / RTE Quota — Free Admission in Private Schools
Under the Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009, every private unaided school must reserve 25% of Class 1 (and nursery where offered) seats for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG). These seats are completely free — the government reimburses the school. Admission is by lottery.
Who is eligible?
Family income below ₹1–3.5 lakh/year (varies by state). SC/ST/OBC DG categories have separate provisions.
How to apply?
Through your state government's online EWS portal, not directly with the school. Search '[your state] RTE admission portal 2027-28'.
When to apply?
EWS applications usually open Jan–Feb. Check your state education department website for exact dates.
What's covered?
Tuition is free up to Class 8. Books and uniforms may also be covered depending on the state scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do nursery admissions start in Delhi for 2027-28?
Delhi nursery admissions for 2027-28 typically begin in November–December 2026 for the April 2027 academic session. The Delhi government runs an online lottery portal for unaided private schools. Dates are announced by the Directorate of Education.
What is the age limit for nursery admission in India?
Most schools require a child to be 3 years old by March 31 of the admission year for nursery (LKG). For Class 1, the typical age cutoff is 5–6 years by March 31. Delhi and other states have specific age criteria set by their education departments.
What documents are needed for school admission in India?
Common documents: birth certificate (mandatory), address proof (Aadhaar, utility bill, rental agreement), parent ID proof, passport-size photographs of child and parents, transfer certificate (for class transfers), and caste certificate (for EWS/OBC quota seats).
What is the EWS quota in school admissions?
Under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, all private unaided schools must reserve 25% of seats for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups. Admission under this quota is free up to Class 8. Apply through your state's EWS lottery portal.
When do Bangalore school admissions start for 2027-28?
Bangalore (Karnataka) school admissions for 2027-28 typically open in October–November 2026. Private schools conduct their own admission process, and most open registration between October and January for the April/June 2027 session.
Can a school reject my child at nursery admission?
No private unaided school can screen or test children for nursery to Class 8 admission (per RTE Act). They can have a points-based preference system (Delhi uses one) based on neighborhood, sibling, alumni criteria — but no academic test or IQ screening.
Find Schools and Compare Fees Before Applying
SchoolScout shows class-wise fee data for 6,311+ schools across India — no enquiry form, no registration required.