Delhi launches online admission portal for EWS, DG, and CWSN students

The Delhi government has rolled out an online admission portal for students from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Disadvantaged Group (DG), and Children with Special Needs (CWSN) categories seeking entry-level admission to private unaided recognised schools for the 2026–27 academic session.

According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education on Friday, the application process will begin on Saturday and remain open until March 16. The digital platform is designed to enable parents to apply as per eligibility norms and track each stage of the admission process in a transparent, time-bound manner.

Under the Right to Education Act, 2009, all private unaided recognised schools—except minority institutions—are required to reserve 25% of their entry-level seats for students from the EWS, DG, and CWSN categories living in nearby areas.

The department clarified that admissions under these categories will be conducted entirely through a computerised online system, with seat allotment decided via a draw of lots to ensure fairness and transparency. Of the total 25% reserved seats, 22% will be allocated to EWS and DG candidates combined, while 3% will be exclusively reserved for CWSN students.

For eligibility, children from families with an annual income of up to ₹5 lakh will qualify under the EWS category. The DG category includes Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (non-creamy layer), orphans, transgender children, and children living with or affected by HIV; applicants in this category are not required to submit income certificates.

Age criteria for EWS and DG applicants will follow last year’s norms, calculated with March 31 as the reference date. For the 2026–27 session, eligible age ranges are 3–5 years for Nursery, 4–6 years for Kindergarten, and 5–7 years for Class I. CWSN applicants will be eligible for age relaxation as per existing government orders.

The Directorate of Education added that the date for the first computerised draw of lots will be announced separately through an official circular.