Preschools in Delhi

In Delhi, a child must be 3+ years as on 31 March of the admission year for nursery, 4+ for KG and, under the NEP-aligned structure, 6+ for Class 1. School heads may grant up to one month of age relaxation. These cut-offs apply to recognised private schools under the Directorate of Education. Because the rules are notified annually, check the current year's DoE circular before applying rather than relying on last year's dates.

Schools commonly ask for the child's birth certificate, address proof such as Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bills or a rent agreement, and passport-size photographs of the child and parents. The DoE accepts several documents as proof of residence, including ration cards, domicile certificates and passports. Delhi also caps the registration fee at Rs 25 and bars schools from forcing parents to buy a prospectus, so question any school that demands more at the form stage.

Delhi preschools generally run from about 8:30 or 9:00 am to 12:00 or 12:30 pm. Daycare facilities attached to schools usually operate until 6:00 pm or later. Because the DoE's point-based admission system gives significant weight to distance from the school, families often shortlist within a 6 to 8 km radius. Factor realistic travel time into your choice, since a tired three-year-old gains little from a long commute.

A preschool delivers a structured morning learning programme, while a daycare covers supervised care across working hours and usually folds the preschool curriculum into its day. In Delhi, where both parents often work, centres offering preschool plus extended daycare are common. Compare the caregiver-to-child ratio during daycare hours, meal and nap routines, and how the centre communicates with parents, since these matter more than glossy infrastructure.

The Directorate of Education publishes an annual schedule that all recognised private schools must follow, with no deviations permitted. Schools upload their criteria, applicant lists and allotted points, and selection for open seats runs on published points, commonly covering distance, sibling and alumni factors. Twenty-five percent of seats are reserved for economically weaker sections under a separate centralised process. If two children score equal points, a recorded draw of lots decides.

Start with the DoE's notified timeline and the distance criterion, then shortlist schools within a practical radius. Visit during school hours, ask about class sizes, teacher qualifications and safety drills, and read each school's published admission criteria before applying. Avoid paying any capitation fee, which the DoE prohibits. Apply within the December window, because late applications are not entertained under the common schedule.