Delhi school admission age criteria for 2027-28
Delhi’s Directorate of Education has already defined the phased foundational-stage age structure that applies in the 2027-28 academic session. This is separate from the 2027-28 admission timetable, which should only be treated as current once officially notified.
Primary source
Directorate of Education, GNCTD — Circular No. DE.23(749)/Sch.Br./2025/976, dated 24 October 2025, on the implementation of the uniform age of admission and restructuring of the foundational stage.
Read the official Delhi DoE circular2027-28 age bands
Nursery (Balvatika 1 / Pre-School 1)
3+ years up to 4 years
New admissions continue in 2027-28. The child must have attained 3+ years as on 31 March 2027.
Lower KG (Balvatika 2 / Pre-School 2)
4+ years up to 5 years
Introduced from 2027-28. New admissions can be given if the child has attained 4+ years as on 31 March 2027.
Upper KG (Balvatika 3 / Pre-School 3)
5+ years up to 6 years
Introduced from 2027-28. New admissions are for children who have attained 5+ years as on 31 March 2027.
One-month age relaxation
The same DoE circular states that the Head of School may grant one month of relaxation in the minimum as well as maximum age for Nursery to Class 1. Parents relying on relaxation should verify the school’s procedure and supporting-document requirements rather than assuming it is automatic.
What changes in 2027-28?
The 2027-28 session is an important transition year: Lower KG is introduced and new admissions at 4+ can be made; Upper KG is also introduced, with new admissions at 5+. Nursery continues for children in the 3+ age band. Existing cohorts progress according to the phased transition described in the DoE circular.
Age eligibility is only one part of admission planning
Being age-eligible does not determine selection. Private unaided schools publish their own admission criteria and points within the applicable framework. Parents should separately check each school’s current-cycle criteria, distance bands, supporting documents and deadlines.