NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Monday initiated the computerised draw of lots for admissions to entry-level classes (Nursery/KG/Class 1) in private unaided recognised schools for the 2026–27 academic session under the EWS/DG and Children With Special Needs (CWSN) categories. The exercise was conducted in the presence of parents and stakeholders to ensure transparency and fairness, officials said.

The Education Department said there has been a significant increase in seats this year, along with simplification and improved transparency in the application process. The number of participating schools has risen from 2,219 in 2025–26 to 2,308 in 2026–27.

Under the EWS/DG category, seats have increased from 44,045 to 48,092, while under the CWSN category, seats have gone up from 6,471 to 7,609. Overall, total seats have risen from 50,516 to 55,701, marking an increase of 5,185 seats, officials added.

According to the department, technological upgrades, including NIC-developed software and Aadhaar-based verification through encrypted seeding, have helped eliminate duplicate and erroneous applications, ensuring that benefits reach genuine applicants.

The Directorate of Education received a total of 1,39,524 applications this year. Of these, 1,38,536 applications under the EWS/DG category were found complete. In the CWSN category, complete applications increased from 904 last year to 988 this year. Once the draw results are finalised, no changes can be made, officials said, adding that all safeguards were put in place to maintain transparency.

Education Minister Ashish Sood said school allotments were made immediately after the draw. He added that improvements have been introduced compared to last year, with parents’ documents now being verified digitally via mobile, reducing the need for repeated visits to schools.

“The next stage of the admission process will begin within three days to ensure smooth and hassle-free admissions for selected students,” Sood said.

Through this process, thousands of children are expected to secure admission, ensuring a fair, transparent, and merit-based system while extending rightful benefits to eligible families under EWS and CWSN categories.

Next stage in 3 days

“School allotments were made immediately after the draw. The next stage of the admission process will begin within 3 days to ensure smooth and hassle-free admissions,” the minister said.