What is the income limit for the EWS category in 2026-27?

The income limit for the EWS category has been raised to ₹5 lakh annually by the Delhi LG. Families residing in Delhi with an annual income below ₹5 lakh from all sources qualify.

Who qualifies for the DG (Disadvantaged Group) category?

Children from specific socially disadvantaged groups qualify, including Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), Orphan children, Transgender children, and children living with or affected by HIV.

Official Admission Blueprint

Delhi EWS, DG & CWSN Admission 2026-27: Full Application Guide

Q: What is the 25% RTE Seat Quota in Delhi?

Under Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, every private unaided recognised school in Delhi (except minority schools) must reserve 25% of entry-level seats for children from EWS, DG, and CWSN categories.

If you are searching for "Delhi EWS admission 2026-27" or "how to apply for a free RTE seat," this guide answers every question you have — clearly, quickly, and completely.

Feb 24, 2026 By Dr Shradha Vashisht 7 Min Read

Delhi school children competing for EWS DG CWSN free admission under 25% RTE quota 2026-27

Every year, tens of thousands of Delhi families compete for 25% RTE quota seats in private schools.

Every year, tens of thousands of Delhi families compete for a chance to secure free admission in private schools under the 25% RTE quota. The entire process is managed centrally by the Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of NCT of Delhi. Individual schools have no role in selecting students. Allotment happens through a computerized draw of lots — no interview, no screening, no donation, no recommendation.

42k+ Seats Allotted Last Year

₹5 Lakh New EWS Income Limit

92% RTE Seat Fill Rate

₹0 Admission Cost

Parent filling Delhi EWS DG admission 2026-27 online form on laptop at ewsadmissions.delhi.gov.in

Parents filling out the centralized online application form at ewsadmissions.delhi.gov.in.

1 What Is the 25% RTE Seat Quota in Delhi?

Under Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act), every private unaided recognised school in Delhi (except minority schools) must reserve 25% of entry-level seats — Nursery, KG, and Class 1 — for children from EWS, DG, and CWSN categories.

Delhi leads nationally with a 92% seat fill rate under the RTE quota — the highest among all Indian states. Parents must apply at the only official portal: ewsadmissions.delhi.gov.in.

2 3 Categories Explained: EWS, DG & CWSN

1. EWS Category

Economically Weaker Section. For families residing in Delhi with an annual income below ₹5 lakh. (This limit was raised in 2024 by the Delhi LG).

Needs: Valid Income Certificate (Delhi Govt). Caste does not matter here.

2. DG Category

Disadvantaged Group. Includes SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), Orphan children, Transgender children, and children affected by HIV.

Needs: Valid Caste/Category Certificate. (Not income-based).

3. CWSN Category

Children With Special Needs. For children with a certified disability, recognised by a government hospital.

Needs: Govt. Disability Certificate. (No income proof needed).

Documents required for Delhi EWS DG CWSN admission — income certificate caste certificate disability certificate issued by Delhi government

Ensure your EWS income certificate or DG caste certificate is issued specifically by Delhi Government authorities — not outside states.

3 Age Eligibility: How It Is Calculated

Age is counted strictly as on 31st March of the admission year. Check these criteria carefully, as a one-day error can result in form rejection.

Class Level	Minimum Age	Maximum Age
Nursery	3 years	4 years
KG (Pre-Primary)	4 years	5 years
Class 1	5 years	6 years

*Note: CWSN applicants get extended upper age limits compared to EWS/DG. Always check the exact age relaxation in the current year's official notification.

Delhi Nursery KG Class 1 age eligibility 3 to 6 years EWS DG admission criteria calculated on 31 March

Age is calculated as on 31st March — even a one-day difference can make your child overage or underage.

4 How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process (2026-27)

The application window for Delhi EWS/DG/CWSN admissions 2026-27 is open from 21 February to 16 March 2026.

Step 1: Visit the official portal

Go to ewsadmissions.delhi.gov.in → Click "Register for New Applicant" → Read instructions carefully.

Step 2: Fill the online form accurately

Enter child's name, DOB, category, and income exactly as per original documents. Documents are NOT uploaded at this stage.

Step 3: Wait for the computerised draw of lots

A DoE-conducted lottery draw decides allotment. The first lottery draw date is expected in March–April 2026.

Step 4: Check your result online

Results are published on the portal, and SMS alerts are sent to registered mobile numbers.

Step 5: Report to school and get verified

If selected, report to the allotted school with original documents and photocopies. Mismatches will lead to cancellation.

Delhi EWS DG CWSN admission lottery draw result online check DoE Delhi computerized transparent system

Results are generated through a 100% transparent DoE-conducted computerized lottery — no school has any say in selection.

5 Documents Checklist: Keep These Ready Now

Required for ALL Categories

Child's Birth Certificate
Valid Delhi Residence Proof
Parents' Aadhaar Cards
Child Photograph

Category-Specific Documents

EWS: Valid Income Certificate (Delhi Govt, < ₹5 lakh)
DG (Caste): Valid caste certificate with NCL mention (OBC)
CWSN: Disability certificate from government hospital/medical board

CWSN children with special needs Delhi RTE admission 3% disability certificate government hospital school inclusion

CWSN children with a valid government disability certificate get dedicated 3% reserved seats and special age relaxation under Delhi RTE admissions.

6 Common Mistakes That Lose Confirmed Seats

Warning

No one can guarantee or "arrange" an EWS/DG seat. The process is fully computerized and transparent. Avoid middlemen and agents.

1. Wrong Age Calculation

Even a 1-day error can make a child overage or underage, leading to instant rejection.

2. Wrong DG Sub-Category

Selecting the incorrect disadvantaged group (e.g. SC vs OBC) creates a document mismatch.

3. Expired Income Certificate

Income certificates must be valid and issued by the Delhi Government, not outside states.

4. Spelling Mismatch

Names and DOBs on the form must identically match the physical documents.

5. Multiple Applications

Submitting more than one form for the same child is grounds for immediate cancellation.

6. Missing the Deadline

Failing to report to the allotted school within the stipulated time will forfeit the seat.