EWS/DG Admission Delhi 2026-27: Eligibility, Documents, Apply Online

What Is EWS/DG Admission in Delhi?

Under Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, all private unaided schools in Delhi are legally required to reserve 25% of seats in Nursery/Class 1 for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG). These children receive completely free education — the Delhi Government reimburses schools for each EWS/DG student admitted.

The Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of NCT of Delhi manages this process through a centralised online system at edudel.nic.in.

EWS/DG Eligibility Criteria 2026-27

Economically Weaker Section (EWS)

• Annual family income below ₹1,00,000 (₹1 lakh) from all sources
• Income certificate must be issued by a competent authority: SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) or Tehsildar
• Child must be a resident of Delhi

Disadvantaged Group (DG)

The DG category in Delhi includes:

• Scheduled Caste (SC) — Caste certificate from Delhi government
• Scheduled Tribe (ST) — ST certificate from competent authority
• Children with special needs / disabilities — Disability certificate (40%+ disability)
• Orphans / Children in difficult circumstances — Certificate from Child Welfare Committee
• HIV-positive children — Certificate from recognised hospital
• Transgender children
• Migrant workers' children (in some years)

Note: OBC (Other Backward Class) is not a DG category under Delhi's RTE rules. OBC families must apply under the general category or EWS if income qualifies.

Age Criteria for EWS/DG Admission Delhi 2026-27

Documents Required for EWS/DG Admission Delhi

For EWS Category

• Income certificate (annual income below ₹1 lakh) — from SDM/Tehsildar Delhi
• Child's birth certificate
• Residence proof of Delhi: Aadhaar, voter ID, ration card, utility bill (electricity/water/gas)
• Passport-size photographs of child and parent
• Child's Aadhaar card (if available)

For DG Category (SC/ST)

• Caste certificate (SC/ST) issued by Delhi Government (not other states)
• Child's birth certificate
• Delhi residence proof
• Passport-size photographs
• Child's Aadhaar card (if available)

For Children with Disabilities (DG)

• Disability certificate from a government hospital (minimum 40% disability)
• Birth certificate and Delhi residence proof

How to Apply for EWS/DG Admission Delhi 2026-27

1. Visit edudel.nic.in → "EWS/DG Admission" section (link goes live when registrations open)
2. Click "New Registration" and register with parent's mobile number
3. Fill in child's details: name, date of birth, gender, category (EWS or DG sub-type)
4. Enter your Delhi address — this determines which schools you are eligible for (neighbourhood schools)
5. Select preferred schools from the list shown (based on your address)
6. Upload scanned copies of all required documents
7. Submit the application and note the registration number / acknowledgement
8. DoE conducts a computerised lottery — results are published on edudel.nic.in
9. If selected, visit the allotted school with original documents for admission verification

EWS/DG Lottery Process

The DoE conducts a transparent computerised lottery for EWS/DG seats. Key points:

• All eligible applicants for a school are entered into the lottery pool
• Winners are randomly selected up to the number of EWS/DG seats available
• A waitlist is generated automatically for non-selected applicants
• If a selected candidate doesn't complete admission, the next on the waitlist is offered the seat
• The lottery is conducted in the presence of DoE officials and parent representatives

EWS/DG Admission 2026-27 — Expected Schedule

What Happens After Selection?

1. Check results on edudel.nic.in using your registration number
2. Visit the allotted school within the specified deadline (usually 7–10 days after result)
3. Carry all original documents for verification
4. Complete the admission formalities — no fees are charged to EWS/DG families
5. The school must admit the child; they cannot reject a DoE-allotted EWS/DG student

Rights of EWS/DG Students After Admission

• Free education from Class 1 to Class 8 in the same school
• School cannot charge any fees (tuition, activity, development, or any other fee)
• Child is entitled to the same facilities as general category students
• If the school closes or withdraws affiliation, DoE must find an equivalent school
• School cannot expel an EWS/DG child before Class 8 completion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit for EWS admission in Delhi schools?

The annual family income must be below ₹1,00,000 (₹1 lakh) from all sources. This certificate must be issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Tehsildar of Delhi.

Can I apply to multiple schools under EWS/DG in Delhi?

Yes. The DoE portal lets you select multiple preferred schools. You will be considered in all selected schools' lotteries. If selected in more than one, you must choose one school.

Is OBC included in the EWS/DG category in Delhi?

No. OBC is not part of Delhi's EWS/DG category under RTE. OBC families must apply under the general category or EWS if their income is below ₹1 lakh.

Can a private school refuse an EWS/DG child allotted by DoE?

No. Once DoE allots a student through the lottery, the school is legally bound to admit the child. Any refusal must be reported to DoE immediately.

What if I don't get selected in the EWS/DG lottery?

You will be on the waitlist. If selected candidates don't complete admission formalities, waitlisted candidates are offered seats in order. You can also apply to government (MCD/DoE) schools which admit all neighbourhood children without selection. Find nearby government schools on PickMySchool.