Delhi govt issues admission guidelines for children with special needs

The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued new guidelines for the admission of Children With Special Needs (CWSN) into entry-level classes at private schools.

As per a circular released on Friday, children with benchmark disabilities are eligible to apply. The term “benchmark disability” refers to individuals with at least 40 per cent of a specified disability, certified by a government hospital, in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016.

The circular further states that children diagnosed with intellectual disability, specific learning disability, autism spectrum disorder, or related conditions may also be considered for admission, based on relevant assessment or diagnostic reports.

For CWSN applicants, the age eligibility as on March 31, 2025, is specified as follows: 3–7 years for pre-school/nursery, 4–8 years for kindergarten, and 5–9 years for Class 1.

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According to the circular, the online application module will be activated on Monday, June 2, and will remain open until June 22. A tentative date of July 7 has been set for a computerised draw of lots.

Reiterating the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the circular emphasises that no school is permitted to demand capitation fees or donations at the time of admission. Any violations may attract penalties of up to ten times the amount demanded.

It also cautions parents against manipulating residential information to secure a seat, noting that the computerised draw relies on accurate location data.

(With inputs from PTI)