Kendriya Vidyalaya Admission 2026-27: Last Date, Eligibility, Fees, Merit List
Hello, parents! If you’re thinking about getting your child admitted to a Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) for the 2026-27 school year, you probably have a lot of questions. The process can seem a little confusing at first, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you break it down.
This guide will walk you through everything in plain, simple language. We’ll cover the important dates, who can apply, the costs involved, and how the selection process works. Let’s get your child one step closer to a great school.
First, What is a Kendriya Vidyalaya?
You might know them as Central Schools. Kendriya Vidyalayas are a chain of schools all over India and even in other countries, run by the Government of India. They are known for providing a good quality, uniform education at a very affordable price. That’s why so many parents try for KV admissions every year.
The Most Important Part: Key Dates for 2026-27
Mark your calendar! The dates for online registration and admission are generally similar each year. For the 2026-27 session, you can expect the process to follow the timeline below. Keep an eye on the official website for the exact announcement.
| Event | Expected Timeline (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Starts | Early March 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | End of March 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | A few days after the application deadline |
| Release of First Merit List | Mid-to-late April 2026 |
| Admission Formalities for Selected Students | Late April to May 2026 |
| Release of Second Merit List (if seats are vacant) | May/June 2026 |
A quick note: These dates are based on previous years. The official schedule will be confirmed on the KV website closer to the time. The “Last Date for Online Application” is your absolute deadline, so don’t wait for the last day to apply!
Who Can Apply? Understanding the Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for KV admissions depends on the class you’re applying for and your background. The system has different categories, and each has its own rules.
Age Limit (For Class 1):
Your child must be at least 5 years old as on March 31, 2026. There’s an upper age limit too, which is usually 7 years. For each higher class, the minimum age increases by one year. So for Class 2, it’s 6 years, for Class 3 it’s 7 years, and so on.
The Admission Categories:
This is the most important part to understand. Seats are filled in a specific order of priority:
Category I: This is for children of central government employees who can be transferred anywhere in India. This includes defense personnel too. Most seats are reserved for this group.
Category II: For children of other central and state government employees.
Other Categories: After the above, if seats are still available, they are opened for children from other backgrounds. This includes kids from private sector employees, and others. This is where a lottery system is often used.
A special note for Class 11: Admission is based entirely on your child’s Class 10 board exam marks. Each KV will have its own specific cut-off percentage for different streams (Science, Commerce, Arts).
How Much Does It Cost? A Look at the Fee Structure
One of the biggest advantages of KVs is their affordable fee structure. The fees are revised from time to time, but to give you a clear idea, here’s what it looked like for the 2024-25 session. You can expect something very similar for 2026-27.
Tuition Fee: No fee for Class 1 to 8 (under the Right to Education Act).
Tuition Fee for Class 9 to 12: It’s quite reasonable. For General category students, it was ₹600 per month. For OBC and SC/ST students, it was ₹300 per month.
Other Charges: There are some other small, one-time or annual charges. These include:
Computer Fund: ₹100 for Class 6 to 8, ₹200 for Class 9 to 12 (per month).
Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi (VVN): ₹500 for all classes (one-time per year).
Smart Class Fee: ₹100 per month (for Class 1 to 12).
Remember, these are approximate figures. The official notification will have the exact, updated fees.
The Selection Process: How the Merit List Works
Many parents worry about this part. Let’s simplify it.
For Class 1: There is no test. If the number of applications is more than the seats available, a random lottery system is used. This is a computerized draw that is completely transparent. Your category (I, II, etc.) determines your priority in this lottery.
For Class 2 to 8: Admission is based on vacancies. If seats are open, selection might be based on specific criteria set by the school or sometimes a simple test.
For Class 9 & 11: This is purely merit-based. The school will prepare a merit list based on the marks obtained in the previous class (Class 8 for Class 9, and Class 10 for Class 11). The higher your child’s marks, the better their chance.
How to Apply: The Online Registration Steps
The entire process is online, which makes it convenient. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Visit the Official Website: Go to the KVS admission portal: https://kvsangathan.nic.in/
Find the Registration Link: Look for the “Admission 2026-27” or “Online Registration” link on the homepage once it’s active.
Fill the Form: You’ll need to enter your child’s details, your personal information, and upload documents like a birth certificate, photograph, and relevant category certificate (if applicable).
Submit and Pay the Fee: After filling the form, you will need to pay a small, non-refundable application fee online.
Print the Form: Always take a printout of the submitted application form for your records.
A Few Friendly Tips for a Smooth Process
Don’t Wait: Start gathering documents like the birth certificate, proof of residence, and your service certificate (if applicable) well in advance.
Double-Check Everything: When filling the online form, review all details before hitting the final submit button. A small mistake in the date of birth or name can cause issues later.
Check the Right Website: Only use the official Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan website for information and registration. Don’t rely on third-party sites that might charge you money.
Stay Updated: After applying, keep checking the official website and the notice board of your chosen KV for the merit list and other updates.
We hope this guide makes the KV admission process feel less daunting. It’s a great opportunity for your child’s education. Best of luck