How to Get Admission in Kendriya Vidyalaya: Complete Guide for Parents (2025-26)

Getting your child admitted to a Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) is a dream for many parents across India. Known for their quality education, affordable fees, and consistent curriculum, Kendriya Vidyalayas are operated by the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. With over 1,243 schools nationwide, KV schools cater primarily to children of central government employees, defence personnel, and transferable staff.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the KV admission process, eligibility criteria, important dates, required documents, and tips to increase your chances of securing admission.

What is Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS)?

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education that runs a chain of central government schools across India and abroad. Established to provide quality education to children of transferable central government employees, KVS schools follow the CBSE curriculum and maintain uniform standards across all locations.

Key Features of Kendriya Vidyalayas:

• Affordable education with minimal fees
• CBSE-affiliated curriculum
• Consistent quality across all schools
• Priority admission for government employees' children
• Co-educational institutions
• Strong focus on holistic development

KV Admission 2025-26: Important Dates

The admission process typically begins in early March each year. Based on previous years' schedules:

Note: Dates are tentative. Always check the official KVS website for confirmed schedules.

KV Admission Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirements (As of March 31, 2026)

Special Provision: Children with special needs (CwSN/Differently-abled) get a 2-year relaxation in the upper age limit.

General Eligibility:

• Parents must be Indian citizens
• Children of foreign nationals residing in India are also eligible (considered last in priority)
• For Class 11, specific percentage requirements apply (60% for Science, 55% for Commerce)

Understanding KV Priority Categories

One of the most critical aspects of KV admission is understanding the priority category system. KVS follows a strict priority-based admission process:

Priority Category Breakdown:

Category 1: Highest Priority

• Children of transferable and non-transferable central government employees
• Children of ex-servicemen
• Children of foreign national officials on deputation to India
• Children of transferable/non-transferable employees of autonomous bodies, PSUs, and Institutes of Higher Learning under the central government

Category 2:

• Children of transferable and non-transferable state government employees
• Children of employees of autonomous bodies, PSUs, and Institutes of Higher Learning under state governments

Category 3:

• Children and grandchildren of KVS employees (serving and retired)

Category 4:

• Children of MPs and MLAs

Category 5:

• Children from any other category, including children of private sector employees, self-employed individuals, and foreign nationals

Transfer Advantage:

Within each category, preference is given based on the number of official transfers the parent has undergone in the last 7 years. More transfers = higher priority.

Reservation Policy

KVS follows a comprehensive reservation policy:

• SC (Scheduled Caste): 15% seats
• ST (Scheduled Tribe): 7.5% seats
• OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer): 27% seats
• CwSN (Children with Special Needs): 3% horizontal reservation
• RTE (Right to Education) Quota: 25% seats for economically weaker sections in Class 1

Step-by-Step KV Admission Process

For Class 1 (Online Mode)

Step 1: Registration

• Visit the official portal: kvsonlineadmission.kvs.gov.in
• Click on "New Registration"
• Enter child's basic details (name, DOB, parent information)
• Create login credentials

Step 2: Fill Application Form

• Log in with your credentials
• Complete parent details section
• Select your priority category carefully
• Choose up to 3 Kendriya Vidyalayas (without preference order)
• Upload required documents

Step 3: Document Upload Required documents include:

• Child's birth certificate
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Residential proof
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Service certificate from employer (showing transfers)
• EWS/BPL certificate (if applying under RTE)

Step 4: Submit Application

• Review all entered information
• Click "Submit Application"
• Enter OTP received on registered mobile/email
• Save/download the application submission code

Important Notes:

• Application is completely free of cost
• Avoid submitting multiple applications for the same child to the same school
• Only the last application will be considered if multiple submissions are made

For Classes 2-9 (Offline Mode)

Step 1: Visit School

• Contact your nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya directly
• Collect application form from the school office (free of cost)

Step 2: Fill Form

• Complete all sections accurately
• Attach required documents

Step 3: Submit

• Submit the form at the school within the specified dates
• Collect acknowledgment receipt

Step 4: Selection Process

• For Classes 2-8: Priority category system + lottery (if needed)
• For Class 9: Admission test will be conducted

For Class 11 (Merit-Based)

Class 11 admissions are based on Class 10 board exam marks:

Stream Requirements:

• Science Stream: Minimum 60% aggregate in best five subjects
• Commerce Stream: Minimum 55% aggregate in best five subjects
• Humanities Stream: Open to all students who passed Class 10

Relaxations Available:

• SC/ST/OBC candidates get relaxation in cutoff marks
• CwSN candidates get additional relaxation
• NCC, Scouts & Guides, and Sports achievers get concessions (up to 5% marks)

Required Documents Checklist

Essential Documents for All:

✓ Birth certificate issued by competent authority
✓ Recent passport-size photograph
✓ Address proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, electricity bill)
✓ Previous class mark sheet (for Classes 2 onwards)
✓ Transfer Certificate from last school (Classes 2+)

Category-Specific Documents:

✓ Service certificate from employer (government employees)
✓ Transfer details certificate (for last 7 years)
✓ Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC)
✓ EWS/BPL certificate (for RTE quota)
✓ Disability certificate (for CwSN category)
✓ Ex-servicemen certificate (for defence personnel)
✓ Relationship proof with grandparents (if applicable)
✓ Single girl child affidavit (if applicable)

Pro Tip: Keep both original and photocopies of all documents. Originals will be verified and returned.

Admission Selection Process

Class 1 Admission Process:

The admission happens in multiple phases:

First Lot: 10 seats (out of 40 per section) filled under RTE provisions through draw of lots from applications of SC/ST/EWS/BPL/OBC/CwSN candidates residing in the neighborhood.

Second Lot: Draw of lots for CwSN students of SC/ST/OBC-NCL/General category as per priority system.

Third Lot: Remaining seats filled as per priority categories 1 and 2.

Fourth Lot: Shortfall in reserved seats (SC/ST/OBC) covered by admitting candidates from respective categories irrespective of sanctioned strength.

Fifth Lot: If seats remain vacant, priority category 3 onwards considered.

Class 2-8 Admission:

• No admission test conducted
• Selection based on priority category system
• Draw of lots if applications exceed available seats within a category
• Preference given based on transfer count within each category

Class 9 Admission:

• Previously required entrance test (check current year guidelines)
• Merit list prepared category-wise
• Admission based on test performance and priority category

Class 11 Admission:

• Purely merit-based on Class 10 marks
• Stream allocated based on percentage obtained
• Separate merit lists for each stream

KV Admission Fees Structure

One of the biggest advantages of KV schools is their extremely affordable fee structure:

Approximate Annual Fees (2024-25):

• Tuition Fee: Free for girls; ₹200/month for boys
• Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi (VVN): ₹500 per month
• Computer Fund: ₹100 per month (Classes 3-12)
• Admission Fee: ₹25 (one-time)
• Re-admission Fee: ₹100 per academic year

Total Annual Cost: Approximately ₹6,000-₹9,000 depending on class and gender

Note: Fee structure is subject to change. Check with individual schools for exact amounts.

Tips to Increase Admission Chances

1. Apply Early: Submit applications within the first few days of the admission window opening
2. Choose Priority Correctly: Understand your category and select the highest eligible priority
3. Document Verification: Ensure all documents are complete, valid, and properly attested
4. Transfer Certificate: Get official transfer certificates from employers showing all transfers
5. Multiple School Choices: Utilize the option to apply to 3 schools for Class 1
6. Check Regularly: Keep checking the official website for updates and admission lists
7. Contact Schools Directly: For Classes 2-9, visit schools early to understand seat availability
8. Prepare for Class 9: If applying for Class 9, ensure your child is prepared for the admission test

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is KV admission only for government employees' children?
No. While government employees get priority, KV schools are open to all. Children from private sector and self-employed parents can apply under Category 5.

Q2: Can I apply to multiple KVs?
For Class 1, you can apply to up to 3 schools in a single application. For other classes, you need to apply separately to each school.

Q3: What if my child's age is slightly above/below the limit?
Age criteria are strictly followed as per KVS guidelines. Only CwSN candidates get a 2-year relaxation.

Q4: Is there an admission test for Class 1?
No. Class 1 admissions are based on lottery and priority category system only.

Q5: Can students transfer between KVs?
Yes. KV students can transfer to another KV with a KV Transfer Certificate, subject to seat availability.

Q6: What is the class strength in KVs?
Standard class strength is 40 students per section. Principals can extend up to 50 based on provisions.

Q7: Are KV schools co-educational?
Yes, all Kendriya Vidyalayas are co-educational institutions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Submitting multiple applications to the same school
❌ Incorrect priority category selection
❌ Incomplete documentation
❌ Missing the application deadline
❌ Not keeping track of admission list announcements
❌ Submitting fake or invalid certificates
❌ Not carrying original documents during verification

Post-Admission Process

Once your child's name appears in the admission list:

1. Check the List: Lists are published on the school notice board and website
2. Document Verification: Visit the school with all original documents
3. Fee Payment: Pay the admission fee and first installment of other fees
4. Uniform & Books: Purchase school uniform and books from designated vendors
5. Orientation: Attend parent-teacher orientation sessions

Conclusion

Securing admission in a Kendriya Vidyalaya requires understanding the admission process, priority categories, and proper documentation. While the process may seem complex, following this guide will help you navigate it successfully. Remember that transparency and merit are the core principles of KV admissions.

Start preparing early, gather all required documents, and stay updated with official notifications. Whether you're a central government employee with high priority or a parent from the general category, Kendriya Vidyalayas offer excellent educational opportunities for your child.

For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official KVS website at kvsangathan.nic.in and the online admission portal at kvsonlineadmission.kvs.gov.in.

Good luck with your child's admission journey!

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Useful Links & Resources

• Official KVS Website
• KV Online Admission Portal
• KVS Admission Guidelines PDF
• List of All Kendriya Vidyalayas
• CBSE Official Website