1. Student eligibility

Student eligibility is determined in alignment with school policies, programme requirements, and all applicable Indian regulations. The school places emphasis on fairness, readiness, and the capacity of the learner to thrive in our academic and boarding environment.

Eligibility is assessed through a combination of:

• Review of previous academic records
• Personal interaction and/or interview
• Diagnostic or placement assessments (for relevant grades)
• Behaviour and conduct history
• Language proficiency, particularly in English
• Developmental readiness (for Early Years admissions)
• Boarding suitability (for EY3 onwards)

2. Evaluation process

The school follows a structured, developmentally appropriate assessment process to ensure correct placement and successful transition into the DPS community.

Assessment components

Depending on the grade level, evaluation may include:

• Face-to-face interaction/interview with the child (academician’s meet)
• Diagnosticassessment or academic baseline assessment (Grades 1–10)
• Scrutiny of previous school reports, transfer certificates, and teacher recommendations
• Written essay for certain grades/programmes
• Aptitude assessment, where applicable
• Boarding-readiness appraisal (for students opting for residential life)

The school evaluates a child’s ability to meet academic expectations, adapt socially, and integrate successfully into the boarding and academic culture.

3. English language proficiency

As the medium of instruction is English, English proficiency is an important component of eligibility. Expectations vary by grade:

Early Years: Admission is not dependent on English proficiency. Children develop the language naturally through classroom immersion and interaction.

Grades 1–2: Students are not required to have full English proficiency at entry. Immersion in the learning environment allows children to develop language skills organically. Baseline assessments conducted after admission help inform planning and support.

Grades 3–5: Applicants are expected to have an adequate level of English to access the curriculum. Mid-year admissions into Grade 5 from state or national boards are generally discouraged if language proficiency is limited, given the demands of the culminating PYP Exhibition. Mid-year admissions from similar curricula may be considered.

Grades 6–10: Demonstrated ability to engage with the English-medium curriculum through reports, interactions, and assessments.Additional support may be provided for students with emerging language needs.

4. Grade-wise academic expectations

The school expects learners to demonstrate grade-appropriate knowledge, skills, and conceptual understanding across subject areas. At the same time, we recognise that students may come with varied academic strengths and learning backgrounds. Admission decisions are therefore based on a holistic review of multiple sources of evidence, including previous school records, teacher recommendations, on-campus observations during student interactions or trial classes, and, where required, academic baseline assessments or written essays. The guiding principle is that the student must be able to access and benefit from the curriculum offered at the school.

• Early Years: Ability to demonstrate age-appropriate developmental milestones and readiness for structured learning.
• Grades 1–2: Demonstrate foundational comprehension, early numeracy and pre-math skills, basic environmental awareness, and the ability to remain focused and engaged during learning tasks.
• Grades 3–5: Ability to read, write, and speak with adequate context, and exhibit appropriate learning behaviour and etiquette.
• Grades 6–9: Admissions are based on a review of previous academic performance, teacher feedback, personal interaction, or a baseline assessment/essay as applicable.

5. Admissiontimelines

Dalhousie Public School accepts applications throughout the year.
Students may join at the start of academic terms in:

• June
• October
• January

Mid-term admissions may be considered only if:

• Seats are available
• The student can integrate without academic disruption
• For boarding students, availability of hostel accommodation is confirmed

Tuition is not pro-rated for mid-semester admissions; the full term fee applies.

Mid-year admission is NOT allowed for:

• Grade 10 (IGCSE/Board Year)

6. Boarding eligibility (EY3 onwards)

As a residential school, DPS emphasizes readiness for dormitory living.

Boarding admissions require:

• Boarding application form
• Medical records and health history
• Authenticated guardian/parent information
• Review of emotional, social, and personal readiness for residential school life

Boarders are supported through:

• House parents
• Residential mentors
• Medical and counselling staff
• Regular communication with parents regarding progress and well-being

7. Age eligibility criteria

Age criteria are strictly followed to ensure developmental alignment.

Cut-off Date: 31 March of the admission year

DPS Age Requirements

• Toddlers: 2+ years
• EY1: 3+ years
• EY2: 4+ years
• EY3: 5+ years

The school acknowledges differences in global education systems but adheres to its age-placement guidelines as specified in the Admissions SOP.

8. Class balance and Class size

To ensure optimal learning:

• Class size is capped at 22 students.
• Balanced representation of gender, ability, and nationality is maintained.
• In rare justified cases (e.g., faculty child, grade repetition), class size may exceed the limit by not more than two students.

9. Priority in admission

• Siblings of existing students
• Children of alumni
• Children of staff members
• General category applicants

10. Transfer conditions
11. Students from other schools

Students from CBSE, Cambridge, IB, and other recognized curricula may apply with:

• Valid transfer certificate
• Previous school reports
• Any additional learning support documentation (if applicable)

1. International transfers

Additional documentation may be required to establish curriculum equivalence and grade placement.

1. Mid-Year transfers

Permitted only when academic continuity can be assured and boarding space is available.

11. Feepolicy

Admission is confirmed only after payment of:

• Admission fee
• Security deposit
• First instalment of tuition fee

Discounts and concessions

• 5% discount for annual tuition paid in a single instalment
• 10% sibling concession on annual tuition for the second child onward
• 10% concession for parents serving in the armed forces

Fee regulations

• Tuition is payable in three instalments
• All other dues must be cleared with the first instalment
• Late payments attract 2% per month penalty
• Uniforms, transport, books, stationery, and miscellaneous expenses are charged at actuals