The “Draw of Lots” day in Chandigarh is nothing short of a movie climax. I remember standing outside Bhavan Vidyalaya in Sector 33 last year, heart thumping against my ribs, eyes frantically scanning the notice board. The moment my eyes were stuck on the notice board when I did not see my child’s name in the “Selected” column, the world felt like it had paused for a second. If you are reading this today, February 23, 2026, and you’re staring at a “Waiting List” status, I want you to take a deep breath.
I’ve been where you are. And I can tell you: the game isn’t over yet. In fact, for many, the real admissions start now.
1. Decoding the “Draw of Lots” Shuffling: Why Waitlists Move
In Chandigarh and Panchkula, the “Selection List” is just the first draft. Most parents I know—myself included—apply to at least 5 or 6 schools. We apply to St. Anne’s, Carmel Convent, Sacred Heart, and maybe a couple in Panchkula like The Gurukul or Bhavan.
But here’s the reality: every child can only sit in one chair.
As of February 23, the deadline for the first round of fee deposits has just closed. This is the “Magic Window.” Schools are currently tallying up who didn’t show up with the DD (Demand Draft).
By early March, a massive shuffle happens. When one child vacates a seat at Strawberry Fields to join St. John’s, it creates a vacancy. That vacancy moves the waitlist for everyone else.
However, the first-time parents may wonder on the age criteria
With the NEP 2020 rules fully in effect for the 2026-27 session, many parents are confused about age cut-offs. Adding this table provides “high utility,” which search engines reward.
Last year, when the big names didn’t work out initially, I started looking beyond the “Famous 4.” I discovered that Chandigarh has incredible “hidden gem” schools that offer the same CBSE excellence without the insane waitlist pressure.
- Chandigarh Sector Schools: Schools like Saupin’s (Sector 32) or Ashiana Public School (Sector 46) often have more movement in their 2nd and 3rd lists. Their infrastructure is top-notch, and the teacher-to-student ratio is sometimes even better than the “elite” schools.
- Panchkula Options: If you live near the border, don’t ignore Sector 12A or Sector 20. Schools like Sarthak Govt Model or private ones like Sky World are becoming favorites for Zirakpur and Panchkula parents for their modern approach.
3. Navigating the EWS Centralized Portal (The 2026 Game Changer)
For many families, the Chandigarh Education Department’s (chdeducation.gov.in) centralized portal is the ultimate safety net. If you fall under the EWS/DG category, the 2026-27 cycle is highly structured.
I remember helping a neighbor navigate this portal; it can be daunting. The 2nd list for centralized admissions usually sees a lot of activity in late February. Keep your login credentials ready and check the “Seat Allocation” section daily. This isn’t just a “backup”—these are seats in some of the city’s best private schools reserved specifically for this category.
4. The “Request Letter” Strategy: Does it actually work?
I get asked this at every park playdate: “Should I go and meet the Principal?” My experience? A polite, well-worded Letter of Intent can go a long way, but avoid being “pushy.” Schools in Chandigarh value their process. Instead of asking for a favor, write a letter explaining why your child is a great fit for their specific culture.
Template Tip: > “We admire the focus on holistic sports at [School Name] and believe our child, who is already active in [Activity], would thrive here…”
Submit this to the admission office. It puts a face and a story to the Form Number on their spreadsheet.
5. Don’t Ignore Zirakpur & Mohali: The “Luxury Playway” Buffer
If the waitlist for a “Big School” Nursery doesn’t budge by mid-March, don’t panic. One of the best decisions I saw a friend make was enrolling her son in a high-end playway in Zirakpur (VIP Road) for one more year.
Schools like these often follow the same curriculum as the big schools but offer more individual attention. This “Buffer Year” allows your child to grow in confidence. You can then try for KG or Class 1 entry next year, where many schools (like Learning Paths in Mohali) actually have fresh vacancies.
6. Keeping the “Mom-Sanity” Intact: Dealing with the Guilt
The hardest part of the waitlist isn’t the paperwork; it’s the feeling that you’ve somehow let your child down. I remember crying in my car after a “No” from my dream school.
But here is the truth I learned: Your child is not their school. Whether they go to a school in Sector 26 or Sector 40, your involvement at home—the bedtime stories, the weekend trips to the Rose Garden, the way you talk to them—matters more than the school logo on their blazer. Give yourself some grace this week. Have a cup of tea, and remember, you are doing a great job.
7. Important 2026 Dates to Mark in Your Calendar (Tricity Edition)
To make your life easier, I’ve compiled the dates you need to watch like a hawk this month.
Final Thoughts
The waitlist is a test of patience, not a final verdict. Stay proactive, keep your “Plan B” ready, and most importantly, keep your child excited about the “new adventure” of school—regardless of which building it’s in.
