Vijay Mahendru (name changed), another parent who had to face a similar problem, registered a complaint against Delhi International School, which charged Rs 150 for the prospectus. The complaint went through the Grievance Redressal Mechanism set up by the DoE.

Mahendru registered the complaint on December 15, but till Friday the only action that has been taken against the school is a mere mention of it on the DoE website.

It said the school has been asked to refund the excess amount, which Mahendru hasn't got as yet.

After Kapil Khatreja (name changed) lodged a complaint against Indraprastha School in Dwarka, which was charging Rs 500, an education department officer went to the school.

The DoE website said the District Education Officer Zone21 found that the school is selling application forms for Rs 25.

"They will obviously not sell the form for Rs 500 to an education officer," Khatreja said.

"But if you go as a parent, they will charge Rs 500 and give you a receipt for Rs 25."

Rajesh Hassija, director of Indraprastha School, Dwarka, said, "The forms in our school cost Rs 25 but along with the prospectus the cost is Rs 500.
But buying the prospectus is not mandatory and the same was conveyed to the DoE."

Delhi Education Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely said, "The parents should give us specific complaints and we will definitely take action against schools charging more than Rs 25 for admission forms."

Some schools have already stopped the sale of forms and some are already out with the first list of successful candidates.

In such a scenario, the DoE's guidelines and the 'action' taken against schools are proving to be of little help for parents who are running out of time and patience.