For parents of young learners
School admission interview questions for kids
Many schools meet a child briefly before admission, usually for nursery, KG or Class 1. They are not testing knowledge. They want to see a child who can answer simply, listen and speak with a little confidence. Here are 30 common questions with sample answers, and how to practise.
By the Eloqova team · Updated 2 November 2026
Free printable kit for your child's class: speaking worksheets and a speech planner.Get it freeMake it your own: Use your child's real answers, not memorised ones. Interviewers can tell, and a short true answer said with a smile is perfect.
10 questions about your child
| Question | Sample answer |
|---|---|
| What is your name? | My name is Aarav. |
| How old are you? | I am four years old. |
| Where do you live? | I live in Gurugram. |
| What is your favourite colour? | My favourite colour is red. |
| What do you like to eat? | I like dal and rice. |
| What is your favourite toy? | My favourite toy is my red car. |
| What do you like to do? | I like to draw and play in the park. |
| Who is your best friend? | My best friend is Riya. |
| What do you want to be when you grow up? | I want to be a doctor. |
| What makes you happy? | Playing with my papa makes me happy. |
10 questions about family and home
| Question | Sample answer |
|---|---|
| What is your father's name? | My father's name is Rohit Sharma. |
| What is your mother's name? | My mother's name is Neha Sharma. |
| What does your father do? | He works in an office. |
| Do you have brothers or sisters? | I have one little sister. |
| Who lives with you? | My mumma, papa, dadi and sister. |
| What do you do with your grandparents? | I listen to stories with my dadi. |
| How do you help at home? | I put my toys back in the box. |
| Do you have a pet? | No, but I want a puppy. |
| What did you do on Sunday? | We went to the park. |
| Which festival do you like? | I like Diwali because we light diyas. |
10 general questions
| Question | Sample answer |
|---|---|
| What colour is this? (pointing) | It is blue. |
| Can you count to ten? | One, two, three... ten. |
| What sound does a cow make? | Moo. |
| Which animal says roar? | A lion. |
| What do we wear when it rains? | A raincoat. |
| What shape is this? | It is a circle. |
| Can you say a rhyme? | Twinkle, twinkle, little star... |
| What do you say when someone helps you? | Thank you. |
| Which fruit is yellow? | A banana. |
| What is the weather like today? | It is sunny. |
What interviewers look for
- A greeting and eye contact: "Good morning" with a smile.
- Answers in short, full sentences, not just one word.
- Listening: waiting for the question to finish.
- Comfort being away from the parent for a few minutes.
- Basic manners: please, thank you, sorry.
- Curiosity and willingness to try, even when unsure.
How to practise at home
- Play "interview" as a game with a toy microphone, taking turns to ask and answer.
- Ask two or three questions a day at dinner, never a long drill.
- Teach your child to say "I don't know" calmly instead of staying silent.
- Practise greeting new adults in a shop or at a relative's house.
Questions parents ask
What questions are asked in a nursery admission interview?
Usually simple questions about the child (name, age, favourite things), their family, and general knowledge such as colours, shapes, animals and rhymes.
Should my child memorise answers?
No. Practise the questions so they feel familiar, but let your child answer in their own words. A natural answer impresses more than a recited one.
What if my child stays silent in the interview?
It is common at this age. Practise greeting strangers, keep the day calm, and remind your child it is fine to say "I don't know".
More free guides
Want expert help? See our communication skills classes for kids: live 1:1 online classes for UKG to Grade 8.