If you are a parent looking to get your child admitted to a top private school for free, this is the most important time of the year for you. The Right to Education (RTE) admission cycle for 2026-27 has officially begun in many states across India.
Under the RTE Act, 25% of seats in private schools are reserved for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups. The government pays the fees for these students, ensuring they get quality education without the financial burden.
Currently, Uttar Pradesh has just started its application process today (February 2, 2026), and Maharashtra is already accepting forms. Other states like Rajasthan and Karnataka will follow soon.
This guide covers everything you need to know: important dates, eligibility, documents required, and how to apply online.
What is RTE 25% Quota Admission?
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act, 2009) mandates that private unaided schools must reserve 25% of their entry-level seats (usually Nursery, LKG, or Class 1) for children from poor families.
- Tuition Fee: 100% Waived (Paid by the Government).
- Selection Method: Computerized Lottery System (No interview or exam for the child).
- Target Group: Families with low annual income (EWS) and disadvantaged communities (SC/ST/OBC/Orphans).
State-Wise RTE Admission Dates (2026-27)
Deadlines are strict. If you miss the date, you cannot apply until next year. Here is the latest status for major states as of February 2026:
Read more: RSSB 4th Grade Scorecard
| State | Application Status | Start Date | Last Date | Official Website |
| Uttar Pradesh | OPEN NOW | Feb 2, 2026 | Feb 16, 2026 (Round 1) | rte25.upsdc.gov.in |
| Maharashtra | Ongoing | Jan 9, 2026 | Late Feb 2026 | student.maharashtra.gov.in |
| Rajasthan | Upcoming | March 2026 | April 2026 | rajpsp.nic.in |
| Karnataka | Upcoming | March 2026 | April 2026 | schooleducation.kar.nic.in |
| Madhya Pradesh | Upcoming | March 2026 | April 2026 | rteportal.mp.gov.in |
| Delhi | Closed | Dec 2025 | Jan 2026 | edudel.nic.in |
Note for UP Parents: The application process in Uttar Pradesh is divided into three phases. Phase 1 starts today. It is best to apply in Phase 1 to have the highest chance in the lottery.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To get a free seat, you must meet specific age and income requirements. These rules can vary slightly by state, but the general guidelines are:
1. Income Criteria (EWS Category)
- General/OBC Candidates: The annual family income must be below a certain limit.
- Uttar Pradesh & Maharashtra: Usually below ₹1 Lakh per year.
- Rajasthan: Below ₹2.5 Lakh per year.
- You will need a valid Income Certificate issued by the Tehsildar or a competent authority.
2. Disadvantaged Group (DG)
- SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribe) candidates do not always need an income certificate (rules vary by state), but they must provide a valid Caste Certificate.
- Children who are orphans, living with HIV, or have disabilities are also eligible.
3. Age Limit (As of April 1, 2026)
Your child’s age determines which class they can join.
- Nursery: 3 to 4 years
- LKG: 4 to 5 years
- Class 1: 6 to 7 years
Documents Required for RTE Online Form
Before you sit down to apply, make sure you have digital copies (photos or scans) of these documents. Missing documents are the #1 reason for rejection.
- Child’s Photo: Recent passport-size photograph.
- Birth Certificate: Issued by the Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat.
- Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, Voter ID, Electricity Bill, or Driving License. (The address must match the ward/zone you are applying for).
- Income Certificate: For EWS category (Must be current and valid).
- Caste Certificate: For SC/ST/OBC category.
- Self-Declaration: Some states require a simple self-declaration form signed by the parent.
Important: Do not use a fake address to apply for a top school in a different area. Physical verification often happens after the lottery, and false information will lead to immediate cancellation.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step
The process is 100% online. You do not need to buy a form from the school or stand in queues.
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to your state’s RTE website (links provided in the table above).
- Registration: Click on “Student Registration” or “New Application”. Enter the child’s name, date of birth, and mobile number to get a Registration ID.
- Fill the Form: Log in and enter parent details, address, and income info.
- Map Your Address: This is a crucial step. You will likely see a Google Map integration. Pin your exact home location. The system will then show you eligible schools within 1 km and 3 km of your home.
- Choose Schools: You can usually select up to 10 schools. Arrange them in order of your preference.
- Upload Documents: Upload the clear scans of the required proofs.
- Final Submit: Review everything carefully and lock the application. Print the final receipt.
Lottery Result & Selection Process
Once the application deadline ends, the government conducts a computerized lottery. This is usually streamed online or done in the presence of officials to ensure fairness.
- Result Date: Usually 1-2 weeks after the last date of application.
- How to Check: You will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number. You can also log in to the portal to check the status.
- Next Steps: If your child’s name appears in the list, you must download the Allotment Letter and visit the allotted school within the given timeframe to confirm admission.
FAQs
1. Is the application form free?
Yes, there is no government fee to fill out the RTE application form online. However, if you go to a cyber cafe, they may charge you a small service fee for filling it out.
2. Can I apply to schools far away from my house?
RTE prioritizes “Neighborhood Schools.” You typically get priority for schools within 1 km (walking distance) and then 3 km of your residence. Schools further away are unlikely to be allotted unless there are vacant seats.
3. If my child gets selected, do I have to pay for books and uniforms?
Under the rules, schools are supposed to provide free books and uniforms to RTE students. However, implementation varies. Some states reimburse the money to parents, while others require schools to provide the items directly.
4. Can I apply for two different states?
No. You can only apply in the state where you currently reside and have valid address proof.
5. What if I make a mistake in the form?
Most portals do not allow changes after the “Final Lock.” If the form is not yet locked, you can edit it. If locked, you might have to wait for the next round (if the state allows fresh applications in Round 2).
6. Is Aadhaar card mandatory for the child?
While parents’ ID is mandatory, some states (like UP this year) have relaxed the rule for the child’s Aadhaar card at the time of application, but you may need it later for verification.