RTE Admission 2026-27: UP Issues New Guidelines; Check Dates for Maharashtra & Rajasthan

As of January 10, 2026, the process to secure free seats in private schools for children from economically weaker sections is gaining momentum across India. The biggest news comes from Uttar Pradesh, where the state government has just issued strict new guidelines on January 8 to ensure a transparent and corruption-free admission process. Meanwhile, parents in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Delhi are advised to get their documents ready as their respective portals are set to open shortly.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, is one of the most significant laws in India. It mandates that private unaided schools must reserve 25% of their seats at the entry-level (Nursery or Class 1) for children from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG). If you are a parent looking to apply for this scheme, this detailed guide covers the latest state-wise updates, new age criteria, required documents, and the step-by-step application process for 2026.

Read more: SSC Calendar 2026-27 

State-Wise Latest Updates (January 2026)

Different states in India follow their own schedules for RTE admissions. Here is the latest status for the major states as of this week.

1. Uttar Pradesh: Strict New Guidelines Issued (Jan 8)

In a major development, the Uttar Pradesh government released a fresh government order on January 8, 2026. This new order supersedes previous rules and aims to fix loopholes in the system that schools were exploiting.

• 100% Online Process: The government has made it clear that the entire application process will be digital. Parents must apply only through the official portal rte25.upsdc.gov.in. No private school is allowed to accept manual or offline application forms. If a school asks for a manual form, parents can file a complaint.
• Zero Fee Policy: The new guidelines strictly state that private schools cannot charge a single rupee from RTE students. This includes admission fees, tuition fees, library charges, or any “hidden” development charges. Violating this rule can lead to the cancellation of the school’s government recognition.
• Verification Process: The application verification will be done in two stages. First, the Block Education Officer (BEO) will verify the documents online. Then, the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) will give the final approval before the lottery.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The UP government has continued its policy of providing financial aid for school supplies. Parents of admitted children will receive ₹5,000 annually directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. This money is meant for purchasing uniforms, shoes, socks, school bags, and stationery.

2. Maharashtra: Notification Expected Soon

For parents in Maharashtra, the wait is almost over. The School Education Department is expected to release the official notification for RTE 25% admissions later this month (January 2026).

• Portal: The applications will be accepted via student.maharashtra.gov.in.
• Self-Verification: Reports suggest that the state may introduce stricter document checks this year to prevent fake income certificates.
• School Selection: Parents will be able to select schools within a 1 km and 3 km radius of their residence.

3. Rajasthan: Schedule Likely in March

The Directorate of Elementary Education, Rajasthan, usually follows a cycle starting in March.

• Timeline: The official notification is expected in March 2026.
• Portal: Applications will be hosted on rajpsp.nic.in.
• Selection: Rajasthan follows a unique system where the lottery is conducted in two stages. The first stage covers the initial seat allotment, and the second stage fills the remaining vacant seats in July.

4. Delhi: EWS/DG Admissions

While the general nursery admissions in Delhi are already underway, the separate centralized process for EWS/DG category seats (conducted by the Directorate of Education) usually begins in January or February. Parents should keep an eye on the edudel.nic.in website for the official circular.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026-27

To apply for the 25% free quota, the child and parents must meet specific eligibility conditions. These rules are strictly enforced, and even a small mistake can lead to rejection.

1. Age Limit (Crucial Update)

Following the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, most states have standardized the age criteria.

• For Pre-Primary (Nursery/KG): The child should be between 3 to 5 years old.
• For Class 1: The child must be 6 years old as of the cutoff date.
  • Note: The cutoff date varies by state. In Uttar Pradesh, the age is usually calculated as of April 1, 2026. In Maharashtra, it is often calculated as of December 31 or September 30. Please check your state’s specific notification.

2. Income Limit (For EWS Category)

This category is for families with low annual income.

• Uttar Pradesh: Annual family income must be less than ₹1 Lakh.
• Maharashtra: Annual family income must be less than ₹1 Lakh.
• Rajasthan: Annual family income must be less than ₹2.5 Lakh.
• Karnataka: Annual family income must be less than ₹3.5 Lakh (subject to change).

3. Disadvantaged Groups (DG Category)

This category is not based on income. If a child falls into any of the following groups, they are eligible regardless of how much the parents earn:

• Scheduled Caste (SC)
• Scheduled Tribe (ST)
• Other Backward Class (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer)
• Orphans
• Children with Special Needs (CwSN) / Divyang
• Children of War Widows
• Children affected by HIV/Cancer (in some states like Rajasthan)

4. Neighborhood Criteria

RTE is a “neighborhood” schooling scheme. You cannot apply to a school across the city.

• 0 to 1 KM: First preference is given to schools within 1 km of your home.
• 1 to 3 KM: If seats remain vacant, applicants living within 3 km are considered.
• Proof: Your address proof is the most critical document to prove your eligibility for specific schools.

Documents Required for Online Application

Before the online portals open, parents must have all documents scanned and ready. Missing documents is the number one reason for rejection.

1. Proof of Date of Birth:

• Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat.
• In some states, an Aadhaar card or hospital discharge slip is also accepted if the birth certificate is unavailable (though Birth Certificate is preferred).

2. Proof of Residence (Address Proof):

• Voter ID Card (EPIC) of parents.
• Ration Card.
• Aadhaar Card of parents.
• Electricity Bill / Water Bill / Telephone Bill.
• Driving License.
• Rent Agreement: Registered rent agreements are accepted in some states, but not all. Check your state rules carefully.

3. Identity Proof:

• Aadhaar Card of the Child (Mandatory in most states now).
• Aadhaar Card of Father and Mother.

4. Category Certificate (If applying under DG):

• Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) issued by the Tehsildar or competent authority.
• Disability Certificate (for CwSN children) issued by a government hospital (Chief Medical Officer).

5. Income Certificate (If applying under EWS):

• A valid Income Certificate issued by the Revenue Department (Tehsildar).
• Important: The certificate must be current. Old or expired certificates will be rejected.

6. Passport Size Photographs:

• Recent color photos of the child.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Since the process is online, you can fill out the form from a Cyber Cafe, Common Service Center (CSC), or your own smartphone.

Step 1: Registration Visit your state’s official RTE portal. Look for the “Student Registration” or “New Application” link. Enter the child’s basic details like Name, Date of Birth, Gender, and Mobile Number. Once registered, you will get a Registration ID and Password.

Step 2: Fill the Application Form Log in with your new ID. Fill in the detailed form.

• Parent Details: Names, Aadhar numbers, and income details.
• Address Details: Select your District, Block (Urban/Rural), Gram Panchayat, or Ward Number. Be very careful here—your school options depend on this selection.

Step 3: Upload Documents Scan your original documents. Ensure the images are clear and readable. Upload them in the specified format (usually JPG or PDF) and size (usually under 100KB).

Step 4: Select Schools The system will show you a list of private schools in your neighborhood based on the address you entered. You can usually select up to 10 schools.

• Tip: Select the maximum number of schools to increase your chances of winning a seat.

Step 5: Final Submission Review all details carefully. Once submitted, you cannot change the form. Click “Submit” and take a printout of the final application form. Keep this printout safe; you will need it for admission.

The Lottery and Selection Process

RTE admissions are not based on “first come, first served.” They are based on a computerized Lottery System.

1. Verification: First, government officials check your uploaded documents online. If everything is correct, your form is “Verified.”
2. Lottery Draw: On a pre-announced date, the state education department conducts a centralized online lottery.
3. Result: You will receive an SMS if your child is selected. You can also check the result on the portal using your Registration ID.
4. Admission: If selected, you must download the “Allotment Letter” from the portal and visit the school with your original documents to confirm the seat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong Date of Birth: Ensure the DOB on the form matches the Birth Certificate exactly.
• Address Mismatch: The address on your Aadhar/Ration card must match the Ward/Village you select in the form.
• Expired Documents: Do not use an old Income Certificate. Get a fresh one issued for 2026.
• Applying to Faraway Schools: Do not waste choices on schools that are 10 km away. You will likely not be allotted a seat there.

Conclusion

The RTE 25% quota is a golden opportunity for families to provide their children with high-quality education in top private schools without the burden of heavy fees. With the new guidelines in Uttar Pradesh and upcoming notifications in Maharashtra and Rajasthan, the 2026-27 admission cycle is set to be more transparent and accessible than ever. Parents are urged to act now—prepare your documents, check your eligibility, and apply as soon as the portal opens in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)