In India, the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, makes education a legal right for children belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). This law allows eligible students to study in top private schools free of cost.
If your family belongs to a weaker economic section, you do not need to rely only on government schools. Under Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, private schools (except minority institutions) are required to reserve 25% of their seats for students from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG).
This guide explains the complete step-by-step process for applying under the RTE quota in India.
Eligibility Criteria for RTE Admission
Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements:
- Your family’s annual income must be below ₹8 lakh.
- Admission is available only in the school’s Entry Level classes, which include:
- Nursery
- LKG
- UKG
- Class 1
Documents Required for RTE Application
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Birth Certificate of the child
- Aadhaar Card of the child and parents
- Income Certificate
- Residence Proof
- Caste Certificate
State-Wise Official RTE Admission Portals
Below are the official government portals where parents can apply for RTE admissions.
North India
- Punjab: https://rte.epunjabschool.gov.in/
- Haryana: https://harprathmik.gov.in/
- Uttar Pradesh: https://rte25.upsdc.gov.in/
- Chandigarh (UT): https://www.chdeducation.gov.in/
Western & Central India
- Maharashtra: https://student.maharashtra.gov.in/studentportal/users/login
- Gujarat: https://rte.orpgujarat.com/
- Madhya Pradesh: https://rteportal.mp.gov.in/
- Chhattisgarh: https://rte.cg.nic.in/
Eastern & Northeastern India
- Bihar: https://gyandeep-rte.bihar.gov.in/
- Jharkhand: https://rtegiridih.in/
- Odisha: https://rteparadarshi.odisha.gov.in/odisha
- Assam: https://ssa.assam.gov.in/
Southern India
- Andhra Pradesh: https://cse.ap.gov.in/
- Kerala: https://education.kerala.gov.in/
Schools Under PPP (Public-Private Partnership) Model
Apart from private schools under RTE, several states also operate quality schools through PPP or special education schemes.
North India
- Punjab: Adarsh Schools
- Uttarakhand: Atal Utkrist Schools
- Uttar Pradesh: Atal Residential Schools
- Delhi: Schools of Specialized Excellence (SoSE)
- Haryana: CHEERAG Scheme
West & Central India
- Gujarat: Gyanshakti Residential Schools
- Maharashtra: Vidyaniketan Schools & PPP Balwadis
- Madhya Pradesh: CM RISE Schools
- Rajasthan: Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools
East & Northeast India
- Bihar: Simultala & Ambedkar Schools
- Jharkhand: CM School of Excellence
- Odisha: Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVs)
- Assam: Aarohan Scheme
South India
- Karnataka: Adarsha Vidyalayas
- Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Social Welfare Residential Schools (TWS/APWREIS)
- Tamil Nadu: Model Schools
Final Thoughts
The RTE Act, 2009 ensures that children from economically weaker backgrounds receive equal access to quality education. By reserving 25% seats in private schools, the government aims to provide better learning opportunities without financial burden.
Parents who meet the eligibility criteria should apply through their respective state portals and ensure all required documents are ready before submission.