The Tamil Nadu government has officially opened admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for the academic year 2025-26, beginning October 6. The move follows the Centre’s release of RTE reimbursement funds to the state, as directed by the Madras High Court and later upheld by the Supreme Court of India.

The formal notification is expected later today, setting the stage for the online application process to commence tentatively from October 9. Parents and guardians seeking admission for their children in private schools under the 25% RTE quota will need to upload documents including Aadhaar, birth certificate, address proof, income and community certificates, along with a mandatory Parent Declaration under GO No. 66.

Key dates and process

·        By October 7: Schools must declare the number of entry-level seats already filled.

·        By October 8: Schools will earmark 25% of seats for the RTE quota and upload details on the state portal.

·        October 10 & 13: Schools to publish lists of eligible and ineligible applicants, with reasons for rejection. Parents can provide missing documents during this window.

·        October 14: Final list of eligible children released.

·        October 15: If quota seats remain vacant, eligible students will be tagged in the EMIS portal.

·        October 16: In case of excess applications, schools will hold a random, transparent lottery.

·        October 17: Selected students will be formally tagged in the EMIS portal.

Priority categories and safeguards

Admissions under the RTE quota will prioritize children from the most vulnerable backgrounds — including orphans, transgender children, HIV-affected or infected children, those with disabilities, and children of scavengers.

Private schools are barred from charging tuition or admission fees from RTE-admitted students. If any fees have been collected, they must be refunded within seven working days, with confirmation from both the school and parents.

The state’s compliance comes under close judicial scrutiny, ensuring transparency in allocation of seats and safeguarding the rights of children from disadvantaged communities.