What is the Right to Education (RTE) Act?
The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years in India. Under this act, private unaided schools must reserve 25% of their seats for children from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups. This law aims to provide equal opportunities for quality education, regardless of financial or social background.

Who Can Benefit Under RTE?
- Children’s Age: Between 6 and 14 years.
- Family Income: Annual income should fall within ₹1 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh, depending on state guidelines.
- Categories:
o Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
o Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC).
o Children with disabilities, orphans, and those from other disadvantaged groups.
How Does RTE Work in Private Schools?
- Reserved Seats: 25% of the total seats in private unaided schools are reserved for RTE admissions.
- Lottery System: If applications exceed available seats, a lottery system is used to select students fairly.
- Free Education: Covers tuition fees, uniforms, books, and other necessary materials up to Class VIII.
What Are the Distance Criteria for Schools?
- Primary Schools: Must be within 1 km of the child’s home.
- Upper Primary Schools: Must be within 2 km of the child’s home.
- For inaccessible areas, such as Kolkata or regions with natural barriers, these limits may vary.
What Happens If Parents Cannot Read or Write?
Parents who are not literate can still apply easily:
- Visit a government education office, where staff can help you fill out the form.
- Some NGOs provide assistance with the application process.
When Should Parents Apply for RTE Seats?
The admission process typically runs from December to March in a phased manner:
- December–January: Schools collect application forms.
- February: Applications are processed, and documents are verified.
- March: Names of selected children are published through lotteries or direct allocation.
- April: Final admissions are completed before the academic year begins.
Parents should keep an eye on announcements from local authorities or visit their state’s RTE portal.
How Does RTE Help Children?
- Provides free education up to Class VIII.
- Ensures no discrimination based on caste, religion, or economic status.
- Offers access to qualified teachers and better school facilities.
- Saves families money on education expenses.
What Happens If Schools Refuse Admission Under RTE?
If a school denies admission under RTE:
- File a complaint with the District Education Officer (DEO).
- Visit the local government education office for help.
- The DEO will arrange admission for the child in a suitable nearby school.
Are Uniforms, Books, and Other Materials Free Under RTE?
Yes, schools must provide:
- Free uniforms and textbooks.
- Necessary learning materials.
- In some states, transportation costs are also covered for children traveling long distances.
Myths About RTE Admissions
- “It’s a complicated process”: The process is simple and designed to assist parents.
- “Parents’ interviews are required”: Schools cannot interview parents or children under RTE.
- “Parents need to be educated”: No education qualifications are required for parents.
- “It takes too much time”: With proper guidance, the process is straightforward.
- “It’s not for us”: Every eligible family has the right to apply, regardless of their background.
RTE is a powerful step toward securing a brighter future for your child. Take advantage of this opportunity!
Be the Reason a Child Gets Educated – Share This Today!
Every child deserves a quality education, but many people we interact with daily—like our drivers, delivery partners, and house helps—may not know about the RTE Act. Share this blog with them and explain how their children can get free schooling. With zero school fees, they can save extra money to build an Emergency Fund, securing their family’s future.
Encourage them to watch episodes of Salahkar Didi, where 3 out of 100 episodes focus on RTE. A small effort from you can make a big difference. Let’s help their children dream big!