Patna: Bihar government will provide free admissions to children from economically disadvantaged families in private schools from the 2026–27 academic year, as part of a renewed push to implement the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The process will be conducted online through the newly designated Gyandeep Portal, the state’s education department has confirmed.
Director of Primary Education, Vikram Virkar, has directed district education officials to begin the process from January 2, enabling families to register children for entry-level classes. Registration will close on 31 January, followed by document verification from January 3 to February 2 and school allotment on February 6. Admissions will run from February 7 to 21.
Under the RTE Act (2009), private schools recognised by the state are required to reserve 25% of seats in Class 1 for children from weaker and disadvantaged groups. The Bihar government will reimburse participating schools to cover the full cost of tuition, ensuring that eligible students are not charged.
Officials said the initiative is intended to improve equity in education by expanding access to private schooling for families who would otherwise be unable to afford it. The department has also released funding of Rs 2.40 crore for the state’s appellate authority to support the programme and associated administrative needs.
How the process works
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Registration: January 2–31 via Gyandeep Portal
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Verification: January 3– February 2
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School allotment: February 6
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Admissions: February 7-21
The education department said further guidance will be issued for parents unfamiliar with online procedures, and urged schools to cooperate fully with the enrolment mandate.
