Patna: The process for admission under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for the academic session 2026–27 will begin from January 2, 2026. Under this scheme, children from poor, disadvantaged and weaker sections of society will be able to get free education in approved private schools. The Director of Primary Education has issued clear instructions to district education officers to ensure that the admission process is completed smoothly and on time. Parents can apply online till January 31, 2026.
As per the provisions of the Right to Education Act, 2009, private schools approved under RTE must reserve 25% of their Class 1 seats for children from disadvantaged and weaker groups. The entire admission process will be conducted through the Gyandeep portal. Applications received online will be verified between January 3 and February 2, 2026. After verification, schools will be allotted online on February 6, 2026. Children selected in the allotment process must complete their admission between February 7 and February 21, 2026, which is also the final deadline for enrolment.
The eligibility criteria have been clearly defined. Children from Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes and minority communities whose family income is up to Rs 1 lakh per year will be treated as weaker section applicants. Under the disadvantaged category, children from any caste or community with a family income of less than Rs 2 lakh per year can apply. The child must be above six years of age as on April 1, 2026. Children born between April 2, 2018, and April 1, 2020, will be considered eligible for admission to Class 1.
For applying under RTE, parents or guardians will need to upload important documents such as the child’s birth certificate, age declaration, caste certificate, residence certificate, Aadhaar card and voter ID. Aadhaar cards of the child or parent are not compulsory at the time of application but must be submitted within three months of admission. A mobile number of the parent or guardian and a coloured passport-size photograph of the child are mandatory. If a residence certificate is not available at the time of application, it can be submitted within three months after admission.
Private schools have also been given responsibilities under this process. They must upload their Class 1 seat capacity and other required details on the Gyandeep portal between December 22 and December 31, 2025. While filling the application form, parents must select schools carefully, as school allotment will depend on the distance from the child’s home. Children living within one kilometre of a school will get first priority, followed by those living within one to three kilometres, and then those within three to six kilometres.
The RTE admission process continues to play an important role in providing equal educational opportunities to children from economically weaker backgrounds. By offering free education in private schools, the scheme aims to reduce inequality and help children build a stronger foundation for their future through quality education.
