Tamil Nadu to Begin RTE Admissions After Centre Releases Funds

The Union government has released ₹538.39 crore under the Right to Education (RTE) Entitlements component of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), following a Supreme Court notice. This includes the Centre’s share of ₹362 crore for 2024-25 and ₹175.59 crore as the first instalment for 2025-26, with the remaining amount to be released later.

Following the release, the Tamil Nadu School Education Department announced that RTE admissions for the 2025-26 academic year will begin on October 9, with schools reopening on October 6 after quarterly holidays.

Under the RTE Act, private schools must reserve 25% of seats in entry-level classes (LKG and Class 1) for children from marginalised communities. Due to delayed central funds, the State had been unable to start the admission process earlier. Admissions will now be conducted online through the department’s RTE portal, with a 10-day window to regularise eligible children already enrolled under the RTE quota. Schools are also directed to refund any fees collected within seven working days.

A District-level Monitoring Committee, led by the Chief Educational Officer, will oversee the process. Schools must upload seat details by October 7, and the final list of eligible applicants will be displayed by October 14. Parents can access details at rteadmission@tnschools.gov.in or via the helpline 14417.

School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi highlighted that the release of funds came after the High Court and Supreme Court rulings, ensuring Tamil Nadu received its due. The move has been welcomed by the Tamil Nadu Nursery, Matriculation and CBSE Schools Association, noting that it will complete reimbursements for RTE admissions for the past two years, despite mid-academic year challenges for parents.