The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act) requires private unaided schools to reserve at least 25% of seats in their entry class (Class 1 or pre-primary) for children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups. The state pays the school for these seats. This is Section 12(1)(c) of the Act.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh runs RTE admissions online through the school education department's portal, cse.ap.gov.in. Eligible families apply online, and seats are allotted by a random lottery, with no tests or interviews for the child or parents. Dates are announced each year by official notification, so watch the portal and local news from early in the calendar year.
Telangana
In Telangana, the 25% quota in private schools has been the subject of a case in the High Court. The state government told the court in 2025 that it would implement the provision, but news reports as of April 2026 said it had not yet been rolled out. Check the Telangana school education department's announcements for the current position.
Who is eligible
Eligibility is defined by each state and usually covers children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, often with income limits and documents such as income and caste certificates. Read the official notification for the exact rules.
Tips
- Apply only through the official government portal. Be careful of agents who promise seats for money.
- Keep income, caste (if applicable), residence and birth documents ready before the window opens.
This guide is general information for parents. Rules, dates and fees change, so always confirm with the school or the official source mentioned.