The Office of the Director of Primary Education in Gujarat has officially launched the approval process for establishing new private primary and upper primary schools, as well as for adding progressive classes, for the upcoming 2026–27 academic session. This initiative opens doors for eligible entities to expand educational infrastructure in the state.
Key Dates and Application Procedure
The entire application process will be conducted digitally. Online applications can be submitted exclusively from December 8 to December 18. Interested trusts, societies, and companies must fill out the online form with accurate details and upload clear, legible supporting documents.
However, a physical copy is also mandatory. After the online submission, applicants must send a hard copy of the application, complete with all enclosures and a checklist, to the relevant District Primary Education Officer (DPEO) or District Education Officer (DEO). This step must be completed between December 8 and December 20.
Stringent Compliance and Verification Mandate
The directorate has emphasized transparency by uploading detailed checklists and site verification report formats on its official portal. Institutions must provide concrete proof, such as:
- Documented ownership of the school building and playground.
- Or, a lease agreement for the premises valid for a minimum of 15 years.
Each application will be scrutinized based on the submitted checklist, the findings from a physical site inspection, and the assessment report from the appointed inspection officer. In promising cases, the DEO or DPEO is required to conduct a personal on-site verification.
Timely Decisions and Right to Appeal
A final decision—whether approval or rejection—must be issued online by the authorities no later than December 29. The office has instructed officials to provide explicit and specific reasons for any rejection, especially if it relates to non-compliance with the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Vague or unclear remarks are strictly discouraged.
Institutions facing rejection at the district level have the right to challenge the decision. They can file an online appeal within 30 days of the rejection. The department has committed to hearing and resolving all such appeals by March 2026.
Eligibility and Regulatory Framework
Only organizations legally registered under specific acts are eligible to apply. These include:
- The Bombay Public Trust Act.
- The Societies Registration Act.
- Section 8 of the Companies Act.
Applicants must demonstrate full adherence to a comprehensive set of regulations, including the Primary Education Rules of 1949, the RTE Act, 2009, and the RTE Rules of 2012. Compliance will be assessed across critical parameters like infrastructure, qualified staffing, student safety standards, library resources, and sports facilities.
This structured window aims to streamline the establishment of new schools while ensuring they meet the rigorous quality and legal standards mandated for primary education in Gujarat.
