UP Government Sets Timeline for RTE 25% Quota Admissions in Private Schools
The Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department has officially announced the admission schedule for the 2026-27 academic session. This schedule applies specifically to the 25 percent reservation quota in private schools as mandated by the Right to Education Act of 2009.
Online Process and Lottery System for Fair Selection
According to the department's guidelines, the entire admission process will operate through an online portal. This digital approach aims to streamline applications and reduce paperwork. For transparency and equal opportunity, eligible children seeking entry into Class 1 or pre-primary levels will be selected via a computerized lottery system.
Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh emphasized the initiative's importance. He stated that this 25 percent reservation in entry-level classes of private schools provides children from deprived and economically weaker sections with access to equal and quality educational opportunities. Singh further highlighted that the initiative reflects the government's strong commitment to strengthening social justice and inclusion within the education sector.
Key Dates and Mandatory Instructions for Officials
The department has released a clear three-phase schedule for the admission process:
- The first phase will run from February 2 to February 16, 2026.
- The second phase is scheduled from February 21 to March 7, 2026.
- The third and final phase will occur from March 12 to March 25, 2026.
District Basic Education Officers and Block Education Officers across all districts have received strict instructions. They must ensure that the admission of selected children is completed within these prescribed time limits. Schools will also be required to upload the admission status of students directly onto the portal for monitoring purposes.
Eligibility Criteria and Required Documentation
Children within specific age brackets will be eligible to apply. Age will be calculated as of April 1, 2026. The eligible age groups are:
- 3 to 4 years for nursery admission.
- 4 to 5 years for Lower Kindergarten (LKG).
- 5 to 6 years for Upper Kindergarten (UKG).
- 6 to 7 years for Class 1 admission.
Parents must submit applications entirely online through the designated RTE portal. A set of mandatory documents must be uploaded during the application process. This list includes the Aadhaar card of the applicant's mother or father, the child's birth certificate, an income certificate, a residence certificate, a caste certificate, a ration card, and any relevant pension or disability-related certificates.
Financial Provisions and Oversight
In a significant relief for families, no fees will be charged for children enrolled in private schools under this quota. The state government will directly provide the prescribed amount per student to the respective schools.
Director General of School Education, Monika Rani, explained the rationale behind the released schedule. She said the move is designed to make the RTE admission process transparent and simple for all stakeholders. Through the online application system, subsequent verification, and the final lottery draw, the department aims to ensure that every eligible child secures admission within the stipulated timeframe. Rani confirmed that the education department will continuously monitor the entire process to guarantee its smooth execution.
