The Right to Education (RTE) 25% admission in Maharashtra is an annual process that allows children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups to secure free education in private schools. The state runs this scheme under the RTE Act 2009, reserving 25% of seats in entry-level classes.
For the academic year 2025–26, applications are managed entirely through the official RTE 25% Admission Portal: student.maharashtra.gov.in. This guide covers eligibility, documents, age rules, application steps, allotment, common mistakes, and FAQs to help parents apply without confusion.
What is the RTE 25% Admission in Maharashtra?
The RTE Act (20mandates that private unaided schools set aside 25% of their seats for children from underprivileged backgrounds. In Maharashtra, this process is centralized through an online lottery system.
Each year, the School Education and Sports Department (SESD), Maharashtra, opens the online application window, conducts lottery allotments, and publishes results on the same portal.
Official Portal & Key Resources
All applications must be made through the RTE 25% Admission Portal:
👉 student.maharashtra.gov.in/adm_portal
The portal hosts:
- Online application form
- Age rule PDF (with DOB cut-offs)
- User manual (step-by-step instructions)
- School search tool (to check eligible schools by location)
- Allotment results and notices
Eligibility Criteria
- Income Limit (EWS category):
Families with an annual income up to ₹1,00,000 are eligible. Some districts may have category-specific relaxations. - Application Limit:
Only one application is permitted per child. Multiple submissions can lead to cancellation. - No Re-admission:
If a child has already secured admission under the RTE quota at 25%, they cannot apply again. - Age Criteria:
Every year, SESD publishes an Age Rule PDF. For example, for Grade I in 2025–26, eligible children were those born on or before 31 December 319. Parents must carefully check the current year’s cut-offs before applying.
Required Documents
Keep scanned copies and originals ready (format and size are specified in the user manual).
- Birth certificate of the child
- Address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, ration card, etc.)
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate / disability certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar card of child/parent (if required)
- Passport-size photographs
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the portal – student.maharashtra.gov.in → RTE 25% Admission.
- New Registration – Create an account, enter child and parent details.
- Select Schools – Parents can usually choose up to 10 schools within their area. The portal may verify distance using maps.
- Upload Documents – Only upload documents as instructed; some must be presented physically during verification.
- Submit Application – Save and print your acknowledgment slip with the Application ID.
Selection & Allotment Process
- After applications close, the portal runs a computerized lottery system.
- Results are announced online, with multiple rounds if seats remain vacant.
- Parents must download the allotment letter and confirm admission at the allotted school within the given timeframe.
- Schools verify the documents before final admission is granted.
RTE Maharashtra 2025–26 Timeline (Example)
- Applications opened: January 1425
- Last date to apply: January 2725
- Allotment rounds & extensions: February–March 2025, with additional deadlines for document verification
(Note: These dates change every year; parents should follow the official portal for current updates.)
Common Mistakes & Tips
- Incorrect details: If wrong information is entered (e.g., DOB), parents should delete the application and reapply.
- Multiple applications: Submitting more than one form for the same child can lead to rejection.
- Late submission: Apply early to avoid last-minute portal errors or server overload.
- Prior RTE admission: Children already admitted under the RTE can reapply.
Help & Support
For doubts, visit the Help / Important Links section on the official portal. District-level officers (Block Education Officer or Education Officer) handle grievance redressal and verification queries.
FAQs on RTE Maharashtra Admission
Q1. Where can I apply for RTE 25% admission in Maharashtra?
You can only apply online through the official RTE portal: student.maharashtra.gov.in.
Q2. What is the income limit for eligibility?
For 2025–26, the income cap for EWS applicants was ₹1,00,000 per year.
Q3. How are children selected?
Through a lottery system run centrally on the RTE portal.
Q4. What documents are needed?
Birth certificate, address proof, income certificate, caste/disability certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar, and passport photographs.
Q5. My child’s DOB is entered incorrectly. What should I do?
If possible, delete the application and reapply. Otherwise, contact your district RTE help desk.
