Pune: RTE 25% Quota Admissions in Maharashtra Delayed; Parents Await Government Nod

Pune/Mumbai, 30th December 2025: Uncertainty continues to surround admissions under the 25 per cent quota of the Right to Education (RTE) Act in Maharashtra, as the process has not yet been launched despite the Primary Education Directorate submitting its proposal to the state government. The absence of official approval has raised concerns among parents of children from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections across the state.

The RTE admission process, overseen by the Primary Education Directorate, is designed to provide free and compulsory education to underprivileged children. Every year, more than one lakh seats at the pre-primary and Class I levels are made available under the quota across over 8,000 schools affiliated with the CBSE, ICSE, and state education boards. Admissions are conducted online, with the education department reimbursing schools for fees, making the scheme a critical pathway for access to quality education.

Last year, the RTE admission process began early, in December, resulting in the highest number of admissions recorded so far. Over 88,000 students secured seats, while around 21,000 seats remained vacant. The department conducted five admission rounds, which significantly helped improve enrolment. Given that CBSE and ICSE schools begin their academic sessions earlier than state board schools, parents and institutions were expecting a similar timeline this year.

However, the delay has left families in limbo. “A proposal to initiate the RTE admission process has already been submitted to the government. Admissions will be conducted once directions are received from the state,” said Sharad Gosavi, Director of Primary Education.

Officials indicated that the delay could also be linked to pending policy revisions. Following amendments to the RTE Act by the central government, the state has introduced changes over time. To streamline implementation of the 25 per cent quota and improve transparency, the education department constituted a committee chaired by the Education Commissioner in January to consolidate existing rules and recommend the issuance of a fresh, comprehensive notification.

Although the committee has submitted its report to the government, no final decision has been announced, further delaying clarity on the current admission cycle.

With academic calendars already progressing and thousands of seats dependent on timely admissions, parents are urging the state government to expedite the process and announce the RTE admission schedule at the earliest to avoid disruption to children’s education.