Pune: RTE Admissions 2026–27 Begin Today in Maharashtra; Over 1.12 Lakh Seats Available
Pune, 18th February 2026: The online registration process for admissions under the 25 per cent reserved quota in private schools under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) begins today, February 17. Parents can submit applications online until March 10.
Primary Education Director Sharad Gosavi issued a circular stating that the admission process will be conducted in accordance with the recently revised RTE guidelines. For the 2026–27 academic year, a total of 1,12,706 seats are available in 8,650 self-financed and unaided schools across Maharashtra. Admissions will be granted at the pre-primary or Class 1 level.
Parents must apply through the official state admission portal. While filling out the form, they can select up to 10 schools in order of preference. Priority must be given to schools located within one kilometre of the child’s residence. The distance between home and school will be calculated using Google Maps, and accurate location details are mandatory.
Eligibility criteria
Students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Special Backward Classes (SBC), HIV-affected families, children with disabilities, orphans, and children from economically weaker sections with an annual family income below ₹1 lakh are eligible to apply.
After the application process closes, a single online lottery will be conducted to prepare the lists of selected and waitlisted students. If seats remain vacant after the first round, candidates from the waiting list will be offered admission. Parents will receive updates at each stage through SMS.
Strict action for false information
Following seat allotment, documents will be verified by a committee headed by the Group Education Officer or an administrative officer. The panel will include school principals, parent representatives and NGO members. Schools will not conduct separate verification at their level.
Students who have already secured admission under RTE earlier cannot apply again. If multiple applications are submitted, none will be considered for the lottery. Admissions will be cancelled at any stage if false or incorrect information is detected, and legal action will be taken.
No applications will be accepted after the deadline. If a selected candidate fails to confirm admission within the stipulated period, the seat will be offered to a waitlisted student.
Required documents
Parent’s Aadhaar card
Child’s birth certificate
Proof of residence
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Income certificate (2023–24 or 2024–25)
Disability or medical certificate (if applicable)
Registered rent agreement (if residing in a rented house)
