Maharashtra RTE Admissions 2026: Lottery for 25% Quota Seats in Private Schools on April 6
Pune, 5th April 2026: The draw of lots for admissions under the 25 percent reservation in private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act will be conducted on April 6. The lottery will determine the list of selected students as well as a waiting list, after which the actual admission process in schools will begin.
The information was shared by Primary Education Director Sharad Gosavi through an official press release. Recently, the High Court struck down the condition imposed by the Education Department that required parents to select schools located within one kilometre of the student’s residence while applying for RTE admissions. Following the court’s decision, the Directorate of Primary Education allowed parents who had already submitted applications to fill the forms again. Parents who had not applied earlier were also given another opportunity to submit applications.
For the academic year 2026–27, a total of 1,14,826 seats are available under the RTE quota in 8,701 schools across Maharashtra. By the deadline of March 31, the department received 2,89,498 applications for these seats. Last year, 3,05,151 students had registered for RTE admissions, indicating a decline in the number of applications this year compared to the previous year.
According to Gosavi, the online lottery for RTE admissions will be conducted on Monday (April 6) at the Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training in the presence of the Education Commissioner. The draw will also be streamed live on YouTube. After the lottery, a school-wise list of eligible students will be published.
Officials stated that there is no human intervention in the RTE admission process. Parents have been advised not to fall prey to any inducements or promises regarding admissions. If any irregularities are noticed, complaints can be submitted with evidence to the district Primary Education Officer, municipal administration authorities, the Deputy Director of Education, the Directorate of Primary Education ([email protected]), or the Office of the Education Commissioner ([email protected]). Authorities have warned that criminal action will be taken if any malpractice is found in the admission process.
