How RTE 25% free seats in private schools work, state by state
Under Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Education Act, private unaided schools keep 25% of their entry-class seats for children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, free of fees. Admission is through the state's process, usually an online form and a lottery. Shishya's free guide at shishya.in/schools/rte-25-percent explains it for all 36 states and union territories and links the official portal where it has verified one.
For: Parents who want a free seat for their child in a private school.
Steps
- Open the RTE guideGo to the RTE 25% guide.
- Find your stateEach state or union territory has its own section: who can apply and how.
- Check eligibilityRead who counts as weaker section or disadvantaged in your state, and the documents it asks for.
- Use the official portalApply on the state's portal where the guide links it; otherwise contact your state education department, as the guide says.
- Check the class-entry ageUse the age calculator so you apply for the right class.
Tips
- Application windows are short and set by each state every year; watch the state portal.
- Find nearby schools in the school directory before the lottery opens.
When Shishya is not the right tool
Shishya does not take RTE applications or run the lottery. It explains the rules and links the official portal.
Questions
Is the guide free?
Yes, and it needs no sign-in.
Does Shishya apply for me?
No. Applications go through your state's official process.
Free. Every study feature on Shishya is free, with no card needed.
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Last updated 31 October 2026 · by Venu Gopal Reddy Muvva, founder · how Shishya checks its content