Uttar Pradesh Eases RTE School Admission Process for 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has revised the school admission process under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for 2026, eliminating the need for Aadhaar cards for children and parents. This change aims to assist underprivileged families and ensure more children can access education. The new guidelines also set age criteria for nursery and primary classes, and establish a fair admission process through an online lottery system. These reforms are expected to increase applications under the RTE quota, promoting greater educational opportunities for children in the state.

By Ambika Singh Jan 12, 2026, 09:00 IST

Simplified Admission Process Under RTE

UP RTE School Admission 2026: The government of Uttar Pradesh has made a significant change to streamline the school admission process as per the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The requirement for Aadhaar cards for both children and their parents has been eliminated for admissions to private unaided schools under the RTE quota. This initiative is designed to assist underprivileged families and ensure that more children can access mainstream education.

Officials from the Education Department have noted that many eligible children faced challenges in securing admission due to the complexities associated with Aadhaar documentation. The updated approach aligns with the fundamental principles of the RTE Act, facilitating easier access for deserving candidates.

Changes in Documentation Requirements

The updated regulations have removed the necessity for Aadhaar cards for the child and both parents when applying under the RTE quota. However, it is important to note that Aadhaar will still be required for financial aid and reimbursements. Payments to private schools under the RTE will only be processed through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, necessitating Aadhaar details from at least one parent.

Admission Capacity and Age Guidelines

The government has clarified that, in accordance with Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act, private schools must reserve up to 25% of their total seats for the entry-level class. Additionally, annual admission targets will be established for each district to enhance management.

Specific age criteria have also been outlined: children aged 3 to 4 years are eligible for nursery, those aged 4 to 5 years for LKG, and children aged 6 to 7 years for Class 1. This will create a standardized system across all private institutions.

Admission Procedure

Verification of documents will occur at the Block Education Officer (BEO) and Basic Education Officer (BSA) levels. School assignments will be conducted through an online lottery system in two phases, with the final selection list receiving approval from the District Magistrate to ensure transparency and fairness. The education department anticipates that these reforms will encourage more parents to apply under the RTE quota, thereby removing unnecessary barriers and expanding access to quality education for children.