For the academic year 2025–26, about 7,717 schools across Tamil Nadu have registered under the Right to Education (RTE) quota. A total of 81,927 students have applied for LKG and 89 students for Class I under the 25% reservation mandated by the RTE Act, said Principal Secretary, School Education Department, B. Chandra Mohan.
The final phase of the admission process is scheduled as follows: On October 30, eligible children will be admitted in schools not requiring a draw of lots, and on October 31, admissions will be made in schools where the number of applications exceeds available seats, through a transparent and random lot process conducted in the presence of the head of the institution and parents.
After completion of this process, all selected children will be officially tagged under the RTE quota in the EMIS portal, ensuring their inclusion in the academic roll for the year 2025–26.
The government announced the commencement of RTE admissions following the release of Tamil Nadu’s due share of reimbursement funds by the Centre in compliance with the directions of the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court of India.
Mr. Chandra Mohan said parents and schools are reminded that no tuition or admission fees may be collected from RTE-eligible children and any amount already collected must be refunded within seven working days. District Monitoring Committees and the State Helpline remain available for assistance and grievance redressal.
Published – October 25, 2025 08:28 am IST
