Tamil Nadu’s Right to Education (RTE) admissions for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year will commence on October 6, 2025 . The application window is scheduled to run for twelve days, concluding on October 17, 2025 . This vital online admission process follows the Union government’s release of INR 450 crores, specifically allocated for reimbursing tuition fees. These fees cover students enrolled in private schools under the provisions of the RTE Act.
The timely release of these funds resolves a critical financial barrier. It directly impacts thousands of children seeking education through the RTE quota. School Education Secretary B Chandra Mohan confirmed the state’s readiness to proceed. “The government of India has now released the funds, thereby enabling the commencement of RTE admission for 2025-26 across Tamil Nadu,” Mohan stated, highlighting the importance of this development.
Union Funds and Court Mandates
The Union government disbursed the INR 450 crores in direct compliance with judicial directives. These directives originated from the Madras High Court and were subsequently upheld during Supreme Court proceedings. The Madras High Court had specifically instructed the Union government to consider delinking the Right to Education (RTE) component from the broader Samagra Shiksha Scheme and disburse the necessary funds.
This action is significant given past financial disputes. Previously, a larger sum of INR 2151 crores was withheld under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme. This withholding stemmed from the Tamil Nadu government’s refusal to implement the three-language policy in specific institutions, including OM Shri schools. The current release of INR 450 crores ensures that financial support for RTE entitlements, crucial for educational access, is now separate from other policy disagreements.
A formal notification from the Union government confirmed the decision to release the funds. It stated, “The issue was examined with the approval of the Union education minister, and it was decided to implement the directions of Madras HC to release funds for RTE entitlements component of Samagra Shiksha.” This ensures that reimbursement for RTE admissions, including those for the 2024-25 academic year in private schools, can also be processed.
Application Process and Eligibility
All applications for RTE admissions will be processed exclusively through a dedicated online portal. This digital approach streamlines the application process for families. The system prioritizes several vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, ensuring equitable access to education.
Priority consideration will be given to specific categories of children. These include orphans, children affected by HIV, transgender children, children of scavengers, and differently-abled children. This emphasis on vulnerable populations underscores the social equity goals of the RTE Act.
Approximately 6,000 private schools across Tamil Nadu are expected to participate in the upcoming admissions cycle. These schools will be responsible for uploading the precise number of seats available in their entry-level classes. Crucially, 25% of these total entry-level seats will be mandatorily designated for students applying under the RTE quota . This reservation provides a legal framework for ensuring access for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.
Parents and guardians planning to apply are advised to prepare all required documentation in advance. Official announcements regarding the specific online portal link, detailed eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step application guide are anticipated soon. Strict adherence to the application window, from October 6 to October 17, 2025 , is essential for all prospective applicants.