The Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department has released the admission schedule for the 2026–27 academic year under the Right to Education (RTE) Act-2009. This provision reserves 25% of seats in private schools for eligible children. Applications for these admissions will open on February 2 . The entire application process will be conducted online through a dedicated portal.
The RTE Act aims to provide equal and quality educational opportunities for children from deprived and economically weaker sections. Eligible children for Class 1 or pre-primary levels will be selected via a transparent lottery system. Admitted students will not pay any school fees; the government will reimburse the private schools directly.
Application Schedule
The admission process is divided into three distinct phases:
| Phase | Application Period |
|---|---|
| First Phase | February 2 to February 16 |
| Second Phase | February 21 to March 7 |
| Third Phase | March 12 to March 25 |
Required Documents
Applicants must submit several mandatory documents online. These include the Aadhaar card of the applicant’s mother or father, a birth certificate for the child, an income certificate, a residence certificate, and a caste certificate. A ration card and any pension or disability-related certificate, if applicable, are also required for the application process.
Age Criteria
Children must meet specific age requirements for admission. Age will be calculated as of April 1, 2026 . The eligibility criteria are:
| Class Level | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Nursery | 3 to 4 years |
| LKG (Lower Kindergarten) | 4 to 5 years |
| UKG (Upper Kindergarten) | 5 to 6 years |
| Class 1 | 6 to 7 years |
Application and Verification Process
Parents must apply online, uploading all required documents to the RTE portal. Following application submission, District Basic Education Officers (DBEOs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs) will verify the submitted applications. Eligible children will then be selected through the lottery system. The education department will continuously monitor this process to ensure adherence to timelines and transparency.
Official Statements
Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh highlighted the importance of the RTE provision. Singh stated, "The 25% reservation in private schools provides children from deprived and economically weaker sections with equal educational opportunities. This strengthens social justice and inclusion in education."
Director General, School Education, Monika Rani, emphasized the process’s transparency. Rani said, "The schedule for all stages has been released to make the RTE admission process transparent and simple. Online application, verification, and the lottery system ensure eligible children gain admission within the stipulated time."
District Basic Education Officers and Block Education Officers across all districts have received instructions to ensure that the admission of selected children is completed within the prescribed time limits. Schools are also required to upload the admission status of enrolled students on the online portal.