What Is the Right to Education Act? Free Admission, No Donations & More

The RTE Act, 2009, makes education a fundamental right for every child in India.

It ensures that all children aged 6 to 14 years get free and compulsory education in a nearby government or government-aided school.

Key Features:

• Free education: No tuition fees, books, uniforms, or exams till Class 8.
• Compulsory for the government: The government must provide schools and ensure every child goes to school.
• Private schools: Must reserve 25% of seats for poor and disadvantaged children in Class 1 (or preschool).
• No failing: Children can’t be held back or expelled until Class 8.
• Quality rules: Schools must meet basic standards—like teacher-student ratio, infrastructure, and trained teachers.
• No donation or screening: Schools can’t charge admission fees or test/interview children.

This law is a major step to ensure equal education opportunities for all children in India.

FAQs – RTE Act, 2009

1. What is the RTE Act?
   It is a law that gives children (6–14 years) the right to free and compulsory education in India.
2. Who is covered under this Act?
   All children between 6 and 14 years of age in India.
3. What does "free education" mean under RTE?
   No school fees, uniforms, books, or charges until Class 8 in government or aided schools.
4. What does "compulsory education" mean?
   The government must ensure every child goes to school and completes elementary education.
5. Is private school education also free?
   Private schools must reserve 25% of seats in Class 1 for economically weaker and disadvantaged groups.
6. Who pays for the 25% reserved seats in private schools?
   The government reimburses the schools for those students.
7. Can a child be denied admission if they don’t have a birth certificate?
   No. Lack of documents cannot be used to deny admission under RTE.
8. Can schools conduct interviews or tests for admission?
   No. Screening, interviews, and donations are not allowed.
9. What classes are covered under the RTE Act?
   From Class 1 to Class 8 (or ages 6 to 14).
10. Is preschool or nursery education included in RTE?
    Not directly, but many states are starting to include it gradually.
11. Can a child be expelled or failed under RTE?
    No child can be expelled or failed until they complete Class 8.
12. Are schools checked for quality?
    Yes. Schools must follow rules on infrastructure, teacher qualifications, etc.
13. What is the teacher-student ratio under RTE?
    Ideally, 1 teacher for every 30 students (in primary schools).
14. What action is taken if a school does not follow RTE rules?
    The school may lose recognition and face penalties.
15. Can parents file a complaint under RTE?
    Yes. Parents can complain to local authorities or the State Education Department.
16. Do private schools have to follow RTE rules?
    Yes, especially for the 25% reserved seats and non-discrimination rules.
17. Is homeschooling allowed under RTE?
    The law focuses on school-based education; homeschooling is still debated legally.
18. Is the RTE Act applicable to madrasas or religious schools?
    Only if they receive government aid; otherwise, it may not apply.
19. Can a child join school late under RTE?
    Yes. A child who has missed school can join at the appropriate level and receive special training.
20. What happens after age 14?
    The Act covers only up to 14 years. Education after that depends on state policies and other schemes.