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

This law came into effect in 2009, establishing free education as a fundamental right for every child in the country.

The Act provides free and compulsory education to all children from the ages of 6 to 14 in a nearby government or aided school.

Key Features:

• Free Education: No tuition, books, uniforms, or exams charged until Class 8.
• Compulsory by government: The government has to provide schools and ensure that every child goes to school.
• Private schools: Have to reserve 25% of seats for poor and disadvantaged children in Class 1 (or preschool).
• No fail: Children will not be held back or expelled until Class 8.
• Quality standards: Schools must meet basic standards in areas like teacher-student ratio, infrastructure, and trained teachers.
• No donation or screening: No admission fees and no testing/interviewing of children.

This law is a big step for ensuring equal educational opportunities for all children in India.

FAQs – RTE Act, 2009

1. What is the RTE Act?

It is a law through which children (6–14 years) are given the right to free and compulsory education in India.

2. Who is covered under this Act?

Any child between the ages of 6 and 14 years in India.

3. What does free education mean under RTE?

No school fees, no charges for uniforms or books, and no charges until Class 8 in government or approved schools.

4. What does compulsory education mean?

The government will ensure that every child reaches school and completes elementary education.

5. Is private schooling free?

Private schools shall 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 compensates the schools for those students.

7. Can a child be kicked out of school if he is not in possession of a birth certificate?

No. Under RTE a child cannot be denied admission merely for the missing documents.

8. Are interviews/conducting the tests permissible by schools for the admission process?

No. Screening processes, interviews, and only admission donations are disallowed.

9. Which classes fall under the RTE Act?

Classes 1 to 8 (i.e., ages 6 to 14).

10. Does the RTE reform cover preschool or nursery education?

Not directly, but several states are starting with the gradual inclusion of this.

11. Can a child be expelled or failed under RTE?

No children can be expelled or failed until they complete Class 8.

12. Are the schools checked for quality?

Yes. Schools must adhere to norms regarding infrastructure, teacher qualifications, etc.

13. What is the teacher-student ratio under RTE?

Ideally, it is one teacher for every 30 students (in primary schools).

14. What action can be taken if a school does not follow RTE rules?

The school may lose recognition, and penalties can follow.

15. Can parents file a complaint against the RTE?

Yes. The complainant can file with local authorities or the State Education Department.

16. Do RTE rules apply to private schools?

Yes, in particular, with regard to the 25% reserved and non-discrimination rules.

17. Does RTE allow home schooling?

The law entirely speaks about school education; it hasn't been fully debated legally regarding home schooling.

18. Do the provisions of the RTE Act apply to madrasas or religious schools?

That only applies if they are receiving government aid and may not otherwise apply.

19. Can a child join school late under the RTE?

Yes. A child can have missed school and join at the right level with special training.

20. What happens after the age of 14?

The Act only covers until the age of 14; any education gained after that depends on the state policies and other schemes.