Many parents in India dream of sending their children to good private schools. But due to high fees, it becomes difficult for poor families. To solve this problem, the Government of India has started special schemes that allow free education in private schools for poor and disadvantaged children. One of the biggest and most helpful schemes is under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
In this blog, we will explain what this free education scheme in private school is, who can apply, how it works, and give real-life examples and calculations to make it easy to understand.
Also Check: CSIS Scheme for Education Loan – Full Guide
🏛️ What is the RTE 25% Reservation Scheme?
The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, makes it mandatory for private unaided schools to reserve 25% seats for children from:
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Socially Disadvantaged Groups (SC, ST, OBC, Orphans, etc.)
These students get completely free education from Class 1 to Class 8, and the government pays the fees to the school on their behalf.
📋 Who Can Apply?
You can apply for free admission under this scheme if:
| Criteria | Details |
| Age of child | 6 to 14 years |
| Annual Family Income | Less than ₹1 lakh to ₹6 lakh (varies by state) |
| Belongs to | EWS / SC / ST / OBC / Orphan / Disabled |
| School Type | Private unaided schools (not government schools) |
| Distance from home | Within 1 to 3 km from the school |
🧮 Example with Calculation
Suppose a private school has 100 seats in Class 1.
- As per RTE Rule:
25% of 100 = 25 seats must be given free of cost to eligible children.
If the school charges ₹2,000 per month = ₹24,000 per year per student.
- Total fee for 25 students = 25 × ₹24,000 = ₹6,00,000
✅ This ₹6 lakh will be reimbursed by the government to the school.
But sometimes, the government pays based on its own per-student cost, which may be lower.
For example, if the government fixes ₹16,000 per student:
- Reimbursement = 25 × ₹16,000 = ₹4,00,000
In such cases, schools get only ₹4 lakh and bear the rest.
🏙️ Real-Life State Examples
1. Gujarat
- 95,000+ students got free admission in 2025–26.
- Govt offers ₹3,000 directly to parents via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) for books, uniforms, etc.
- Income limit raised to ₹6 lakh/year to include more families.
2. Madhya Pradesh
- In 2025–26, 88% seats filled in first round.
- RTE portal used for online lottery and transparent admission.
3. Jharkhand (Bokaro)
- First round done completely online.
- 588 out of 875 eligible applications got admission under RTE quota.
4. Odisha (Anwesha Scheme)
- SC/ST students study in top private English-medium schools with free hostel and study expenses.
- Started in 2015, but Class 1 admissions delayed in 2025 due to lack of notice.
📝 How to Apply For Free Education Scheme in Private School?
🖥️ Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit the Official RTE Website
Go to your state’s official RTE portal. Example:- Gujarat: rte.orpgujarat.com
- Create an Account / Registration
Register your child using basic details such as:- Name
- Date of Birth
- Aadhaar Number
- Parent’s details
- Upload Required Documents
Scan and upload the necessary documents:- Birth Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Address Proof (like Ration Card, Electricity Bill)
- Choose Nearby Schools
Select 5–10 private schools within a 1–3 km radius from your home as preferences. Some portals allow a school map with distance shown. - Submit the Form
Review all details carefully and submit the application. Make sure you download or note your application number. - Lottery Result
After the last date, a computerized lottery is held. You can check the result using your application ID on the RTE portal. - Admission Process
If selected, visit the school with original documents within the given time. Complete the admission process to secure your child’s seat.
📢 Important Notes
- The application process is free of cost.
- Apply early to increase the chance of getting a seat in preferred schools.
- Keep checking your email/SMS or portal for updates.
📄 Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card of child and parents
- Birth Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Address Proof (Electricity Bill, Ration Card, etc.)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photo
🔍 Common Challenges
| Problem | Explanation |
| Low Reimbursement | Govt pays less than actual private school fees |
| Fake Applications | Some families submit fake documents |
| Seat Availability | Some top schools have very few RTE seats |
| Neighborhood Restrictions | Only schools nearby (1–3 km) are allowed |
🙌 Benefits of the Scheme
✔️ Access to quality education for poor children
✔️ Financial relief for families
✔️ Inclusive learning with rich and poor children together
✔️ Builds social harmony and equal opportunity
🗣️ Real-Life Story (Example)
Rani, a maid in Delhi, earns ₹7,000 per month. Her daughter Sita got admission in a CBSE-affiliated private school near her home under the RTE scheme. The school fee was ₹2,500/month, which Rani could never afford. Now Sita goes to the same school as children of doctors and engineers — free of cost.
✅ Tips for Parents
- Always apply early—first round seats fill fast.
- Make sure documents are valid and up to date.
- Keep checking the state RTE website for updates.
- Don’t fall for middlemen or brokers—application is free.
🧾 States with RTE Online Portals
| State | Official RTE Portal |
| Maharashtra | rte25admission.maharashtra.gov.in |
| Gujarat | rte.orpgujarat.com |
| Madhya Pradesh | rteportal.mp.gov.in |
| Rajasthan | rajpsp.nic.in |
| Tamil Nadu | rte.tnschools.gov.in |
| Uttar Pradesh | rte25.upsdc.gov.in |
📝 Conclusion
The Free Education Scheme in Private Schools is a big step towards education for all. It gives children from poor families a chance to study in good schools without worrying about money. The RTE 25% quota helps thousands of students every year. Parents should be aware, apply on time, and use this golden opportunity to give their child a better future.