- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:20 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tamil Nadu School Admission 2025: The Tamil Nadu government has announced that the admission process for the academic year 2025-26 under the Right to Education (RTE) Act has begun today, October 6, 2025. This move comes soon after the central government released significant funds, removing uncertainty associated with the delay in the process.
The online admission portal will be active for a special window until October 17, 2025, allowing parents to apply for the 25% seats reserved in private unaided schools for children from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections.
RTE Fund Deadlock Broken:
The deadlock between the state and the central government was broken after legal intervention. The Madras High Court issued directions, which were later joined by proceedings in the Supreme Court, directing the central government to consider separating the RTE component from the broader Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and disburse the funds.
A central government release stated, "In compliance with the directions of the Hon'ble Madras High Court, the issue was examined with the approval of the Union Education Minister and it was decided to release funds for RTE entitlements."
This was confirmed by School Education Secretary B. Chandra Mohan, "The Government of India has now released the funds, enabling RTE admissions for 2025-26 to commence across Tamil Nadu."
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Key Details for Entry-Level School Admissions 2025-26:
The admission window for entry-level classes is strictly online, running for almost two weeks. Over 6,000 private schools are participating, with priority given to several vulnerable categories.
| Admission Component | Details |
| Admission Dates | October 6 to October 17, 2025 |
| Mode of Application | Entirely Online through a dedicated portal. |
| Participating Schools | Over 6,000 private schools will upload their seat availability. |
| Priority Categories | Orphans, HIV-affected children, Transgender children, Children of scavengers (sanitation workers), and Differently-abled children. |
Admissions are resuming after a financial impasse between the state and central governments was resolved. The central government had previously withheld Rs 2,151 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), a component of which covers RTE reimbursements. This was linked to the state's refusal to adopt the three-language policy in PM SRI schools.
Due to a lack of funds to reimburse private schools, the Tamil Nadu government had postponed RTE admissions for the academic year 2025-26.
What RTE Rules Entail?
The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, provides for free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years. Under this Act, private, unaided schools must reserve at least 25% of their entry-level seats for children from disadvantaged groups and economically weaker sections.
The government reimburses private schools for these students an amount equal to the per-child expenditure in government schools or the school's tuition fees, whichever is lower. This amount is shared between the central and state governments in a 60:40 ratio. The Act also mandates that any fees collected from RTE-eligible students be refunded by the school within seven days.