RTE admissions: Directorate of Primary Education introduces age limits for reserved seats

The Directorate of Primary Education has recently fixed specific age limits for different academic levels to reduce confusion among parents regarding admission criteria for the Right to Education (RTE) Act’s 25% reserved seats in private schools. This move aims to ensure fairness and accessibility to education for all children in the upcoming academic year 2024-25.

Moreover, it will eliminate the disadvantages for children born between July and November.

For pre-primary admissions, children must meet the age requirements of being a minimum of three years old and a maximum of four years and five months by December 31, 2024 which will ensure a balanced entry point for children into nursery and kindergarten.

Regarding primary admissions, children should be between five years and five months to seven years and five months old by the end of December 31, 2024, to be eligible for enrollment in the first standard which will highlight the importance of establishing a proper framework to prevent disparities and ensure equitable opportunities for all learners.

Sharad Gosavi, Director of Primary Education, emphasized that the age criteria for the RTE 25% admission for the academic year 2024-24 will be a minimum six years for the first level and a maximum seven years five months.

By providing clear directives on age criteria, the Directorate of Primary Education aims to streamline the admission process and foster inclusivity in education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access quality learning environments regardless of their background or circumstances.