RTE Applications Surge in Gujarat After Income Limit Raised to ₹6 Lakh
Following the Gujarat government’s decision to increase the RTE income eligibility limit from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh, over 2.37 lakh applications have been received for Class 1 admissions in private schools across the state.
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Ahmedabad, April 16, 2025 – Gujarat has witnessed a sharp increase in applications under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for Class 1 admissions in private schools, following the state government’s decision to raise the income eligibility limit from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh.
According to the latest data released by the education department, 2,37,317 applications were received this year—an increase of nearly 45,000 over last year’s total.
Revised Income Criteria Spurs Record Response
The surge in applications comes after the state extended the RTE application deadline from March 12 to April 9, giving families additional time to apply under the updated eligibility norms. The move is seen as part of the Gujarat government’s broader effort to make private education more accessible to economically weaker and lower-middle-income families.
A senior education official stated:
“The increase in income limit to ₹6 lakh has widened access for many lower-middle-class families who previously did not qualify under the RTE norms.”
Key Statistics and Timelines
- Total RTE Applications (2025): 2,37,317
- Available RTE Seats: 93,527 across private schools
- Application Deadline: Extended till April 9
- Document Correction Window: Till April 23
- First Seat Allotment: Scheduled for April 28
Under the RTE Act, 25% of seats in private unaided schools are reserved for students from economically and socially disadvantaged sections. In Gujarat, this translates to over 93,000 seats available in the 2025 cycle.
Verification and Allotment Process Underway
The verification of the applications is currently underway. Students and parents whose documents were found incomplete or invalid have been given time until April 23 to upload the necessary corrections. Following that, the first round of seat allotments will take place on April 28.
Education officials clarified that the RTE portal will notify applicants about allotment results and further steps through SMS and official login credentials.
Comparison With Previous Years
In the 2024 RTE cycle, approximately 2.35 lakh applications were submitted for 45,000 seats. This year’s figures not only show a higher number of applications but also a doubling of available seats, a move hailed by education rights activists and NGOs.
Who Is Eligible Under RTE in Gujarat (2025)?
The eligibility under the new RTE framework in Gujarat now includes:
- Families with annual income up to ₹6 lakh
- Children aged 5–6 years as of June 1, 2025
- Residents of Gujarat with valid domicile and income certificates
- Priority to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and disabled categories as per RTE norms
How to Track Application and Allotment
Applicants can check their status through the official Gujarat RTE portal:
📍 Website: https://rte.orpgujarat.com
Applicants are advised to:
- Log in with their application ID and password
- Regularly check SMS and email updates
- Ensure all documents are uploaded in required formats
Response from Parents and Civil Society
Parents have welcomed the increased income cap, stating that it offers much-needed relief to families on the margin of eligibility. Education-focused NGOs have also praised the move, urging similar policies in other states.
“This change empowers many working-class parents who struggle with private school fees,” said Rekha Patel, a parent and resident of Ahmedabad. “Earlier, our income was just over the threshold. Now, we qualify.”
Challenges Remain in Implementation
Despite the success in boosting participation, some activists have raised concerns about:
- Low awareness in rural belts
- Delays in reimbursements to private schools
- Seat refusal by certain institutions, despite the legal mandate
The education department has stated it will crack down on non-compliant private schools and ensure strict enforcement of the RTE Act.
An Inclusive Step Forward
With the expansion of income eligibility under the RTE framework, Gujarat has taken a significant step towards inclusive education. The record number of applications this year reflects growing trust in the system and the state’s attempt to bridge the access gap between public and private schooling.
As the first round of admissions approaches, the focus now shifts to smooth execution, transparency, and equitable seat distribution under the Right to Education.
Stay tuned with Hindustan Herald for updates on RTE allotments, policy changes, and education reforms across India.
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