Tamil Nadu will conduct Right to Education (RTE) admissions for the 2025-26 academic year from October 6 to October 17 through an online portal. The state government had delayed these admissions due to lack of reimbursement funds after the Union government withheld ₹2,151 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. This withholding happened because Tamil Nadu refused to follow the three-language policy in PM Shri schools. However, following directions from the Madras High Court and subsequent Supreme Court proceedings, the Centre released the necessary funds. School education secretary B Chandra Mohan confirmed that fund release enabled the commencement of RTE admissions across the state. Over 6,000 private schools will participate, uploading their available seats in entry-level classes. Priority will be given to orphans, HIV-affected children, transgender children, children of scavengers, and differently-abled children for the 25% RTE seats.
Fund Release and Admission Process Details
The Union government approved ₹604 crore for the previous academic session under RTE, with a central share of ₹362 crore (60%). For the current session, ₹585 crore was approved, including ₹351 crore as central share. The Centre will pay ₹175 crore for 2025-26 in two instalments. Sources confirm that Tamil Nadu received ₹362.8 crore for 2024-25 and ₹87.8 crore for 2025-26. The Project Approval Board's decision followed examination with Union education minister approval, implementing Madras High Court directions to release funds for RTE entitlements under Samagra Shiksha. The court also directed the government to consider delinking the RTE component from the broader scheme.
Source: Link