Karnataka RTE admissions 2026-27 to begin soon; applications open till May 7

The Karnataka Department of School Education is set to begin the admission process under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for the 2026–27 academic year from April 9, 2026, with the application window remaining open till May 7, 2026, as per the revised schedule released by the department.

Under this, 25 percent of seats in entry-level classes (LKG/Class 1) in private unaided schools are reserved for children belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups, ensuring free and compulsory education.

Important dates

The admissions will be conducted entirely online through the state’s official portal. The process will include:

• Application window: April 9 to May 7, 2026

• Verification of applications: April 10 to May 8

• Final list of eligible candidates: May 2

• First round lottery: May 16

• First round admissions: May 18 to June 1

• Second round lottery: June 5

• Second round admissions: June 6 to June 15

Seat allotment will be done through a computerised lottery system, a mechanism aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness.

Who is eligible?

Children from the following categories can apply:

• Economically weaker sections (income criteria applies)

• Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and OBC groups

• Children with disabilities

• Orphans and other disadvantaged groups

For age eligibility, children applying for LKG should be around 3.5 years and above, while those seeking admission to Class 1 should be approximately 5 years and above.

Parents will need documents such as birth certificate, Aadhaar, income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and proof of residence while applying.

Sharp decline in enrolments

The admission cycle comes at a time when the implementation of the RTE quota has come under increased scrutiny nationwide. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court directed states to strictly enforce the 25 per cent quota, asking them to ensure transparency in seat availability, streamline application processes, and address grievances effectively.

In Karnataka, enrolment under RTE has seen a sharp decline over the years, dropping from over one lakh admissions annually before 2019 to just a few thousand in recent academic sessions, with many seats reportedly going vacant.

With the application window opening on April 9, eligible parents in Karnataka have nearly a month to apply. Authorities are also urging families to make full use of the scheme.