Uttar Pradesh Revises School Admission Rules: The Uttar Pradesh government has revised the school admission process under the Right to Education Act. Now, Aadhaar cards will no longer be mandatory for children’s school admissions under the RTE Act. The government says the aim of this decision is to relieve underprivileged and vulnerable groups from the complexities of documentation and to connect more children to mainstream education. Previously, Aadhaar cards of both the child and both parents were required.

Additional Chief Secretary of Basic and Secondary Education, Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma, stated that this change has been made to realise the concept of ‘ease of living’ and to ensure the right to education for genuinely needy families in line with the spirit of the RTE Act. The child’s Aadhaar card will no longer be required for the admission application, ensuring genuine beneficiaries are not excluded.

What are the new rules?
Under the revised rules, the mandatory requirement for Aadhaar cards for both the child and the parents has been removed for RTE-quota applications to private unaided schools. However, Aadhaar will still be required to disburse financial assistance. The reimbursement amount under the RTE Act will be transferred only to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

Admission Rules for Private Schools
The government has also clarified that admissions to private schools under Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act will be limited to 25 per cent of the total capacity of the entry-level class. Annual admission targets will be set for each district. According to the age limit, children aged 3 to 4 years will be eligible for Nursery, 4 to 5 years for LKG, and 6 to 7 years for Class 1.

Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit
Children aged 3 years or more but less than 4 years will be considered eligible for Nursery.
Children aged 4 years or more but less than 5 years will be eligible for Lower Kindergarten (LKG).
Children aged 6 to 7 years will be eligible for Class 1.