The RTE Admission Age Limit 2026-27 refers to the age eligibility criteria for children applying under the 25% reservation quota in private unaided schools, as mandated by the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
This quota provides free education to children from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups at the entry-level classes, typically Nursery (or Pre-KG), LKG (Jr KG), UKG (Sr KG), or Class 1, depending on the school's starting point.
The RTE Act primarily ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 years (elementary level). However, for the 25% quota at pre-primary or entry classes, states set specific minimum and maximum age limits, along with a cut-off date for calculating age.
These vary by state, as implementation is decentralized. Parents must refer to their state's official notification for the exact rules, as no uniform national age applies for pre-primary admissions.
Class-Wise RTE Age Criteria 2026-27
The following table provides indicative age bands commonly followed for RTE 25% quota entry-level admissions. These are general references based on recent state patterns (e.g., Uttar Pradesh has clearly defined ranges for 2026-27).
Actual criteria, including the precise cut-off date, are confirmed only in each state's official RTE notification or circular.
| Class | Minimum Age (Indicative) | Maximum Age (Indicative) | Age Cut-Off Date (To Be Confirmed by State Notification) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery / Pre-KG | 3 years | 4 years | Often “as on 31 March 2026” or “1 April 2026” (e.g., Uttar Pradesh uses 1 April 2026). The exact date will be mentioned in the state RTE 2026–27 guidelines. |
| LKG / Jr KG | 4 years | 5 years | Specified in the state circular (commonly linked to 31 March, 1 April, or 1 June). |
| UKG / Sr KG | 5 years | 6 years | Same reference date as other pre-primary classes as per state rules. |
| Class 1 | 6 years | 7 years | Many states require 6 years completed by the cut-off (e.g., 1 April 2026 in UP); the final cut-off will be confirmed in the 2026–27 notification. |
Note: Some states extend upper limits slightly (e.g., up to 8 years in certain cases) or adjust for pre-primary. Age is strictly calculated based on the child's date of birth as per official proof (birth certificate) on the notified cut-off date.
Age Cut-Off Date for RTE Admission 2026-27
Age eligibility is determined by the child's age on a specific cut-off date announced in the state's RTE notification. Common examples include:
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"Completed X years as on 1 April 2026" (used in Uttar Pradesh for 2026-27).
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"As on 31 March 2026" or similar dates in other states.
There is no single national cut-off; it varies. For instance, Uttar Pradesh specified age as of 1 April 2026 for its 2026-27 admissions.
Parents should check their state education department's portal or notification for the confirmed date, as it directly affects eligibility.
State-Wise Variation in RTE Age Limit
States have flexibility to set entry-level age rules within the RTE framework:
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Uttar Pradesh: Clear ranges for 2026-27, Nursery: 3–4 years, LKG: 4–5 years, UKG: 5–6 years, Class 1: 6–7 years (as of 1 April 2026).
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Maharashtra: Applications ongoing for 2026-27; age typically aligns with 6+ for Class 1, with pre-primary around 4–5 years for LKG (check student.maharashtra.gov.in for latest GR/circular).
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Karnataka: Notification released; follows prescribed norms for LKG/Class 1 (often 3.5–5 years for pre-primary).
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Other states (e.g., Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu): Applications opening soon (e.g., Rajasthan in February 2026); indicative pre-primary starts from 3–3.5 years, with variations up to 5–7 years for entry classes.
Always verify on the official state RTE portal, as rules can include relaxations for differently-abled children or special cases.
RTE Admission Eligibility Criteria 2026-27 (Beyond Age)
In addition to meeting the RTE Admission Age Limit 2026-27, children must belong to EWS (e.g., family income below state-specified limit, often ₹1–2.5 lakh annually) or disadvantaged groups (SC/ST/OBC, orphans, children with disabilities, etc.).
The quota applies at the entry level and continues through elementary education, with state reimbursement to schools.
Required documents typically include:
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Age proof (birth certificate).
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Income certificate.
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Caste/category certificate (if applicable).
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Residence proof.
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Disability certificate (if relevant).
How to Check If Your Child Is Eligible (Step-by-Step)
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Verify the child's date of birth from official documents.
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Access the latest RTE 2026-27 notification on your state’s RTE/education portal for the cut-off date and age band.
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Calculate age on the cut-off date and match it to the target class.
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Confirm EWS/disadvantaged group status and gather documents.
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Apply online during the window via the state portal.
Important Dates for RTE Admission 2026-27
Dates vary by state and are announced separately (often January–March 2026). Examples:
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Uttar Pradesh: Multiple phases starting February 2026 (e.g., Phase 1: Feb 2026).
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Maharashtra: Applications open till late February 2026.
Check official portals for exact schedules, as notifications are released progressively.
