RTE Karnataka 2026-27 online application form date has now been revised, and parents must follow the latest schedule released by the Department of School Education, Karnataka. Under the RTE 25% quota, eligible children can still get free admission in LKG (pre-primary) and Class 1 in private unaided schools, but applications must be submitted strictly within the new online window. The entire process from school seat display, trial practice, online application, verification, lottery, to school admission will be conducted through the official RTE portal to ensure transparency and fairness.
RTE Karnataka Admission 2026-27 offers free education to eligible children in LKG and Class 1 under the 25% quota in private unaided schools across the state. The Department of School Education, Karnataka conducts the entire process online through its official portal, ensuring transparency and convenience for parents.
With the revised application dates from April 21 to May 17, 2026, families from economically weaker sections and reserved categories can apply without any fee, provided they meet the age, income, and residence criteria. This guide explains the latest important dates, eligibility, required documents, and the complete step-by-step online application and lottery-based selection process.
Download Official RTE Karnataka 2026-27 online application: Click Here
RTE Karnataka Admission 2026-27: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | RTE Karnataka Admission 2026-27 (25% Quota) |
| Application Period | April 21 to May 17, 2026 |
| Trial / Mock Period | April 18 to 19, 2026 |
| Eligible Classes | LKG (Pre-primary) and Class 1 |
| Quota | 25% seats in private unaided schools |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Fee | Free (No fee) |
| Selection Process | Computerized online lottery |
| Official Website | schooleducation.karnataka.gov.in |
Latest Revised RTE Karnataka 2026-27 Schedule (as of April 9, 2026)
| Activity | Revised Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Final list of neighborhood schools and available seats (25% quota) published on official websites/notice boards | April 17, 2026 |
| Trial period for parents to practice submitting online applications | April 18 – 19, 2026 |
| Online application window for parents to apply for RTE seats | April 21 – May 17, 2026 |
| Verification of application data and scrutiny of special categories or invalid applications | April 22 – May 18, 2026 |
| Final list of eligible candidates for the lottery process announced | May 22, 2026 |
| First round of seat allotment via online lottery | May 25, 2026 |
| First round school admissions and data uploading | May 26 – June 8, 2026 |
| Second round of seat allotment via online lottery | June 12, 2026 |
| Second round school admissions and data uploading | June 13 – 19, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for RTE Karnataka 2026-27
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age for LKG (Pre-primary) | Child must have completed 3 years 5 months as on June 1, 2026 |
| Age for Class 1 | Child must have completed 5 years as on June 1, 2026 |
| Category | Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), SC, ST, OBC, Disabled children, Orphans |
| Income Limit (EWS) | As per Karnataka government norms |
| Residence | Child must be resident of Karnataka |
Documents Required for RTE Karnataka Application
- Child’s birth certificate (issued by competent authority)
- Aadhaar card of child and parent/guardian
- Income certificate (for EWS category)
- Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
- Address proof / residence certificate
- Passport-size photograph of the child
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Any other document as specified in the application form
Parents should keep all documents scanned and ready before the trial period and final application window to avoid last-minute issues.
How to Apply Online for RTE Karnataka 2026-27?
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Visit the official website: schooleducation.karnataka.gov.in and open the RTE Admissions section.
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During the trial period (April 18–19, 2026), parents can practice filling and submitting a mock application to understand the process.
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From April 21, 2026, click on the “New Registration” or RTE Admission 2026-27 link to start the real application.
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Enter the child’s name, date of birth, parent’s mobile number, and other details.
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Verify the mobile number using the OTP sent to the registered mobile.
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Create a password and note down the unique Application ID for future login.
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Log in with Application ID and password and fill the online application form carefully.
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Select the desired class (LKG or Class 1) and choose eligible neighborhood schools (as per the list published on April 17, 2026).
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Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the prescribed format.
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Review all the entered details and submit the application on or before May 17, 2026.
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Download and print the submitted application form for future reference and verification stages.
The direct Apply Online link will be available on the official RTE admissions page during the revised application window.
Selection Process (with Revised Schedule)
Seats are allotted through a fair computerized lottery system conducted by the Department of School Education, Karnataka. The process now follows the updated timeline:
- Final eligible list for lottery: May 22, 2026
- First round lottery (seat allotment): May 25, 2026
- First round school admissions and data upload: May 26 – June 8, 2026
- Second round lottery (for remaining seats): June 12, 2026
- Second round school admissions and data upload: June 13 – 19, 2026
Selected candidates must complete admission formalities in the allotted school within the specified enrollment periods of each round. No fees are charged for admission under the RTE 25% quota.
