'Respect RTE Rules. No Tests, No Interviews': Karnataka Schools Warned Against Illegal Admission Practices
Karnataka private schools can begin 2025-26 admissions in April, but without any test or interview. Schools must comply with state and RTE guidelines, including 50% seat reservation for girls.
Private schools across Karnataka have been granted the green light to begin admissions for the 2025-26 academic year — but with a firm reminder: testing children or interviewing parents as part of the process is strictly off-limits.
In a recently issued circular, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has made it clear that while private aided and unaided institutions can initiate admissions in April, they must not conduct any form of screening. Any violation of this directive, the department warns, could trigger serious consequences under Section 13(2)(b) of the Right to Education Act, 2009, reported news website The Hindu.
KV Thrilok Chandra, Commissioner of Public Instruction, has cautioned schools affiliated with all boards — including CBSE and ICSE — to comply not only with their respective Board regulations but also with state-level guidelines. Failure to adhere could result in revocation of their recognition or the No Objection Certificate (NOC) that allows them to operate.
"Schools must follow both board-specific admission rules and State-mandated guidelines," the circular stressed.
Parent Concerns And Rights Violations
Despite clear regulations, some schools continue to flout the rules, parents have alleged. According to parents The Hindu spoke to, children are denied admission if they fail to perform well in the tests.
Need For Transparency
To foster a more equitable admission process, the circular insists that schools maintain complete transparency. This includes prominently displaying admission schedules, available seats, class-wise distribution, and detailed fee structures on notice boards. Schools must also share this information through the Student Achievement Tracking System (SATS), their official websites, and prospectuses.
Empowering Girls Through Education
One of the most notable mandates in the new circular is the requirement for all co-educational schools to reserve 50% of seats for girls. This rule applies uniformly across all Boards. In cases where the quota isn't met, only then can the remaining seats be allotted to boys — a move aimed at strengthening gender parity in education.
No Capitation Fees
The government has also reiterated its ban on capitation fees, a practice that continues to plague unaided schools despite being outlawed under the RTE Act. "Schools must clearly publish their fixed fee structures for public viewing," the department stated, urging institutions to ensure this information is readily accessible across all official platforms.
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