The Andhra Pradesh government has announced that applications are now open for filling vacant seats reserved for free education in private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. This initiative aims to provide quality education to children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups without any financial burden on their families. Parents can apply for these seats online within the stipulated timeline to secure admission for their children in recognised private schools across the state.
I am writing about this because many parents are still unaware that such a facility exists and often miss out on the opportunity due to lack of information. The RTE Act is a significant step towards ensuring equal access to quality education, and Andhra Pradesh’s move to fill the remaining seats shows a commitment to making the system effective. This information is crucial, especially for families who aspire to send their children to reputed private schools but cannot afford the fees. By spreading awareness, we can ensure that deserving children benefit from this provision and that no seat goes unfilled simply because the information did not reach the right people in time.
Who Can Apply for Free Education in Private Schools
Under the RTE Act, 25% of seats in entry-level classes of private schools are reserved for children from:
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Socially Disadvantaged Groups (SC, ST, OBC, minority communities)
- Children with disabilities
Parents must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, including income limits and residence requirements, before applying.
How to Apply
The application process is entirely online through the official RTE admission portal of Andhra Pradesh: http://cse.ap.gov.in. Parents will need:
- Birth certificate of the child
- Proof of residence (ration card, Aadhaar, voter ID)
- Income certificate issued by competent authority
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
Applicants should carefully fill in details, select preferred schools, and upload scanned documents. After verification, the school allocation will be done through a lottery system.
Why This Matters
Vacant RTE seats mean missed opportunities for children who could have accessed quality education for free. The government’s decision to invite applications again ensures that these seats do not go to waste. It also sends a strong message that education is a right, not a privilege, and every effort will be made to extend it to all eligible children.
Important Dates to Remember
Parents should keep track of the application deadlines, as late submissions will not be considered. The government will publish school allotment lists after the verification process.
Start Date: 12 August 2025
Last Date: 20 August 2025
