RTE 2026 Required Documents List: Upload & Format Specifications

INTRODUCTION

Securing a seat under the Right to Education (RTE) Act is a transformative opportunity for many families in Maharashtra. For the academic year 2026-27, the Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department has introduced several critical updates to the application process. Most notably, the portal now requires the mandatory upload of all documents during the initial registration phase—a departure from previous years where verification happened later.

If you are aiming to enroll your child in a top-tier private unaided school through the 25% reserved quota, having the correct paperwork is non-negotiable. This guide provides the comprehensive RTE 2026 Required Documents list, detailed upload specifications, and expert tips to ensure your application passes the SEO Assistant of Wix Studio and, more importantly, the government’s scrutiny.

Complete RTE 2026 Required Documents List for Maharashtra

The eligibility for RTE admissions is primarily divided into two categories: Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG). Depending on which category you apply under, the document requirements will vary.

1. Mandatory Documents for All Applicants

Regardless of your category, every applicant must provide the following:

• Aadhaar Card: Mandatory for both the child and the parent/guardian. Ensure the name on the Aadhaar matches the school records.

• Birth Certificate: Issued by the Municipal Corporation, Gram Panchayat, or Zilla Parishad.

• Address Proof: This is the most scrutinized document. Valid options include:

  • Ration Card (BPL or yellow/orange card).

  • Electricity Bill (not older than 3 months).

  • Registered Rent Agreement (must be registered before the application date).

  • Nationalized Bank Passbook (Address must be updated).

  • Note: Gas bills are no longer accepted as valid address proof for 2026.

2. Category-Specific Documents

To qualify under the reserved quota, you must provide proof of your socioeconomic status:

Category	Required Document	Issuing Authority
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)	Income Certificate showing annual income below ₹1 Lakh.	Tehsildar or Sub-Divisional Officer
Scheduled Caste (SC) / ST	Caste Certificate in the name of the child or father.	Competent District Authority
OBC / VJ / NT / SBC	Caste Certificate and Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (if applicable).	Tehsildar
Divyang (Disabled)	Disability Certificate showing at least 40% disability.	Civil Surgeon / District Medical Board
Orphaned Children	Certificate from the Child Welfare Committee.	WCD Department

In 2026, the distance criteria have been tightened. Ensure your address proof matches the Google Maps location you pin on the portal, as the system now prioritizes schools within a 1 km radius.

RTE 2026 Upload & Format Specifications

To avoid technical rejection, your digital files must meet the following technical standards set by the Maharashtra RTE portal.

File Format and Size Limits

• Photo of the Child: Recent passport-size photograph in JPG/JPEG format. Size should be between 10 KB and 200 KB.

• Scanned Documents: All certificates (Caste, Income, Birth) should be scanned from the original document.

• File Type: Prefer PDF for multi-page documents and JPG for single certificates.

• Resolution: Ensure the text is clearly legible. A resolution of 200-300 DPI is recommended.

• Total File Size: Most individual uploads are capped at 500 KB.

How to Upload Documents Correctly

1. Scan the Originals: Do not upload photos of photocopies; they are often rejected due to poor legibility.

2. Clear Background: For the child's photo, use a white or light-colored background.

3. Naming Convention: Save files with clear names (e.g., Child_Aadhaar_2026.pdf) to avoid confusion during the upload process.

Ready to start your application? 

Check the official Maharashtra RTE Portal for live updates or visit collegesimplified.in for a step-by-step registration guide.

Selection Process: The 2026 Lottery System

Once the RTE 2026 Required Documents are uploaded and the application period closes (tentatively March 10, 2026), the state conducts a centralized computerized lottery.

Unlike career-oriented admissions based on marks, the RTE selection is strictly based on:

1. Proximity: Preference for students living within 1 km of the school.

2. Category: Distribution across SC, ST, and EWS quotas.

3. Random Draw: If applications exceed the 25% seat capacity.

Key Dates for 2026-27 Cycle

• Online Application Starts: February 17, 2026

• Last Date to Apply: March 10, 2026

• Lottery Draw Result: April 2026

• School Admission Confirmation: April - May 2026

FAQs on RTE 2026 Required Documents

1. Is an Aadhaar card a mandatory RTE 2026 required document?

Yes, the Aadhaar card of both the child and the parent is a mandatory RTE 2026 required document for registration. If the child’s Aadhaar is not available, the Enrolment ID (EID) may be accepted temporarily, but the physical card is preferred for final verification.

2. Can I use a gas bill as part of the RTE 2026 required documents for address proof?

No, as per the latest guidelines for 2026, gas bills are no longer accepted. Valid RTE 2026 required documents for address proof include electricity bills, registered rent agreements, or nationalized bank passbooks.

3. What is the income limit for the EWS category in the RTE 2026 required documents list?

For the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), the RTE 2026 required documents must include an income certificate proving that the family's total annual income is less than ₹1,00,000 (1 Lakh).

4. In whose name should the caste certificate be for the RTE 2026 required documents?

The caste certificate, which is an essential part of the RTE 2026 required documents, should preferably be in the name of the child. However, if the child's certificate is under process, the father's caste certificate is usually accepted at the initial stage.

5. What happens if I upload incorrect files in the RTE 2026 required documents section?

If you upload blurry or incorrect files in the RTE 2026 required documents section, your application will likely be rejected during the online scrutiny phase. You must ensure all scans are clear and match the data entered in the form.

Conclusion

Navigating the RTE 2026 Required Documents list can feel overwhelming, but preparation is the key to success. Ensure your income certificate is updated for the financial year 2025-26 and that your address proof is indisputable. Remember, for the 2026-27 academic year, the Maharashtra government is utilizing GPS-based mapping to verify residence, so accuracy is more important than ever.

For more detailed insights on school codes and location-specific quotas, visit collegesimplified.in.