RTE 2026 School List PDF: District-Wise Schools in Maharashtra

INTRODUCTION

Are you planning to secure a seat for your child under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for the academic year 2026-27? Navigating the admission process can be overwhelming, especially when trying to identify which private schools in your neighborhood are participating in the 25% quota scheme. The RTE 2026 School List PDF is the most critical document you need to begin this journey.

In Maharashtra, the School Education and Sports Department has implemented significant changes for the 2026 session. From a stricter 1-km radius rule to mandatory online document uploads, staying updated is no longer optional—it is a necessity. This guide provides the complete district-wise breakdown and the direct steps to access the latest school lists to ensure your child’s enrollment in a top-tier local institution.

What is the RTE 2026 School List PDF?

The RTE 2026 School List PDF is an official directory released by the Maharashtra government. It lists all private unaided schools that are legally mandated to reserve 25% of their entry-level seats (Pre-Primary or Class 1) for children from economically weaker sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups.

For 2026, the list is more dynamic than ever. Due to recent policy shifts, schools are now mapped based on their proximity to residential zones. If a government or aided school exists within 1 km of your home, certain private schools may be exempted from the list. Therefore, checking the current RTE 2026 School List PDF for your specific district is the first step toward a successful application.

Before applying, visit collegesimplified.in to understand the nuances of the 2026-27 Maharashtra admission schedule and ensure your documents are in order.

District-Wise RTE 2026 School List PDF Maharashtra

Maharashtra is divided into 36 districts, each with its own set of participating schools. Below is a summary of the regions where you can download the RTE 2026 School List PDF.

Key Districts & Seat Availability (2026 Estimates)

District	Estimated Participating Schools	Major Medium of Instruction
Mumbai City & Suburban	450+	English, Marathi, Urdu
Pune	900+	English, Marathi, CBSE
Thane	600+	English, Semi-English
Nagpur	550+	Marathi, Hindi, English
Nashik	400+	Marathi, English
Aurangabad (Sambhaji Nagar)	350+	Marathi, Urdu

How to Download the PDF for Your District

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the RTE Maharashtra 25% Admission Portal.

2. Navigate to 'List of Schools': On the homepage, look for the "School List" or "List of Schools" tab.

3. Select Your District: Choose your district (e.g., Pune, Mumbai, Kolhapur) from the dropdown menu.

4. Filter by Area: You can further narrow down the list by choosing your specific Taluka or Ward.

5. Export as PDF: Use the 'Print' or 'Export' option to save the RTE 2026 School List PDF to your device.

Critical Changes in the 2026 Admission Cycle

The 2026-27 academic year introduces two major "make-or-break" rules that parents must understand before scanning the school list:

• The 1-KM Radius Restriction: Previously, parents could choose schools within a 3-km radius. For 2026, the system strictly prioritizes schools within 1 km of your registered address. You can select up to 10 schools, but they must be within this immediate vicinity.

• Mandatory Online Document Upload: Unlike previous years where documents were submitted to the school after selection, the 2026 process requires you to upload scanned copies of your Aadhaar Card, Income Certificate, and Birth Certificate at the time of the online application.

Eligibility Criteria for RTE 2026 Maharashtra

To see your child's name in the selection list of the RTE 2026 School List PDF, you must meet the following requirements:

• Income Limit: The annual family income must be less than ₹1,00,000 for the EWS category.

• Age Limit: For Class 1 admission, the child must have completed 6 years of age as of December 31, 2026.

• Residency: The applicant must be a resident of Maharashtra with valid address proof.

• Disadvantaged Groups: Children from SC/ST categories, orphans, and children with disabilities (40%+) are eligible regardless of income limits (though documentation is required).

Required Documents for 2026

• Child's Aadhaar Card (Mandatory)

• Parent's Aadhaar Card

• Birth Certificate (Gram Panchayat/Muncipal Corporation)

• Income Certificate (Issued by Tehsildar)

• Address Proof (Ration Card, Electricity Bill, or Registered Rent Agreement)

Need help with the application? 

Read our detailed guide on How to fill the RTE 2026 Application Form to avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection.

Steps to Apply for Schools in the RTE 2026 List

Once you have identified your preferred schools from the RTE 2026 School List PDF, follow these steps to apply:

1. Registration: Create a new user ID on the Maharashtra student portal using a valid mobile number.

2. Address Mapping: Use the integrated Google Maps tool on the portal to pin your exact residential location. This is crucial for the 1-km radius rule.

3. School Selection: Select up to 10 schools from the list generated by the portal based on your location.

4. Upload Documents: Upload clear, scanned copies of all required certificates.

5. Submission: Review the form carefully and submit. Download the application PDF for your records.

FAQs: RTE 2026 School List PDF

Q1: Where can I find the official RTE 2026 School List PDF for my area?

A1: You can access the official RTE 2026 School List PDF by visiting the Maharashtra School Education Department’s portal at student.maharashtra.gov.in. Select your district and block to view the specific schools available for the 25% quota in your neighborhood.

Q2: Can I apply to a school that is not on the RTE 2026 School List PDF?

A2: No. Only schools listed in the official RTE 2026 School List PDF for the current academic year are eligible to accept students under the 25% free admission scheme. If a school is missing, it may be because they are a minority institution or there is a government school within 1 km.

Q3: Why is my preferred school not appearing in the RTE 2026 School List PDF?

A3: Under the revised 2026 rules, private unaided schools are sometimes exempted if a government-run or aided school is located within 1 km of your home. Additionally, minority-status schools are not required to participate in the RTE quota.

Q4: Is the RTE 2026 School List PDF the same for all boards?

A4: The RTE 2026 School List PDF includes schools from various boards, including SSC, CBSE, ICSE, and IB, provided they are private unaided institutions within Maharashtra and fall under the RTE act's requirements for that year.

Q5: How often is the RTE 2026 School List PDF updated?

A5: The RTE 2026 School List PDF is updated annually before the start of the admission cycle (typically in February). Ensure you are looking at the 2026-27 list and not an older version to ensure the school still has vacant seats.

Conclusion

Securing a quality education for your child is a fundamental right, and the RTE Act makes it accessible for everyone in Maharashtra. By downloading the RTE 2026 School List PDF and understanding the new 1-km radius and online documentation rules, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful lottery result.

Don't wait until the last minute—the application window is often short (typically from mid-February to early March). Check your eligibility today and start gathering your documents.

Ready to take the next step? 

Explore more education guides, school comparisons, and admission tips at collegesimplified.in. Whether you're looking for school reviews or entrance exam help, we simplify your journey to the right institution.