RTE Admission 2026 Eligibility: Age Limit & Income Rules Explained

INTRODUCTION

Navigating the RTE Admission 2026 Eligibility Criteria is the first and most crucial step for parents looking to secure a seat for their child under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. For the academic year 2026-27, the Maharashtra School Education Department has introduced significant updates to the admission process, emphasizing local proximity and mandatory digital documentation.

Under the RTE Act 2009, 25% of seats in private unaided schools are reserved for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG). This ensures that a child's financial or social background does not hinder their access to quality schooling and diverse streams of learning.

What is RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

The RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria defines which students can apply for free education in private schools across Maharashtra. These criteria are primarily based on three pillars: Age, Family Income, and Social Category.

For 2026, the government has streamlined the "course and stream" selection by linking school options to the child's residence. This means the primary "stream" of eligibility is now determined by your location on Google Maps during the application process.

Key Highlights for 2026

• Application Period: February 17, 2026 – March 10, 2026.

• Distance Rule: Schools must be within a 1 km radius of the residence.

• Digital Mandatory: All documents must be uploaded during the online application phase.

Looking for the full list of paperwork? 

Check out our detailed guide on the RTE 2026 Required Documents List to ensure your application isn't rejected.

1. Age Limit for RTE Admission 2026

The age of the child is the most common reason for application rejection. For the 2026-27 session, the cut-off date for calculating age is December 31, 2026.

Pre-Primary & Class 1 Age Brackets

Whether you are choosing a Playgroup, Nursery, or Class 1 "course" of study, the following age limits apply:

Standard / Class	Minimum Age (as of 31 Dec 2026)	Birth Date Range (Tentative)
Playgroup	3 Years	Born between 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023
Nursery	4 Years	Born between 01/01/2022 to 31/12/2022
Junior KG	5 Years	Born between 01/01/2021 to 31/12/2021
Senior KG	6 Years	Born between 01/01/2020 to 31/12/2020
Class 1 (Grade 1)	6 Years+	Born between 01/01/2019 to 31/12/2019

For children with special needs (Divyang), the maximum age limit is often relaxed by up to 2–3 years depending on the specific disability certificate.

2. Annual Income Limit for EWS Category

For families applying under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), the income rules are strict. To be eligible for the 25% reservation in Maharashtra's private schools for 2026:

• Income Ceiling: The total annual family income must be less than ₹1 Lakh.

• Verification: An Income Certificate issued by the Tehsildar or a competent government authority is mandatory.

• Validity: The certificate must be for the financial year 2025-26.

Disadvantaged Groups (DG) Exception

If you belong to the Disadvantaged Group (SC, ST, VJNT, OBC, SBC), the ₹1 Lakh income limit does not apply. However, you must provide a valid Caste Certificate issued by the State of Maharashtra in the name of the child or the father.

3. Course and Stream Selection: The 1 km Rule

In 2026, the "stream" of schools available to you is strictly dictated by your geography. The Maharashtra Education Department now limits school selection to a 1 km radius from your verified address.

1. Google Map Integration: When filling the form, you must "pin" your residence accurately.

2. School Options: The system will automatically display up to 10 schools (State Board, CBSE, ICSE, etc.) within that 1 km range.

3. Course Entry: Most RTE admissions happen at the "Entry Level" (either Nursery or Class 1, depending on the school's structure).

Before applying, visit collegesimplified.in to see the full RTE 2026 Maharashtra Schedule so you don't miss the lottery draw dates.

FAQs on RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

1. Who is eligible under the RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria in Maharashtra?

The RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria includes children residing in Maharashtra who belong to either the Economically Weaker Section (annual income < ₹1 Lakh) or Disadvantaged Groups (SC/ST/OBC/NT). Additionally, the child must meet the specific age requirements for their respective class as of December 31, 2026.

2. What is the age limit for Class 1 under RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

According to the RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria, a child must have completed 6 years of age by December 31, 2026, to be eligible for admission into Class 1. Generally, children born between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, are the primary candidates for this academic year.

3. Does the RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria require an income certificate for SC/ST students?

No, the RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria specifies that students applying under the "Disadvantaged Group" category (SC/ST) do not need to show an income certificate. Their eligibility is based on their Caste Certificate issued by the Maharashtra government.

4. Can I apply for a school 5 km away under RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

Under the revised RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria, the priority is given to schools within a 1 km radius. While the portal might show schools up to 3 km if seats are vacant, your chances are highest—and the system is primarily designed—for schools within the 1 km range of your registered residence.

5. What happens if I fail to meet the RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria for documents?

If you do not meet the RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria regarding documentation (e.g., providing an old income certificate or a non-registered rent agreement), your application will be rejected during the online verification stage. For 2026, all documents must be scanned and uploaded at the time of form submission.

Conclusion

Understanding the RTE 2026 Eligibility Criteria is vital for a successful application. Ensure your child's age aligns with the December 31st cut-off and that your income certificate is updated for the current financial year. With the new 1 km rule and mandatory document uploads, being prepared early is the only way to ensure your child gets a fair shot at the 25% quota lottery.

For more updates on Maharashtra school admissions and detailed guides on the lottery process, visit collegesimplified.in.