Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district’s School Education and Literacy Department has announced the opening of online applications for admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for the academic year 2025-26. However, officials noted a significant drop in the number of schools and seats participating this year.
This year, only 83 schools are offering 326 seats under RTE, compared to 84 schools and 458 seats in the previous academic cycle. One institution has shifted its classification from unaided to minority, leading to the reduction in available seats.
According to Govinda Madivala, the district’s Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), the online application window is currently active on the department’s official website and will remain open until May 12. He urged all eligible families to apply and benefit from the scheme designed to support children from economically weaker backgrounds.
The RTE Act mandates private unaided schools to reserve 25% of their entry-level seats for underprivileged students. However, the scheme saw limited interest last year, with only 51 admissions out of 458 available seats.
One caseworker noted that the RTE admissions primarily target unaided private schools, while aided schools see little to no demand. Of the 326 total seats, only 101 seats in 13 unaided schools are available across four block education office zones.
Mangaluru North offers 39 seats in 5 schools, Mangaluru South has 46 seats in 6 schools, and Moodbidri and Belthangady provide 16 seats collectively in two schools.
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