The Right to Education (RTE) Act allows children from lower-income families to attend private schools for free. If you are a parent applying for this program in 2026, you will need to fill out the RTE Self Declaration Form.
This form is simply a sworn, legal statement confirming that your family’s income is low enough to qualify for the program and that you do not earn enough money to be required to pay income tax.
Why Do You Need This Form?
The government uses this document to:
- Make sure the free education program only goes to the families who truly need it (officially known as the Economically Weaker Section, or EWS).
- Keep the school admission process fair and transparent.
- Have a legally binding record of your true financial situation.
Who Can Use This Form?
To qualify for RTE admission using this form, you must meet a few basic rules:
- Income: Your total family income must be below the government’s taxable limit.
- Age: Your child must usually be between 3 and 6 years old (though this can vary slightly depending on your state).
- School Type: The application must be for an unaided private school.
What is Inside the Form and How to Fill It Out
The paperwork is straightforward. Here is exactly what you will need to provide step-by-step:
- 1. Personal Details: You will need to write down your full name, your age, and your current home address.
- 2. Your Child’s Information: Write down your child’s name and confirm that you are applying for private primary school admission under Section 12(1)(C) of the RTE Act.
- 3. PAN Card Status: You must honestly check a box stating whether or not you have a PAN card. If you do have one, you must write the exact PAN number down.
- 4. Family Income: This is the most important section. You must list your annual income, your spouse’s income, and the income of any other family members. The total combined amount must be below the taxable limit.
- 5. The Legal Declaration: Read this part carefully. By signing, you are legally swearing that you do not file an Income Tax Return because your income is too low, and that every detail on the form is the truth.
- 6. Signatures: Finally, the form requires the signatures of the father, the mother, or the legal guardian.
Important Warning: Because this is a sworn legal document, if the government discovers that you lied about your income or provided false information, your child’s school admission will be canceled immediately, and you could face serious legal action.
