Overview

• The Centre sanctioned about ₹700 crore under RTE entitlements, with ₹362 crore for 2024–25 and ₹352 crore for 2025–26 to be disbursed in two instalments.
• A special 10-day online window will regularise eligible children already in entry-level classes, with principals uploading applications after obtaining parental consent via the RTE portal.
• Tamil Nadu will issue the admission notification on October 6, schools must upload entry-level seat data by October 7, and the final eligibility list is due on October 14.
• Schools are directed to refund any fees collected from eligible students within seven working days, with confirmations from both the school and the parent.
• The Madras High Court’s direction and a subsequent Supreme Court notice preceded the release, after the Centre had earlier withheld SSA funds tied to NEP compliance; district-level committees will oversee implementation.