RTE: 641 kids get through city private schools via e-lottery

Ranchi: More than 600 children from economically weaker and disadvantaged families secured admission in private schools across Ranchi after the district administration conducted an online lottery for admissions under the 25% RTE quota for the 2026-27 academic session on Tuesday.

Officials said 641 children were selected through the digital lottery system for admission in 89 recognised private schools, including DPS Ranchi and DAV schools, under provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The selected students will be eligible for free education up to Class VIII.

The district received 1,499 applications for admission under the RTE Act, which mandates 25% reservation for children from weaker sections in entry-level classes of private schools. After document verification and scrutiny, 1,036 applications were found eligible for the lottery process.

Admissions were conducted against 1,158 seats available across 117 private schools in Ranchi district. Officials said the allotment process was carried out entirely through an online system in the presence of school principals and parents.

Ranchi deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said, “The aim is to ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are not denied access to quality education because of economic barriers. We directed officials to conduct the allotment process in a transparent and systematic manner so that deserving applicants receive equal opportunity.”

District education officer Vinay Kumar said, “Compared to previous years, the coordination process was more streamlined. Parents could access information easily and schools were able to complete admission-related communication online. The e-lottery system reduced confusion and improved transparency throughout the process.”