HomeRTE Act GuideDefinitionsScreening Procedure
Section 2(o) of the RTE Act

Screening Procedure

Any method of selecting children for admission — other than random lottery — is a "screening procedure." Tests, interviews, assessments, parent interviews, sibling preference, alumni preference — all are screening procedures and are banned for elementary school admission.

Any method of selecting children for admission — other than random lottery — is a "screening procedure." Tests, interviews, assessments, parent interviews, sibling preference, alumni preference — all are screening procedures and are banned for elementary school admission.

Section 13 completely bans screening procedures for elementary school admission. Any school conducting tests, interviews, or any form of evaluation to select which children to admit is violating this provision. The fine is ₹25,000 for first offence, ₹50,000 for each subsequent offence.

Examples
  • Written test for Class 1 admission = screening procedure (banned)
  • Interview of child for nursery/KG admission = screening procedure (banned)
  • Interview of parents = screening procedure (banned)
  • Preference for siblings or alumni children (over random selection) = potentially screening
  • IQ test for admission = screening procedure (banned)

This guide is published by Mahadev Maitri Foundation — free, independent education resource. We help families in rural India understand and enforce their rights under the RTE Act.

Support our work →

⚠️ Content on this page is provided on a best-effort basis for general information only. Laws and rules change — please verify details on official government websites (dsel.education.gov.in and your state's education portal) before taking action. Mahadev Maitri Foundation is not responsible for decisions made based on this content.