Your Rights at School
You have rights. Your school must follow them. Here is what you need to know.
8 rights that protect you
What the law says about you
You Have the Right to Go to School
Every child in India between 6 and 14 years old has the legal right to go to school — for free. Nobody can stop you from going to school.
If your family can't afford fees, you still have the right to go to school. The law says your education must be completely free.
If someone tells you that you can't go to school because your family doesn't have money, tell a trusted adult or contact your local panchayat.
Your Education Must Be Free
No school can ask your parents to pay any money for your education — no fees, no books fees, no uniform fees, nothing.
If your school asks your parents for ₹500 for textbooks, that is against the law.
Tell your parents. They can refuse to pay and file a complaint with the local panchayat or municipality.
No Teacher Can Hit You or Hurt You
The law completely bans teachers from hitting, beating, slapping, or hurting you in any way. It also bans them from shouting at you, calling you names, or making you feel bad in front of others.
A teacher caning a student, making a child stand in the hot sun as punishment, or calling a child stupid in front of the class — all of these are against the law.
Tell your parents immediately. Write down what happened and when. Your parents can complain to the Head Teacher, the local authority, or the State Commission for Child Rights.
You Cannot Be "Failed" and Held Back
Until you finish Class 8, no school can make you repeat a class just because of exam results. You will be promoted every year.
If a school tells you that you "failed" Class 3 and must repeat it — that is against the law.
Tell your parents. They can demand that you be promoted to the next class. The school cannot legally hold you back.
You Cannot Be Expelled Before Class 8
No school can send you away permanently (expel you) until you have finished Class 8. This is true no matter what.
Even if a student gets into serious trouble at school, the school cannot expel them before Class 8.
If a school tries to expel your child: this is illegal. Contact the Block Education Officer immediately.
You Can Move to Another School
If your family wants to move you to a different school, the old school must give a Transfer Certificate immediately. They cannot say "pay your fees first."
If a school says "we'll give you the TC next month" or "only after you pay ₹3,000" — that is against the law.
Your parents should write a request for the TC. If the school delays or refuses, they can complain to the Block Education Officer.
You Have the Right to Good Teaching
Teachers have a legal duty to come to school every day, teach the full syllabus, understand how you learn, and meet your parents to tell them how you are doing.
A teacher who never comes to school, or who never finishes the syllabus, is breaking the law.
Tell your parents if your teacher is often absent or not teaching properly. They can raise this with the School Management Committee or the Block Education Officer.
Your School Must Be a Safe, Happy Place
The law says your school must be a place without fear, without trauma, and without anxiety. You should be able to express your thoughts freely and learn through activities — not just memorising.
A school where children are afraid to ask questions, or where learning is only about memorising for exams, is not following the spirit of the law.
Every child deserves a school that feels safe. If your school doesn't feel safe, talk to a trusted adult.
Always remember these three things
School is free. Always.
No teacher can hit you.
You cannot be failed before Class 8.
If something is wrong
Who can help you
Tell your parents
Your parents are your strongest supporters. Tell them exactly what happened — when, where, who did it, and what they said. They can take action on your behalf.
Tell the Head Teacher
If a teacher is treating you badly, tell the Head Teacher or Principal. This must be investigated. If nothing happens, your parents can complain further.
Tell the panchayat
Your village panchayat or municipality has a legal duty to protect your education rights. Your parents can write a complaint to them. The law says they must reply within 3 months.
Every child deserves to learn
Mahadev Maitri Foundation works to make sure every child's right to education is protected. Share this guide with a family that needs it.