📝 Screening Children or Parents for Admission
No school can conduct any interview, test, or selection process for admitting a child or evaluating parents.
What This Violation Looks Like
Why It Happens
Schools use screening to select "desirable" students — those from educated, affluent families — and to avoid admitting children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This directly undermines the Act's purpose of universal elementary education.
Legal Definition & Penalty
Section 13(1) prohibits any school or person from subjecting a child or parents/guardians to any screening procedure. "Screening procedure" means any test, interview, or selection method — including drawing tests, IQ tests, aptitude tests, written tests, parent interviews, income verification, or any other form of evaluation as a condition of admission.
Penalty — Section 13(3)
₹25,000 for first offence; ₹50,000 for each subsequent offence
Additional consequence: School recognition may be reviewed. School management may face personal liability.
Evidence to Collect
Before filing your complaint, collect:
How to Report This Violation
Record the screening attempt
Note the date, type of test/interview conducted, name of school staff who administered it, and what questions were asked. If possible, keep the question paper or any written material given.
File with DEO immediately
File a complaint with the District Education Officer within 7 days while the evidence is fresh. The closer to the event, the more effective the complaint.
File with SCPCR
SCPCR can impose the fine directly and issue show-cause notices to the school principal. Most state SCPCRs have online complaint portals.
File with NCPCR if escalation needed
NCPCR has issued suo motu notices to schools across India for screening violations. File online at ncpcr.gov.in.
Who to Complain To
Complaint Template
To, The District Education Officer, [District Name], [State Name] Sir/Madam,I write to report a violation of Section 13(1) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 by [School Name], [Address]. On [Date], when I attempted to seek admission for my child [Child Name] to Class [Class], the school subjected [the child / me as parent] to [describe: written test / interview / drawing test / etc.]. This constitutes an illegal screening procedure prohibited under Section 13(1) of the RTE Act. Specific details: [Describe what happened — who conducted it, what questions were asked, what was the stated purpose]. I have attached [any question paper / notes / photographs] as evidence. I request that: 1. The school be directed to immediately admit my child without any screening. 2. Fine proceedings under Section 13(3) be initiated (₹25,000 for first offence). 3. The school management be formally warned.Yours faithfully, [Your Full Name] [Your Address] [Your Mobile Number] [Date]
Related Violations
Need help filing a complaint?
Mahadev Maitri Foundation works in rural Rajasthan and Haryana to bring quality education to underserved children. Support this free resource and our on-ground work.