The Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy has issued a fresh directive reinforcing strict regulations for private school admissions in the 2025–26 academic year. The move comes in response to growing concerns over transparency, fairness, and commercialization in the admission process—particularly in private unaided and aided schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, and state boards.
Key Rules Reinforced
The department has made it mandatory for all private schools to publicly display:
- Admission schedules
- Number of seats available per class
- Medium of instruction
- Fee structure
This information must be visible on the school’s notice board, website, and SATS (Student Achievement Tracking System) portal, as well as included in the prospectus—ensuring parents have full access to critical details.
50% Reservation for Girls & Transparency in Fees
In a move aimed at promoting gender equity, co-educational institutions are now required to reserve 50% of seats for girl students. If there are not enough applications from girls, the remaining seats may be allotted to boys.
Schools must also implement reservation policies for SC, ST, and OBC students, except in cases of religious or linguistic minority institutions, which remain exempt.
Further tightening financial practices, the directive mandates schools to:
- Declare the total approved fee structure for the academic year
- Avoid collecting capitation fees or any additional unapproved charges
Non-compliance will lead to strict penalties.
Ban on Admission Interviews & Warning to CBSE, ICSE Schools
To prevent discriminatory practices, the department has banned interviews of students or parents as part of the admission process. Any such activity will be treated as a violation and attract disciplinary action.
Additionally, CBSE and ICSE schools have been warned to align their admission processes with the bylaws of their respective boards and the state government’s circulars. Failure to comply will invite punitive measures.
Promoting Fair and Inclusive Admissions
The renewed guidelines aim to curb profiteering, promote inclusivity, and safeguard the rights of students and parents. The department has called on school managements to ensure the admission process remains fair, transparent, and in line with state policies.
