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RTE 2026: Massive Demand for Poddar School in Bibwewadi; 2,094 Applications for Just 69 Seats
Pune: The admission lottery for the 25 percent reserved seats in private schools, mandated under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, was announced on Monday (April 6, 2026). Poddar International School, located in Bibwewadi, Pune, has emerged as the most preferred choice this year. A staggering 2,094 applications were received for just 69 available seats at this school.
The lottery was drawn by Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh at the auditorium of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). Students from the Pune Municipal Corporation's Rajiv Gandhi E-Learning School also participated in this lottery process.
**State-Level Statistics**
Across the state, a total of 114,826 seats were available in 8,701 private schools. For these seats, 289,609 applications were submitted. Last year, more than 88,000 students secured admission under the RTE Act.
The list of eligible students and the waiting list are scheduled to be released within two days of the lottery draw. The admission process will commence thereafter.
**Appeal by the Education Commissioner**
Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh stated, "Education is a vital medium for development. The primary objective of the RTE Act is to provide quality education to children belonging to disadvantaged and weaker sections of society. It is mandatory for every private school to reserve 25 percent of its seats. Over the past few years, lakhs of students have secured admission through this initiative."
He further clarified that since the entire process is conducted online, instances of malpractice have been completely curbed. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone providing false information. Parents have also been urged not to fall prey to the inducements offered by agents.
Pune: The admission lottery for the 25 percent reserved seats in private schools, mandated under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, was announced on Monday (April 6, 2026). Poddar International School, located in Bibwewadi, Pune, has emerged as the most preferred choice this year. A staggering 2,094 applications were received for just 69 available seats at this school.
The lottery was drawn by Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh at the auditorium of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). Students from the Pune Municipal Corporation's Rajiv Gandhi E-Learning School also participated in this lottery process.
**State-Level Statistics**
Across the state, a total of 114,826 seats were available in 8,701 private schools. For these seats, 289,609 applications were submitted. Last year, more than 88,000 students secured admission under the RTE Act.
The list of eligible students and the waiting list are scheduled to be released within two days of the lottery draw. The admission process will commence thereafter.
**Appeal by the Education Commissioner**
Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh stated, "Education is a vital medium for development. The primary objective of the RTE Act is to provide quality education to children belonging to disadvantaged and weaker sections of society. It is mandatory for every private school to reserve 25 percent of its seats. Over the past few years, lakhs of students have secured admission through this initiative."
He further clarified that since the entire process is conducted online, instances of malpractice have been completely curbed. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone providing false information. Parents have also been urged not to fall prey to the inducements offered by agents.
The lottery was drawn by Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh at the auditorium of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). Students from the Pune Municipal Corporation's Rajiv Gandhi E-Learning School also participated in this lottery process.
**State-Level Statistics**
Across the state, a total of 114,826 seats were available in 8,701 private schools. For these seats, 289,609 applications were submitted. Last year, more than 88,000 students secured admission under the RTE Act.
The list of eligible students and the waiting list are scheduled to be released within two days of the lottery draw. The admission process will commence thereafter.
**Appeal by the Education Commissioner**
Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh stated, "Education is a vital medium for development. The primary objective of the RTE Act is to provide quality education to children belonging to disadvantaged and weaker sections of society. It is mandatory for every private school to reserve 25 percent of its seats. Over the past few years, lakhs of students have secured admission through this initiative."
He further clarified that since the entire process is conducted online, instances of malpractice have been completely curbed. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone providing false information. Parents have also been urged not to fall prey to the inducements offered by agents.
