Maharashtra schools to follow common admission schedule

The state directorate is buckling down on all schools in Maharashtra within the next 10 days by creating a common admission schedule.

As per the schedule, schools will not only set their admission and deadline dates but also announce the dates for the issue of applications forms and the last date for receiving the admission forms. The state will also ensure that schools submit the total number of applications received as well as the number of students granted admission.

A few exceptions to this new rule are standalone pre-schools who have classes only till senior KG (senior kindergarten) and will therefore be exempt from this schedule. Sources clarified that RTE (right to free and compulsory education) is not applicable to such schools. Also, unaided minority schools, which do not come under the RTE Act, will not follow this timetable as per an SC ruling in April this year.

The motivation behind this schedule is an effort to streamline the admission process in schools across all boards. Schools have been warned that there will be strict action taken against them if they choose to work outside this framework. The schedule is set to begin, tentatively, at the start of January 2013 with the first date on the timetable assigned for issuing application forms

As per the date set by the state education department, parents will have to submit the form. These forms will be scrutinized with respect to both free and general categories. Once this process is done, the number of applications under the 25% reservation rule of RTE will have to be declared by the school.

Schools will be required to post this information on their notice boards as well as on their websites. A source revealed that if the number of seats is less than the number of applications then admissions will be conducted by a draw of lots. While the lots are drawn, a three member committee will be present, which will consist of a Parent-Teacher Association, another from the school management committee and an education officer.

However, if the number of applications, under the 25% reservation, does not exceed the number of free reservation then all students under the RTE must be admitted. Schools at this point should once again declare the list of those students granted admission under the free and general categories.