Surat: The state govt has extended the deadline for submitting applications for admission to private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act by six days, allowing parents to apply till April 23 instead of the earlier deadline of April 17.Officials said the extension will also lead to a revision in the admission schedule, with the first round, earlier slated for April 29, likely to be rescheduled.In Surat, authorities have already cancelled 4,961 applications out of 31,594 forms submitted till April 17. Overall, demand continues to far exceed available seats, with over 40,000 applications received against 16,863 seats in private schools across city and rural areas.In Surat city alone, 31,594 applications were submitted, of which 23,001 were approved and 1,238 rejected, while 4,961 were cancelled before processing. In rural areas, 8,762 forms were submitted, with 5,401 approved, 547 rejected and 2,426 cancelled.Under the RTE Act, 2009, children from weaker and disadvantaged sections are entitled to free admission in Class 1 in private schools. The application process for the 2026–27 academic year began on April 4.Officials said the extension was granted as many parents faced difficulties in obtaining necessary documents, such as income and non-creamy layer certificates, due to officials being engaged in ongoing election duties.
