New rules for private school admissions in Karnataka: Focus on transparency and fairness

The Karnataka Education Department has introduced new regulations for private schools to ensure transparency and prevent exploitation of parents and students during the admission process.

The new rules come after numerous complaints regarding undue pressure on parents and students, including demanding entrance exams and arbitrary “capitation fees.” Under the new guidelines, private schools are prohibited from conducting interviews or exams for student admissions.

They are also barred from charging capitation fees. Furthermore, the school fees must be clearly displayed on notice boards, websites, and other accessible platforms, and included in the school’s information booklet.

The regulations also mandate that private schools reserve 25% of seats for students under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Additionally, government-run schools must reserve 50% of seats for SC/ST students, and co-educational schools must ensure that 50% of their students are girls.

These measures are aimed at making the school admission process more transparent, affordable, and inclusive, while also curbing arbitrary fee hikes and admissions practices. Private schools are expected to comply with these rules, and any violations will result in strict action by the Education Department. This move comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of education and reduce the financial burden on parents in the state.