Karnataka govt issues new guidelines for 2025–26 school admissions

The Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of Karnataka, has issued a fresh set of guidelines for the 2025–26 academic year, reinforcing rules around admissions in private aided and unaided schools across all boards and curricula.

The directive underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in the admission process.

Schools are now required to clearly display key information — including the admission schedule, available seats by class, medium of instruction, and fee structure — on their notice boards, websites, SATS portal, and in their prospectuses.

To promote gender equity, co-educational schools must reserve 50% of seats for girls. If there are fewer applications from girls, remaining seats may be offered to boys.

Schools must also implement mandatory reservations for SC, ST, and OBC students, with exemptions applying only to linguistic and religious minority institutions.

In a bid to enhance financial transparency, schools must publicly declare their approved fee structure.

No additional or hidden charges may be collected, and capitation fees are strictly forbidden. Violations will result in penalties.

The department has also banned interviews of students or parents as part of the admission process, warning that such practices will invite strict action.

Further, CBSE and ICSE schools must follow their respective board bylaws in conjunction with state guidelines. Non-compliance will lead to disciplinary measures.

These updated guidelines aim to curb the commercialization of education and prevent discrimination in the admissions process.

The department has called on school managements to ensure the process remains inclusive, transparent, and student-focused.