Free Education in India till 14 years of age

In India, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act) was passed in 2009. According to this act, every child in the age group of 6 to 14 years is entitled to free and compulsory education. Below are the details explaining how this provision works:

Provisions of the RTE Act:
- The RTE Act ensures that every child has the right to elementary education in a neighborhood school till they complete the age of 14 years.
- It prohibits any kind of screening procedures for admission, making it mandatory for schools to admit children without any discrimination.
- The act also mandates that all private schools reserve 25% of their seats for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups.

Implementation of Free Education:
- The government is responsible for funding and ensuring the implementation of free education for children up to the age of 14 years.
- The RTE Act also emphasizes the importance of providing quality education to all children, irrespective of their socio-economic background.

Challenges and Way Forward:
- While the RTE Act has made significant progress in improving access to education, there are still challenges in ensuring the quality of education and reducing dropout rates.
- To address these challenges, there is a need for continued investment in education infrastructure, teacher training, and monitoring mechanisms.

In conclusion, as a citizen of India, you are entitled to free education till the age of 14 years under the RTE Act. It is essential to be aware of your rights and ensure that every child has access to quality education for a brighter future.