Karnataka Enforces Strict Guidelines for 2025–26 Private School Admissions: No Interviews, No Capitation Fees

CBSE, ICSE Schools Under Government Scanner to Ensure Transparent, Inclusive Admission Process

BENGALURU, April 22, 2025 — The Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of Karnataka, has issued a firm directive to all private aided and unaided schools, including those affiliated with CBSE and ICSE, to strictly adhere to revised admission guidelines for the academic year 2025–26. The move comes as part of a wider effort to eliminate discrimination, prevent unfair practices, and ensure transparency and inclusivity in school admissions across the state.

Key Highlights of Karnataka’s 2025–26 Admission Guidelines

Mandatory Public Disclosure of Admission Details

All schools are now required to:

• Publicly display the admission schedule, number of available seats per class, medium of instruction, and approved fee structure.

• Make the same information available on the School Administrative Tracking System (SATS) portal, school website, and printed prospectus.

• Update their data regularly to provide accessible and accurate information for parents.

Reservation and Gender Equity Mandates

In a move to promote gender balance and social inclusion:

• 50% of seats in co-educational schools must be reserved for girl students.

• Reserved seats are also mandated for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), with exemptions only granted to linguistic and religious minority institutions.

Financial Transparency and Fee Regulations

To curb the commercialisation of school education, the department mandates:

• Only the officially approved fee structure may be collected—no hidden charges permitted.

• Capitation fees are strictly banned, and schools found in violation will face financial and disciplinary penalties.

Prohibition on Interviews and Admission Screening

The government has explicitly banned interviews or screening processes involving either the child or the parents. Any school conducting interviews during the admission process will be deemed non-compliant and face strict punitive measures.

“The objective is to make school admissions stress-free, fair, and student-centric,” said a senior official from the education department. “Any school, including CBSE and ICSE institutions, failing to follow both board guidelines and state circulars will face disciplinary action.”

CBSE, ICSE Schools Also Accountable

Schools affiliated with national boards like CBSE and ICSE are reminded to:

• Align their admission practices with both board by-laws and state-issued circulars.

• Ensure that no discriminatory or arbitrary screening procedures are adopted during the admission process.

Ensuring Accountability and Fair Play

The state’s renewed emphasis on admission regulation is part of a larger strategy to curb exploitation, reduce financial burdens on parents, and enhance equity in school education. The department has urged all school managements to cooperate and ensure compliance to protect the rights and interests of both students and guardians.