Pune: The deadline for admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act’s 25% reserved quota has been extended until August 29, offering another chance for students on the waiting list to secure their seats. This extension comes after it was revealed that over 44,000 seats remain unfilled across the state.

According to Sharad Gosavi, Director of Primary Education, as of Monday night, 61,157 students had confirmed their admissions under the RTE quota. However, with more than 44,000 seats still available, the authorities have decided to provide additional time for the remaining students on the waiting list.

This year, 9,217 schools across Maharashtra offered a total of 105,242 seats under the RTE quota. Out of 242,516 applications received, 93,009 students were initially granted admission, with 71,276 students placed on the waiting list.

The admission process originally provided a window from July 23 to July 31, followed by two extensions. Now, with many seats still unclaimed, the deadline has been extended for the final time to August 29, allowing 23,850 students on the waiting list a last opportunity to confirm their admissions.

Under RTE, 25% of seats in private schools are reserved for students from disadvantaged and economically weaker sections. This year, changes made by the education department to the RTE admission rules caused confusion, resulting in petitions in the court that halted the admission process.

Mumbai High Court ordered private schools to maintain the previously granted admissions and to admit students under RTE.