- Compulsory education in Kerala is governed by the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which is a central law. 
-  Kerala has its own rules, the Kerala Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2011, which align with this central act 
- It ensures free and compulsory education for all children between the ages of 6 and 14. This is the core mandate of the RTE Act. 
- It prohibits the collection of any capitation fee or subjecting children to a screening procedure for admission. Schools cannot have any admission tests for young children. 
- It mandates that schools must reserve 25% of their seats for children from socially and economically disadvantaged groups. This provision aims to promote social inclusion and equity in education. 
- The Act sets specific norms and standards for schools, including the pupil-teacher ratio, infrastructure, and school working days. For instance, at the primary level (Classes 1-5), the pupil-teacher ratio is 1:30.