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.