The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act applies to children in the age group of
Last updated May 15, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option C —
6 to 14 years
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, was enacted to give effect to Article 21-A of the Indian Constitution. It mandates that every child between the ages of 6 and 14 has a fundamental right to free and compulsory education in a neighborhood school until the completion of elementary education (Class 1 to 8).
It is important to trace the evolution of this right and its specific provisions:
86th Constitutional Amendment Act (2002): This landmark amendment inserted Article 21-A, making education a Fundamental Right for the 6–14 age group. It also changed the subject matter of Article 45 (Directive Principles) and added a new Fundamental Duty under Article 51-A (k).
Article 45 (Amended): Now directs the State to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of 6 years.
Article 51-A (k): Makes it the fundamental duty of a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of 6 and 14 years.
Key Provisions of the RTE Act, 2009
25% Reservation: Mandates private unaided schools to reserve 25% of their seats for children belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups.
No-Detention Policy: Originally, the Act prohibited schools from holding back any student until the completion of Class 8 (though this was recently amended to allow states to conduct regular examinations in Classes 5 and 8).
Infrastructure & Teachers: Sets norms for Pupil-Teacher Ratios (PTR), buildings, and school working days. It also prohibits the deployment of teachers for non-educational work, except for the decennial census, disaster relief, and elections.
Prohibition of Capitation Fees: Prohibits schools from charging any "capitation fee" or subjecting the child/parents to screening procedures for admission.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
