All minority schools to reserve 15% seats for EWS students: Chandigarh Education Department

Chandigarh, January 12

The Chandigarh Education Department has issued a directive mandating all minority schools in the city to allocate 15% of their seats to students from economically weaker sections (EWS). This is the first such order for entry-level admissions to minority schools, and it is in line with the provisions outlined in the Allotment of Land to Educational Institutions (schools) on Lease-Hold Basis in Chandigarh Scheme, 1996.

Out of the 20 minority schools in the city, only 10 currently adhere to the norms by providing 15% of the admissions to EWS students.

Schedule

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• Registration of candidates — January 10 to February 10
• Release of first list of selected candidates through draw — February 16
• Last date for confirmation of student admissions by schools — Feb 26
• Release of second list of candidates through draw (if required) — Mar 15
• Last date for confirmation of admission by schools — March 25

According to the 1996 scheme, private schools in Chandigarh, both minority and non-minority, are required to reserve 15% of their seats for EWS students. The fee these students are charged should be nominal, preferably on par with what students enrolled in government institutions are charged.

Unlike non-minority schools, recognised private (minority) schools in Chandigarh are not obligated to use the department’s centralised online admission portal for admitting EWS students. Instead, they are expected to follow a fair and transparent process at the school level, adhering to the guidelines laid out in the 1996 scheme. To ensure compliance, the Education Department has urged all principals of minority schools to submit a compliance report. By the end of April each year, the principals are required to confirm in writing to the District Education Office the number of students from economically weaker sections admitted to the school. Additionally, the schools must maintain a detailed record of such admissions, available for inspection upon request.