PIL In Supreme Court Challenges Entrance Tests For Admission To Delhi’s CM Shri Schools

An 11-year-old student, Janmesh Sagar, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court challenging the entrance tests introduced for admissions to Delhi’s CM Shri Schools.

The PIL argues that conducting entrance exams for school admissions violates Article 21A of the Constitution and Section 13 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

The petition specifically challenges the validity of a circular issued by the Delhi government in July 2025. The circular laid down guidelines for conducting entrance tests for admission into Classes VI, VII, and VIII for the academic year 2025–26.

The petitioner claims that the policy violates the fundamental right to education and demands that the authorities conduct admissions through a lottery system instead of exams.

Why did the Matter Reach the Supreme Court?

The petitioner explained that the case was brought directly before the Supreme Court since eligibility for these schools is restricted to students who are residents of Delhi and currently studying in recognised schools during the 2025–26 academic session.

The Directorate of Education clarified that it would reserve at least 50 per cent of the seats for students currently enrolled in government schools, including those run by the Directorate, municipal bodies, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and aided schools.

The Delhi government launched the CM Shri School scheme as a flagship education initiative modelled on the Centre’s PM Shri scheme. Under the plan, the government allocated a special fund of ₹100 crore for setting up these schools.

Officials said the CM Shri Schools will not only provide advanced academic facilities but will also focus on environmental sustainability and technology. They will implement the New Education Policy (NEP) and aim to deliver modern, high-quality education to students.

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