Abstract

The Right to Education (RTE) is a landmark entitlement that guarantees free and compulsory education to all children in India aged 6 to 14. While the RTE Act of 2009 has established a robust legal framework the goal of inclusive schooling—where children from diverse backgrounds abilities and social positions learn together in a supportive environment— remains an ongoing challenge. This paper examines the conceptual legal and practical dimensions of inclusive education within the Indian context. It explores how the intersection of caste gender disability and economic inequality continues to affect access and equity in education. The paper also discusses the implementation challenges of the RTE Act policy gaps and promising innovations that aim to create more inclusive educational environments. By centering the principles of equity dignity and diversity the paper argues for a transformative approach to inclusive schooling that goes beyond enrollment to ensure meaningful participation and