Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) are government-funded top-tier, fully residential, co-educational schools run by the Government of India to provide free quality education to talented children from rural areas. These schools are known for nurturing talent, promoting equity, and shaping future leaders.
JNVs offer free education from Class 6 to Class 12, including boarding, lodging, textbooks, uniforms, and other essentials. They ensure that bright students from economically weaker sections can access the same level of education and opportunities as those in urban private schools.
For the academic year 2026–27, admissions to Class VI will be done through the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST).
Important Dates
- Application Last Date: 29 July 2025
- JNVST Exam (Phase 1): 13 December 2025 (Most States)
- JNVST Exam (Phase 2): 11 April 2026 (Hilly/NE/Remote Areas)
- Result Declaration: March–May 2026 (Tentative)
Eligibility Criteria
- Studying in Class V during 2025–26 in a recognized school in the same district.
- DOB: Born between 01 May 2014 and 31 July 2016 (both dates inclusive).
- Candidate must be a bonafide resident of the same district where JNV is located.
- Not previously appeared for JNVST.
How to Apply (Online & Free)
- Visit: https://cbseitms.rcil.gov.in/nvs
- Register using mobile number, fill basic details, Aadhaar/APAAR, PEN ID, school info.
- Upload documents:
- Candidate Photo
- Parent & Candidate Signature
- Residence Certificate / Aadhaar
- Submit the application and download confirmation.
Help Desks are available at all JNVs to assist with free registration.
Exam Pattern (JNVST 2026)
Duration: 2 Hours | Total Questions: 80 | Total Marks: 100
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability | 40 | 50 | 60 min |
| Arithmetic | 20 | 25 | 30 min |
| Language | 20 | 25 | 30 min |
✅ Correct Answer: +1.25 marks | ❌ No Negative Marking
Seat Reservation & Quotas
- 75% Seats for Rural area candidates
- 27% for OBC (Central List)
- 15% SC & 7.5% ST (min per district)
- 33% Reserved for Girls
- 3% for Divyang (PwD) as per norms
States & Territories Covered
JNVs are available in 27 States and 8 Union Territories across 654 districts. Tamil Nadu and some urban districts (e.g., Central Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai) are not covered.
Medium of Examination
JNVST is conducted in regional languages (English, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Urdu, etc.) depending on the State/UT. No change in medium after form submission.
Required Documents at Admission (for Selected Candidates)
- Birth Certificate
- Proof of Residence & School (Class V)
- Caste & Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card (or enrolment proof)
Migration Policy
Selected students from Hindi-speaking states may be migrated to non-Hindi-speaking JNVs for one academic year in Class IX to promote national integration. Refusal will cancel admission.
Important Notes
- Submit accurate details – false info leads to cancellation.
- One candidate = One application only.
- Correct district/block entry is vital for rural seat allocation.
- OBC candidates must be in Central OBC List.
Useful Links
Admission Process in JNVs
Admission to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya is done through a national-level entrance exam known as the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST). This test primarily serves as the entry point for Class 6, while lateral entry is allowed for Classes 9 and 11 under specific circumstances.
Admission to Class 6 (Main Entry Point)
- Conducted annually by NVS, usually in April
- Questions based on Mental Ability, Arithmetic, and Language skills
- Duration of the test: 2 hours | Total marks: 100
- Available in regional languages for better accessibility
For latest admission alerts, follow AdmissionAlert.in – India’s trusted source for school & college entry updates.