Education has the power to transform lives—and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) stand as living examples of this transformation. Established under the National Policy on Education (1986), these schools aim to nurture talented children from rural as well as urban India, providing them access to free, world-class education. The Navodaya Vidyalaya Entrance Exam 2026 (JNVST 2026) is the golden key that unlocks this opportunity.
If you’re a parent or student dreaming of holistic education, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail—eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, important dates, preparation tips, and more for both Class 6 and Class 9.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are co-educational residential schools run by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Currently, there are 650+ JNVs spread across India’s districts.
|
Particular |
Details |
|
Full Name |
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test |
|
Conducting Authority |
Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) |
|
Affiliation |
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
|
Medium of Instruction |
Regional Language till Class 8, English thereafter |
|
Type of School |
Co-educational, Residential, Free Education |
|
Classes Offered |
6 to 12 |
|
Official Website |
These schools not only provide free education, lodging, uniforms, and books**, but also ensure overall development through sports, leadership training, and cultural exchange programs.
The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) is conducted annually for admission into Class 6 and Class 9. It identifies talented students primarily from rural backgrounds and gives them access to quality education at par with the best schools in the country.
|
Exam Particulars |
Class 6 |
Class 9 |
|
Exam Name |
JNVST Class 6 Entrance |
JNV Lateral Entry Selection Test |
|
Mode of Exam |
Offline (OMR-based) |
Offline (OMR-based) |
|
Duration |
2 Hours |
2.5 Hours |
|
Language |
Bilingual (English & Hindi) |
Bilingual (English & Hindi) |
|
Type of Questions |
Objective (MCQ) |
Objective (MCQ) |
|
Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
Once a year |
Before applying, make sure your child meets all eligibility norms. They vary slightly for Class 6 and Class 9.
|
Criteria |
Requirement |
|
Academic Qualification |
Must be studying in Class 5 during the 2025–26 session |
|
Date of Birth |
Between May 1, 2014, and July 31, 2016 |
|
Domicile |
Must apply from the same district where JNV is located |
|
Education Type |
Must have studied Class 3–5 in a recognized school in the same district |
|
Rural Quota |
Should have studied Classes 3–5 in a rural school for rural quota consideration |
Class 9 Eligibility Criteria
|
Criteria |
Requirement |
|
Academic Qualification |
Must be studying in Class 8 during 2025–26 session |
|
Date of Birth |
Between May 1, 2010, and April 30, 2012 |
|
Admission Type |
Lateral Entry (to fill vacant seats) |
|
Domicile |
Must belong to the district of the applying JNV |
|
Education Type |
Must have studied in a recognized school |
Keep track of every deadline to ensure you don’t miss any key event.
|
Event |
Class 6 |
Class 9 |
|
Notification Release |
May 30, 2025 |
July 30, 2025 |
|
Application Start Date |
June 2025 |
July 2025 |
|
Last Date to Apply |
August 27, 2025 |
September 23, 2025 |
|
Correction Window |
Aug 27–30, 2025 |
Sept 24–26, 2025 |
|
Admit Card Release |
December 1, 2025 |
January 2026 |
|
Exam Date |
Phase 1 – Dec 13, 2025 Phase 2 – Apr 11, 2026 |
February 7, 2026 |
|
Result Declaration |
March–May 2026 |
March 2026 |
Applying for the Navodaya entrance exam is completely free and done online via the NVS portal.
|
Section |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
|
Mental Ability |
40 |
50 |
60 min |
|
Arithmetic |
20 |
25 |
30 min |
|
Language |
20 |
25 |
30 min |
|
Total |
80 |
100 |
2 Hours |
|
Section |
Subjects Covered |
Marks |
Duration |
|
English |
Grammar, Comprehension |
15 |
2.5 hrs |
|
Hindi |
Grammar, Vocabulary |
15 |
2.5 hrs |
|
Mathematics |
Algebra, Geometry, Numbers |
35 |
2.5 hrs |
|
Science |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology Basics |
35 |
2.5 hrs |
|
Total |
— |
100 Marks |
2.5 Hours |
1. Start Early: Begin 6–8 months before the exam.
2. Daily Study Plan: Divide your time among the three sections equally.
3. Use NCERT Books: They cover all basics clearly.
4. Practice with PYQs: Understand question trends from previous years.
5. Mock Tests: Take weekly tests to improve accuracy and speed.
6. Focus on Concepts: Don’t memorize—understand logic.
7. Stay Consistent: Revision is key to retention.
After selection, students enter a fully residential system that nurtures discipline, curiosity, and independence. They’ll adapt to hostel life with routine study hours, balanced meals, and regular cultural activities. JNVs also focus on character building, ensuring students grow into confident, responsible citizens.
- Make short notes for quick revision
- Practice reasoning and arithmetic daily
- Set weekly goals and track your progress
- Stay away from distractions—limit screen time
- Revise formulas and grammar rules regularly
- Encourage consistent study habits
- Avoid pressuring your child—support emotionally
- Provide a quiet, distraction-free study area
- Motivate your child to stay curious and confident
- Keep updated on JNV notifications and dates
The Navodaya Vidyalaya Entrance Exam 2026 isn’t just a test—it’s an opportunity to change a child’s future. JNVs empower young minds with free, quality education that promotes academic excellence, discipline, and all-round development. For thousands of rural families, it’s a dream gateway to success.
Start the preparation journey today—because with dedication and the right guidance, your child could soon be studying in one of India’s most prestigious schools.
