Schools in India With Entrance Exams (Government & Private) – A Deep Guide for 2025–26

 

1. Before the List: Are Entrance Exams Allowed in Schools?

Many parents are confused because of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

• The RTE Act gives every child (6–14 years) the right to free and compulsory education in a neighbourhood school.
• Section 13 of the Act says schools cannot charge capitation fee or use any screening procedure (like tests or interviews) while admitting a child at the entry level.

However, courts and government circulars have clarified some important points:

• The no-screening rule applies mainly to entry-level classes (Nursery / Class 1).
• For higher classes like Class 6 or 9, especially in special category schools, entrance exams are often allowed.
• Example: In 2025, the Delhi High Court upheld the entrance test for Class 6 in Delhi’s CM Shri schools, saying it doesn’t violate RTE because it’s not an entry-level class.

So, in simple terms:

✅ No entrance exam is allowed for entry-level admissions in most schools (Nursery/Class 1).
✅ Entrance exams are common and legal for higher classes, especially in:

• Residential schools
• Military/Sainik schools
• Specialised excellence/model schools
• Top private/boarding schools

Now, let’s go category-wise.

2. Government Schools in India With Entrance Exams

Government schools with entrance exams are usually:

• Fully residential or special-category institutions, or
   
• High-performance “model” or “excellence” schools at state level.
   

We’ll start with the national-level ones (open to students from multiple states), then state-level examples.

2.1 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) – JNVST Entrance

Type: Central government, fully residential, rural-focused schools
Governing body: Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Ministry of Education
Classes: 6–12, CBSE
Where: Almost all districts of India

• India currently has around 661 sanctioned Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) across 638 districts.
   
• Admission to Class 6 is through JNVST – Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test, a national-level entrance exam.
   

Key points about JNVST:

• Main entry: Class 6
• Occasional lateral entry: Class 9 and 11 in some schools
• Exam tests:
   
  • Mental ability / reasoning
  • Arithmetic / mathematics
  • Language skills
     
• Pattern: Objective questions (OMR-based), ~80 questions, ~120 minutes, no negative marking (pattern often similar to widely available mock tests). 
• JNVs reserve a high share of seats for rural, SC/ST and girl students, ensuring inclusive access.

Who should target JNVs?

• Bright students from rural / small-town backgrounds
• Families looking for high-quality CBSE residential schooling at almost zero fee
• Students ready to prepare seriously for a competitive entrance exam in Class 5
   

2.2 Sainik Schools – AISSEE

Type: Residential defence-oriented schools (Ministry of Defence + state/PPP partners)
Goal: Prepare students for NDA and defence careers
Classes: 6–12, CBSE

Admission to Sainik Schools (old and new) is via AISSEE – All India Sainik Schools Entrance Exam, now conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA).

• Classes with entrance exam: Class 6 and Class 9
• AISSEE is held once a year, generally in January for admission in the following academic year.
• The test includes:
   
  • Maths
  • Language (English)
  • Intelligence/Reasoning
  • General Knowledge (Science + Social)
     

There are:

• 33 traditional Sainik Schools, plus
• A growing number of “New Sainik Schools” under PPP model, where private or state institutions partner with the Sainik Schools Society.
   

Who should target Sainik Schools?

• Students genuinely interested in armed forces and disciplined hostel life
• Families looking for structured academics + physical training
• Boys and girls (most Sainik Schools are now co-ed at Class 6 and 9 level)

2.3 Rashtriya Military Schools (RMS) – RMS CET

Type: Fully residential defence public schools under Ministry of Defence
Number of schools: 5 (Chail, Ajmer, Belgaum, Bengaluru, Dholpur)
Classes: 6–12, CBSE

Admission is through RMS CET (Common Entrance Test):

• Conducted once a year in December. 
• For Class 6 and Class 9 only. 
• After written exam, students face interview + medical exam. 

Exam pattern (simplified): 

• Class 6: English, Intelligence, Maths, GK
• Class 9: Maths & Intelligence, English, GK
• Type: Objective, OMR-based
   

Who should target RMS?

• Students aiming at disciplined residential life with defence orientation
   
• Families ready for all-India competition, similar to Sainik Schools but with smaller number of schools and seats

2.4 Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun

Type: Premier residential military feeder institution (Ministry of Defence)
Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Classes: Equivalent to Class 8–12 (5-year integrated military prep)

Key facts:

• Admissions only to Class 8. Candidate must be in or just passed Class 7 at time of joining.
• Entrance exam is held twice a year (June and December) for January and July terms.
• The exam has:
   
  • Written papers (English, Maths, General Knowledge)
  • Viva (interview)
  • Medical fitness test
     

Selections are extremely competitive, with very few seats (around 25 per term nationwide).

Who should target RIMC?

• Highly motivated students aiming for National Defence Academy (NDA) and a long-term defence career
• Students ready for rigorous academics + military discipline from a young age

2.5 Delhi’s “Elite” Government Schools With Entrance Exams

(CM Shri Schools / SoSE / RPVV)

Delhi has built a cluster of high-performing government schools that use aptitude or entrance tests for higher classes.

2.5.1 CM Shri Schools (Earlier SoSE, SoE, RPVV Combined)

From 2025–26, Delhi has unified Schools of Specialized Excellence (SoSE), Schools of Excellence (SoE), and Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalayas (RPVV) under one brand: CM Shri Schools. 

• These schools offer specialised streams:
   
  • STEM
  • Humanities
  • Armed Forces Preparatory
  • Performing & Visual Arts
  • High-end 21st Century Skills (AI, Robotics, etc.)
     
• Admissions in Class 6 and higher are done through aptitude / entrance tests, which test:
   
  • Reasoning
  • Subject aptitude (e.g., STEM vs arts)
  • Basic language and maths skills
     

The Delhi High Court has upheld the legality of such tests for Class 6, clarifying that RTE’s no-screening clause doesn’t block admission tests beyond entry-level classes. 

2.5.2 Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya (RPVV) Entrance

Historically, RPVV schools have taken admission to Class 6 (& sometimes other classes) purely through an entrance test, conducted by Delhi’s Directorate of Education.

Even now, within CM Shri branding, the core idea remains:

A government school for meritorious students, selected through a written entrance exam in upper primary/secondary classes.

2.6 State Government Model / Residential Schools With Entrance Exams

Many states run “model” or “residential” schools for talented or disadvantaged children. Most of these have entrance tests around Class 5 or 6.

Some major examples:

a) Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (OAV)

• Network of English-medium Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas, modelled on JNVs.
   
• Admissions into Class 6 (main entry) and lateral entry to 7, 8, 9 are through OAVET – Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya Entrance Test.

b) Andhra Pradesh Model Schools (APMS)

• AP runs Model Schools across the state under the Directorate of School Education.
• For Class 6, there is a dedicated APMS CET – AP Model School Entrance Test, usually of 2 hours, testing subjects like Maths, EVS, and language.
   

c) Telangana Gurukul / Social Welfare Residential Schools

• Telangana has a very large residential school network under TSWREIS/TGSWREIS, aimed at SC/ST and other disadvantaged groups.
• For many of these schools, admission to Class 5 or higher is via Gurukul CET / Common Entrance Tests, where:
   
  • Students are tested in Maths, English, Science and Social Studies.
     

d) Jharkhand & Other States’ Model Schools

• Jharkhand’s state-run model schools also conduct Class 6 entrance tests, though they sometimes struggle with turnout.

These state schools are not always nationally famous, but they play a huge role in giving bright rural and low-income students a path to quality education.

3. Private Schools in India With Entrance Exams

Now, let’s look at private schools.

Unlike government schools, there is no single rule for all private schools:

• Many entry-level admissions (Nursery / KG / Class 1) must still follow RTE rules (no screening).
• But for higher classes, schools are free to conduct:
   
  • Written admission tests
  • Interviews
  • Aptitude assessments

We’ll divide them into:

1. Top boarding schools with national entrance exams
2. Big city day schools with entrance tests in Classes 6–11
3. Schools/colleges with entrance-based scholarship tests

3.1 Famous Boarding Schools With Their Own Entrance Exams

These are premium schools where admission is a big competition in itself.

3.1.1 The Doon School, Dehradun

Type: All-boys residential school
Board: ICSE/ISC

• Doon conducts its own written entrance exam once a year at centres across India and abroad.
• Typical selection process:
   
  1. Written test – English, Mathematics, Reasoning, Case Studies / Science.
  2. Personal interview – for shortlisted candidates.
      

Doon’s admissions are known for focusing on:

• Academic ability
• Curiosity & critical thinking
• Leadership potential

3.1.2 Mayo College, Ajmer (Boys) & Mayo College Girls’ School

Type: Premier boarding schools in Rajasthan
Board: CBSE

Both Mayo Boys and Mayo Girls use a common style test called:

Common Aptitude Analysis (CAA) or Aptitude Analysis

• Held once a year (typically around September–November, depending on school).
• Tests students in:
   
  • English
  • Hindi
  • Mathematics
     
• Mainly for admissions up to Class 9 (Class 11 is usually merit based on board marks).

3.1.3 The Scindia School & Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya (Gwalior)

• The Scindia School (boys) runs its own test called Scindia Aptitude Analysis (SAA):
   
  • Mandatory for admission in Classes 6, 7, 8, 9 & 11.
  • Subjects: English, Maths, General Awareness.
     
• Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya (girls) has a similar Aptitude Assessment and interaction for Classes 6–9 & 11.

Both schools then call shortlisted candidates for interviews and orientation.

 

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3.2 Big City Day Schools With Entrance Tests (Classes 6–11)

Many popular CBSE / ICSE private schools conduct admission tests for higher classes, especially in metro cities.

A very visible example is Delhi Public School (DPS) network.

3.2.1 DPS R.K. Puram, New Delhi

• For Class 9, DPS R.K. Puram conducts a 2 hr 45 min admission test (objective) in:
   
  • Mathematics
  • English
  • Science
  • Social Science
     
• For Class 11, there is an Admission Test + Board result criteria; provisional admission is based on a merit list of the school test, but final admission depends on Class 10 board percentage.
   

3.2.2 DPS Mathura Road & Other DPS Branches

• DPS Mathura Road clearly mentions a written test (MCQ based) for Class 9 admission, covering English, Maths and Science over 2 hours.
   
• Many other DPS branches follow a similar pattern for Classes 6–11, though details vary by campus.
   

3.2.3 Other Private Schools With Entrance Tests

Across India, a large number of private schools conduct admission tests, especially when:

• Student is switching board (State → CBSE/ICSE)
• Admission is in middle or senior classes
• School brand is strong and seats are limited
   

Examples include:

• Various ICSE schools in metro cities
• High-demand CBSE schools
• International schools (they may call it an “assessment” or “placement test”)
   

Even when full details are not always public, the pattern is usually:

Registration → Written test → Interaction/Interview → Offer of admission

3.3 Scholarship / Talent Tests (Private + Semi-Govt)

Some institutions use test-based entry mainly for scholarships, not just admission.

Example:

• In Karnataka, several PU (pre-university) colleges conduct scholarship-cum-entrance tests like Alva’s Academic Scholarship Examination, Medha-2026 etc., to give fee waivers and free residential seats based on performance.
   

At school level, many private chains run:

• Olympiad-style tests
• Talent search exams
   

These may or may not be compulsory for admission, but good scores often help in getting fee discounts or priority.

4. Quick Comparison Table – Major Indian Schools With Entrance Exams

You can use this section as a ready reference or convert it into an HTML table in your blog.

 

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5. How to Choose the Right “Entrance-Exam School”

When you look at this list, it’s tempting to think:

“Bas, top naam dekh ke apply kar dete hain.”

But the smart way is to match the school type with the child’s profile.

Ask these questions:

1. Board preference:
    
   • Want CBSE? JNV, Sainik, RMS, DPS, many state model schools.
      
   • Want ICSE/ISC? Schools like Doon, some premium boarding schools.
      
2. Residential vs Day school:
    
   • Is your child ready for hostel life at 10–12 years of age?
      
   • If not, look at city day schools with tests (DPS, other private schools).
      
3. Defence orientation:
    
   • If the student is serious about NDA/armed forces, Sainik, RMS, RIMC and Armed Forces Preparatory Schools (like in Delhi’s CM Shri cluster) are best suited.
      
4. Financial considerations:
    
   • Government residential schools (JNV, OAV, Gurukul, etc.) are either free or very low cost.
      
   • Premium private schools can have high fees plus entrance coaching.
      
5. Competition level & preparation time:
    
   • AISSEE, JNVST, RMS CET, RIMC exams are highly competitive.
      
   • Start preparation at least 1–2 years in advance if your child is in Class 4–5 and aims for Class 6 entry.
      

6. Common Entrance Exam Pattern: What Do Schools Test?

Across almost all these school-level entrance tests, the core areas are similar:

1. Mathematics
    
   • Basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages
   • Word problems, simple algebra, basic geometry
      
2. Language (English and/or Hindi)
    
   • Reading comprehension
   • Grammar and vocabulary
   • Simple writing / sentence formation
      
3. Mental Ability / Reasoning
    
   • Series, patterns, odd one out
   • Analogy, classification
   • Basic non-verbal patterns (figures, shapes)
      
4. General Knowledge / EVS / Science & Social
    
   • Everyday science (plants, animals, human body, forces)
   • Indian geography, history, civics basics
   • Current affairs (very simple level for Class 6)
      

Examples:

• JNVST focuses a lot on mental ability and arithmetic.
• AISSEE includes Maths, English, Intelligence, GK.
• APMS CET, OAVET, Gurukul CET also follow a similar Maths + language + EVS/GK structure. 
• Private school tests (DPS, Doon, Mayo, Scindia etc.) also revolve around English + Maths + Reasoning with some GK.

7. Preparation Tips for School Entrance Exams (Student-Friendly)

Here are simple, actionable tips you can include as a separate section in your blog for additional value:

7.1 Start From NCERT Basics

For almost all entrance exams (government or private), the syllabus is based on the current/previous class NCERT level.

• Focus on NCERT Maths & EVS/Science of the last 2 classes.
• Solve all examples + exercise questions, not just what the school teacher gives.
   

7.2 Practice Mental Ability Regularly

For exams like JNVST, AISSEE, RMS CET, mental ability is a game changer.

• Practice:
   
  • Number series
  • Figure patterns
  • Odd one out
  • Mirror images
     
• Use low-cost books or free online mock tests (many platforms host Navodaya & Sainik mock tests).
   

7.3 Solve Previous Year Papers

For almost all major exams, previous year papers and sample papers are available:

• JNVST previous year papers
• AISSEE sample papers & answer keys
• RMS CET sample and old question patterns
• Doon, Mayo, Scindia sample papers via coaching sites and school guidance docs
   

Set a timer and simulate real exam conditions.

7.4 Work on Reading & Writing

Even if the child is strong in Maths, weak English or Hindi can reduce overall score.

• Daily 20–30 minutes reading (newspapers for kids, story books).
• Short writing practice: paragraph writing, letter writing, describing a picture, etc.
   

7.5 Build a Realistic Exam Plan

Don’t apply to 20 exams randomly. Instead:

1. Finalise 2–3 government options (e.g., JNV + one state model school + Gurukul).
2. Add 1–2 private schools (local or boarding) based on your budget.
3. Create a calendar of application dates, exam dates, result dates.