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Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) for the 2026-27 academic session? The JNV Selection Test (JNVST) is your gateway to providing your child with quality education in a fully residential, co-educational environment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the JNVST 2026 application process, eligibility criteria, exam details, and more, based on the official prospectus.
JNVST 2026: Key Dates, Eligibility, and Tips for Class VI
What is Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya?
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) are a network of co-educational residential schools established under the National Policy of Education (1986) by the Government of India. Fully funded and managed by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, these schools aim to provide quality modern education to talented children, especially from rural areas. With 654 functional JNVs across 27 states and 8 Union Territories, they focus on holistic development, cultural values, environmental awareness, and national integration.
Key Objectives of JNVs:
- Provide quality education with a focus on culture, values, and physical education.
- Ensure competency in three languages (mother tongue/regional language, English, and Hindi).
- Promote national integration through student migration between Hindi and non-Hindi speaking states.
- Serve as a focal point for improving school education quality in each district.
Unique Features:
- Free education, including boarding, lodging, uniforms, and textbooks.
- A nominal fee of Rs. 600/month is charged for Classes IX to XII (exemptions for SC/ST, Divyang, girls, and BPL students).
- Medium of instruction: Mother tongue/regional language up to Class VIII; English for Math/Science and Hindi for Social Science thereafter.
JNVST 2026: Key Details:
The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) 2026 is the entrance exam for admission to Class VI for the 2026-27 session. Here’s what you need to know:
Important Dates:
- Last Date to Apply: July 29, 2025
Test Dates:
Phase 1: December 13, 2025, at 11:30 AM (for most states/UTs).
Phase 2: April 11, 2026, at 11:30 AM (for specific regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and select districts).
Result Announcement:
- Summer-bound JNVs: By end of March 2026.
- Winter-bound JNVs: By end of May 2026.
- Admission Process Completion: December 31, 2026.
How to Apply
The application process is entirely online and free, accessible via the NVS admission portal at [navodaya.gov.in](https://navodaya.gov.in). Follow these steps:
1. Prepare Documents: Keep soft copies (JPG, 10-100 KB) of the candidate’s photograph, parent’s signature, candidate’s signature, and Aadhaar details or residence certificate ready.
2. Fill Application: Provide details like state, district, block, Aadhaar number, APAAR ID, and PEN number.
3. Upload Documents: Ensure the uploaded certificate matches the category (General, SC, ST, OBC, Divyang) and rural/urban status.
4. Verify Details: Double-check school location (rural/urban), date of birth, and category to avoid rejection.
5. Correction Window: A brief period post-July 29, 2025, will allow modifications to specific fields (gender, area, category, disability, medium of examination).
Note: JNVs offer free help desks to assist with application uploads. Candidates must apply only for the JNV in the district where they reside and study Class V.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for JNVST 2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:
For All Candidates
Residency and Schooling: Must be a bonafide resident of the district where the JNV is located and studying Class V in a government, government-aided, or recognized school (including NIOS ‘B’ certificate) in the same district during 2025-26.
Age Limit: Born between May 1, 2014, and July 31, 2016 (inclusive for all categories).
Class V Status: Must be studying Class V for the full 2025-26 session and not have passed Class V before this session. Repeat candidates are not eligible.
Aadhaar Requirement: Must provide Aadhaar number or enroll for Aadhaar before registration. A residence certificate can be used temporarily, but Aadhaar is mandatory at admission.
For Rural Candidates
- At least 75% of seats are reserved for rural candidates who have studied Classes III, IV, and V in rural schools for the full academic session.
- NIOS candidates need a rural status certificate from a competent authority (e.g., District Magistrate).
For Urban Candidates
- Candidates who studied even a single day in an urban school during Classes III, IV, or V are considered urban.
- Urban areas are defined by government notifications as of July 29, 2025.
For Transgender Candidates
- Included under the Boys category for reservation, with no separate reservation.
Reservation of Seats
JNVST ensures equitable representation:
- Rural Quota: Minimum 75% seats for rural candidates; remaining seats open to both rural and urban candidates. Proportional to district population (minimum 15% SC, 7.5% ST, max 50% combined).
OBC: 27% reservation as per Central OBC List (state OBC lists not accepted).
Girls: At least one-third of seats reserved, with preference given if needed.
Divyang: Reservation for Orthopedically Handicapped, Hearing Impaired, Visually Handicapped, Acid Attack Victims, and Dwarfism as per GOI norms.
JNVST 2026 Exam Details
Test Structure
Duration: 2 hours (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM); additional 40 minutes for Divyang students.
Format: Objective-type questions, 80 questions, 100 marks.
Sections:
Mental Ability Test (MAT): 40 questions, 50 marks, 60 minutes.
Arithmetic Test: 20 questions, 25 marks, 30 minutes.
Language Test: 20 questions, 25 marks, 30 minutes.
Marking: 1.25 marks per correct answer; no negative marking.
Medium: Available in multiple languages (e.g., Hindi, English, regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, etc.) based on the state/UT. Candidates must select the medium in the application.
Test Content
1. Mental Ability Test (MAT): Non-verbal, based on figures/diagrams to assess general mental ability. Includes 10 parts (e.g., Odd-Man Out, Figure Matching, Pattern Completion, Analogy).
2. Arithmetic Test: Tests basic competencies in topics like number systems, fractions, decimals, measurements, and data analysis.
3. Language Test: Assesses reading comprehension with four passages, each followed by five questions.
Sample Questions:
MAT (Odd-Man Out): Identify the different figure among four options.
Arithmetic: Find the prime factorization of 1000 (Correct: 2×2×2×5×5×5).
Language: Answer comprehension questions based on a passage about forests.
Exam Guidelines:
- Candidates must use the correct test booklet language as chosen in the application.
- Use only blue/black ballpoint pens on the OMR sheet.
- Minimum qualifying marks: 14 (MAT), 7 (Arithmetic), 7 (Language).
- No re-evaluation or re-totaling of marks is allowed.
Post-Selection Process
Admit Cards
- Available for download from the NVS portal before the exam.
- Candidates must present Aadhaar or a residence certificate at the exam center.
Result Announcement
- Results displayed on the NVS website, JNV offices, and district authorities.
- Provisionally selected candidates are informed via phone and speed post.
- Two waitlists may be released for vacancies.
Documents Required for Admission
- Birth certificate.
- Residence certificate of the parent (same district as JNV).
- Aadhaar card copy.
- Rural quota certificate (if applicable).
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC as per Central List, Divyang).
- Medical fitness certificate.
- Study details certificate from the school (Classes III, IV, V).
- Undertaking for migration.
- Transfer Certificate (TC) from the parent school, countersigned by district education authorities.
Note: Admission is provisional until all documents are verified. False information leads to cancellation.
Tips for Parents and Candidates
1. Read the Prospectus: Understand eligibility and application requirements thoroughly.
2. Verify Details: Ensure accuracy in date of birth, category, and rural/urban status.
3. Prepare Documents Early: Obtain Aadhaar, residence, and category certificates well in advance.
4. Practice for JNVST: Use sample questions on the NVS website to familiarize with the test format.
5. Check School Location: Confirm whether the school of Classes III-V is in a rural or urban area to claim the correct quota.
6. Contact JNV Help Desk: Utilize free assistance at JNVs for application support.
Why Choose JNV?
JNVs offer a unique opportunity for talented students, especially from rural backgrounds, to access world-class education at no cost. With a focus on academic excellence, cultural values, and national integration, JNVs prepare students for CBSE board exams and beyond. The migration policy fosters unity by exposing students to diverse linguistic and cultural environments.
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