Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 11 Lateral Entry
by Ministry of Education, Government of India
Free Education & Boarding (₹85,000/year)
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 11 Lateral Entry is a competition by Ministry of Education, Government of India for students in Class 10, open to students across India. Registration closes 23 Oct 2026. It is free to take part.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 10
Fee
Free
Duration
2.5 Hours (150 Minutes)
Format
Individual
Time needed
Requires 3-4 months of dedicated preparation based on the Class 10 syllabus.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 30 Jul 2026
- Registration closes
- 23 Oct 2026
JNVST Examination Centers, Pan India, All States
About This Opportunity
The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 11 is a lateral entry exam conducted by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). It aims to fill vacant seats in JNVs, offering talented students from rural and urban areas access to a high-quality, modern education system completely free of cost.
Eligible candidates must have passed Class 10 from a recognized board in the same district as the JNV they are applying to. Selection is based on merit in the test, which assesses mental ability, language skills, and core subjects, ensuring students are prepared for senior secondary education in Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 10
- Age Range
- 15 - 17 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Must have passed Class 10 from a CBSE, State Board, or other recognized board in the preceding academic year. Candidates who have passed Class 10 prior to the current academic session are not eligible.
Prerequisites
- Strong conceptual understanding of Class 10 Mathematics syllabus.
- Proficiency in Class 10 Science topics (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology).
- Good command of the English language, including reading comprehension and grammar.
- Knowledge of the Class 10 Social Science curriculum.
- Developed mental ability and logical reasoning skills.
Age: 15-17 years (specific birth date range announced annually). Grade: Must be studying in or have just passed Class 10 in the immediate preceding academic session from a recognized school. Location: Must have studied Class 10 in the same district as the JNV. Open to Indian Nationals only. Reservations are applicable for rural, SC, ST, OBC, girls, and Divyang candidates.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The test syllabus is based on the CBSE curriculum for Class 10.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹85,000 annually
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas provide completely free education, including tuition, boarding, lodging, uniforms, textbooks, and stationery, valued at approximately ₹85,000 per student annually. A nominal Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi (VVN) fee of ₹600-₹1500 per month is applicable only for General/OBC category boys from Class 9-12, whose parents are not government employees, or are government employees respectively. Girls, SC/ST students, and BPL boys are exempt from this fee.
Opens doors to
The focused coaching and rigorous academic environment at JNVs significantly improve students' chances of gaining admission to premier institutions like IITs, NITs, and AIIMS, as well as other top-tier universities in India.
Career pathways
JNV alumni have a strong track record of securing positions in civil services, engineering, medicine, research, and other prestigious fields, benefiting from the strong academic foundation and disciplined environment.
Recognition
National Academic Recognition
Skills your child builds
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 150 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) on OMR sheet
- Language
- English, Hindi
Rounds & format
It is a single round exam
How entries are judged
Selection is based on the marks obtained in the JNV Selection Test. A merit list is prepared for each district, and candidates are selected based on their rank, subject to the reservation norms of NVS.
Selection process
Selection is based on the candidate's performance in the JNVST. A common merit list is prepared at the district level. Final admission is subject to the verification of all eligibility documents and reservation norms.
How to apply
- 1Applications are submitted online through the official Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) admission portal at navodaya.gov.in.
- 2Candidates must fill in personal and academic details and upload required documents like a recent photograph, signature, and parent's signature.
- 3The admit card for the selection test is made available for download from the same portal prior to the exam date.
How to prepare
- NCERT textbooks for Class 10 are the primary resource for preparation.
- Solving previous years' question papers of JNVST Class 11.
- Reference books for mental ability and logical reasoning.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
The application for the selection test is free of cost. For students admitted to Class 11, a nominal fee of ₹600 per month is collected towards Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi (VVN). However, students from SC/ST categories, all girl students, and students from BPL families are exempted from this fee.
Refund policy
Not applicable as the application is free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 11 Lateral Entry?
The registration deadline is 23 Oct 2026.
Is Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 11 Lateral Entry free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 11 Lateral Entry?
Students in Class 10. children aged 15-17.
What will my child gain from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 11 Lateral Entry?
Completely free education including tuition, boarding, lodging, uniforms, and textbooks.. Access to high-quality modern education with a focus on STEM.. Preparation for national-level competitive examinations like JEE and NEET.. Holistic development through sports, arts, and cultural activities.. Education in a safe, disciplined, and supportive co-educational residential setting.. Completely free residential education, including tuition, boarding, lodging, uniforms, and textbooks, valued at approximately ₹85,000 annually.. Access to high-quality modern education with a strong focus on STEM subjects.. Holistic development through extensive sports, arts, and cultural activities.. Education in a safe, disciplined, and supportive co-educational residential environment.. Enhanced opportunities for admission to premier higher education institutions such as IITs, NITs, and AIIMS..
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