SHRESHTA (NETS) 2026 Notification
The SHRESHTA (Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas) scheme is a flagship initiative by the Government of India designed to empower meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) students by providing access to high-quality education in selected private residential schools across the country. Through a competitive entrance exam (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), around 3,000 students are selected each year for free admission to Classes 9 and 11 in top-tier CBSE-affiliated schools.
Admission under SHRESHTA is strictly merit-based, with the selection process being transparent and rooted in the NETS exam results. The syllabus for the entrance is based on the NCERT curriculum of Class 8 (for Class 9 admission) and Class 10 (for Class 11 admission), and the exam is held annually in a bilingual (English and Hindi) format. By ensuring educational opportunities at reputable residential schools, SHRESHTA is paving the way for future generations of SC students to excel academically and achieve upward mobility.
Check and Download - SHRESHTA (NETS) 2026 Notification
SHRESHTA (NETS) 2026 Important Dates:
SHRESHTA (NETS) 2026 Application Eligibility Criteria:
- Only Scheduled Caste (SC) students can apply.
- For Class 9 admission: Candidates must be currently studying in Class 8 (academic year 2025-26), born between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2013.
- For Class 11 admission: Candidates must be currently studying in Class 10 (academic year 2025-26), with age eligibility between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2011.
- Parental annual income must be less than or equal to ₹2.5 lakh
Exam Pattern and Schedule:
- SHRESHTA (NETS) 2026 will be conducted offline (OMR-based) in December 2025; the exact date will be announced soon.
- Exam duration is 3 hours, comprising multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in both Hindi and English.
- Admit cards will be released in early December 2025.
Selection and Result Process:
- Selection is purely based on merit in the entrance test.
- Results will be declared within 4–6 weeks after the exam.
- Qualified students will participate in centralized counselling and school allotment.
Scheme Benefits
- 3,000 fully funded seats in Class 9 and 11 at the country’s top private CBSE residential schools are offered through SHRESHTA.
- The scheme is exclusively for meritorious SC students to access high-quality education and residential facilities.
How to Apply For SHRESHTA (NETS) 2026 Admission?
- Visit the official website exams.nta.nic.in/shreshta/.
- Click on the SHRESHTA NETS 2026 Online Application Form link.
- Register by filling basic personal details and create a password.
- Note the generated application number for future use.
- Log in using the application number and password to fill the detailed form.
- Upload scanned photograph, signature, caste and income certificates.
- Review the complete application for accuracy and submit.
- Download and print the confirmation page for record and future reference
