Dates marked Expected are estimates from earlier years. Exam bodies can change dates, rules and fees. Always confirm on the official website before you apply.
In this page
About the exam
The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) is the entrance test for Class 6 in Navodaya Vidyalayas, the free residential schools run by the Government of India. One school is opened in almost every district, and admission is by a district-wise selection test. Education, food and stay are free.
Eligibility
- The student must be studying in Class 5 in the year of the test, in a recognised school, and must have passed Classes 3, 4 and 5 in recognised schools.
- The student must be a resident of the district where he or she applies.
- Born between 1 May 2015 and 31 July 2017 (both days included) for the 2027 admission.
- A student can appear only once. Students who passed or repeated Class 5 are not eligible.
Important dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Application for 2027 admission | Last date announced: 31 July 2026. Closed (check the portal in case of extension) | Closed / past |
| Selection test | 28 November 2026 | Official |
| Result | Expected by end of March 2027 | Expected |
| Next cycle (2028 admission) | Notification usually opens around mid-year. Watch the NVS site from May 2027 | Expected |
Exam pattern
- 80 objective questions, 100 marks, 2 hours, OMR sheet. Each correct answer gives 1.25 marks. No negative marking.
- Mental Ability Test: 40 questions (50 marks). Arithmetic: 20 questions (25 marks). Language: 20 questions (25 marks).
- Minimum qualifying marks: Minimum qualifying marks follow the prospectus (for example 7 in Arithmetic and 7 in Language, as in earlier years).
- Use blue or black ball pen only. Pencils are not allowed.
Selection process
- Selection is on merit in the district-wise test.
- At least 75% of seats in a district go to rural candidates.
- Reservation for SC, ST and OBC follows Government of India rules. At least one-third of seats are for girls.
- Selected students go through document verification by NVS. A wrong district choice leads to rejection even after provisional selection.
Fee
- No application fee.
How to apply
- Read the official notification and prospectus on the NVS site.
- Open the NVS registration portal and register online with the child's details.
- Fill personal and school details, upload the photo, signature and required certificates in the given format.
- Submit before the last date and download the confirmation page.
Official website
Good to know
- Class 9 lateral entry: NVS also holds a Lateral Entry Selection Test (LEST) for Class 9 seats that fall vacant. Eligibility and dates are given in a separate NVS notice, so check the NVS site each year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Navodaya admission really free?
Yes. Tuition, food, books and stay in the school hostel are free for selected students. Check the prospectus for small charges, if any.
Can a Class 6 student apply for JNVST?
No. The student must be in Class 5 in the year of the test. The JNVST gives admission to Class 6.
Can I choose any Navodaya school in India?
No. You apply to the Navodaya school of the district where you live. A wrong district leads to cancellation.