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What is Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya?
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) is the Government of India's flagship FREE residential school scheme for talented rural children. 661 JNV schools across India, one per district. Provides FREE education + boarding + meals + uniforms + books from Class 6 to 12 in CBSE curriculum. Admission via JNV Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 6 (Class 9 lateral entry also available). 80% seats reserved for rural students. SC/ST/OBC/Girl reservations apply. Over 3 lakh students attend JNVs.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) 2026 — Free CBSE Residential School for Rural Students |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 1986 |
| Benefit | FREE residential CBSE education (Class 6-12) + boarding + meals + uniforms + books — selected via JNVST |
| Category | Education |
| Last Verified | 22 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://navodaya.gov.in |
Benefits of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
FREE residential CBSE education (Class 6-12) + boarding + meals + uniforms + books — selected via JNVST
Who is Eligible for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya?
- ✓Student in Class 5 (for Class 6 admission) or Class 8 (for Class 9 lateral)
- ✓Studying in government/government-aided school
- ✓Aged 9-13 years (Class 6) or 13-16 (Class 9)
- ✓80% rural reservation; SC/ST/OBC/Girl quotas; PwD quota
- ✓Must qualify JNV Selection Test (JNVST)
Documents Required for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
0/6 documents ready
How to Apply for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Online?
- 1Register online at navodaya.gov.in for the JNV Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 6, or lateral entry to Class 9.
- 2Confirm the child is currently studying in Class 5 (or Class 8) at a government/government-aided school.
- 3Upload the birth certificate or Class 4-5 marksheet as age and class-eligibility proof.
- 4Submit a residence certificate proving rural residence to claim the 80% rural quota, along with Aadhaar Card.
- 5Attach a caste certificate or disability certificate if applying under SC/ST/OBC/PwD reservation.
- 6Appear for the JNVST exam; selected students get a free seat at their district's JNV with boarding, meals, uniforms, and books.
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Official Government Portal
The single official window for this scheme is navodaya.gov.in. Filing is free, so steer clear of touts promising guaranteed selection.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
JNV is Government of India's flagship FREE residential school scheme for talented rural children. 661 schools across India (one per district + UTs). CBSE curriculum from Class 6 to Class 12. Selection via competitive JNVST exam. 80% seats reserved for rural students. Provides free boarding, meals, uniforms, books, and education. Aim: bring quality education to rural India.