Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) 2026 — Free CBSE Residential School for Rural Students | navodaya.gov.in |
| 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 | 18 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://navodaya.gov.in |
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.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive FREE residential CBSE education (Class 6-12) + boarding + meals + uniforms + books — selected via JNVST. The scheme was launched in 1986 and is implemented by the Government of India.
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)
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Documents Required for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
How to Apply for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Online?
- 1Visit the official portal at https://navodaya.gov.in
- 2Click on Apply Now or Register button on the homepage
- 3Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify OTP
- 4Fill in the online application form with required details
- 5Upload the required documents including Aadhaar and bank passbook
- 6Review all details and submit the application
- 7Note down the application reference number for future tracking
- 8Wait for verification and approval from the concerned authority
Official Government Portal
Apply directly on the official government website. This is the only authorised portal — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on navodaya.gov.inFrequently Asked Questions — Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
Common Questions About Education Schemes
What is PM YASASVI Scholarship?+
It is a scholarship for OBC, EBC, and DNT students studying in Classes 9-12, selected through the YASASVI Entrance Test conducted by NTA.
How much scholarship amount is given?+
Students in residential schools/hostels get ₹75,000/year and day scholars in top-class schools get ₹25,000/year.
Which students are covered under PM POSHAN?+
All students studying in Classes 1 to 8 in government, government-aided schools, and Ashram Shalas. Bal Vatika pre-primary students are also included since 2021.
What nutrition standards apply to the mid-day meals?+
Meals must provide 450 Kcal energy and 12g protein for primary students (Class 1 to 5), and 700 Kcal and 20g protein for upper primary students (Class 6 to 8).
What scholarships are available on the National Scholarship Portal?+
Over 50 scholarship schemes from central ministries covering pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-cum-means scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, EBC, minorities, and differently-abled students.
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