Preparing for Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2026? If you or your child is aiming to study in one of India’s most reputed residential schools, this guide will give you all the updated details you need. From eligibility to the exam process, everything about JNVST 2026 for Class 6 and Class 9 is covered here.

What is Navodaya Vidyalaya?

Navodaya Vidyalayas are special schools run by the Government of India to provide quality education to talented children, especially those from rural areas. These schools are fully residential, meaning students live and study on the campus. They follow the CBSE curriculum and give equal importance to academics, sports, and cultural activities.

The best part is that the education, hostel, and food facilities are almost free. Parents only need to pay a very small fee, and even that is waived for students from families below the poverty line.

Currently, there are 650+ JNVs across India, and admission is done strictly through an entrance test called JNVST (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test).

Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2026 for Class 6

Eligibility Criteria

• Date of Birth: Students must be born between 1 May 2014 and 31 July 2016 (both dates inclusive).
  
• Education Requirement: The student should be studying in Class 5 during the academic session 2025-26 in a recognized school.
  
• Rural Quota: Students from rural regions are guaranteed at least 75% of the seats.

Exam Pattern for Class 6

• Duration: 2 Hours
  
• Mode: OMR-based offline test
  
• Sections:
  
  1. Mental Ability Test (50 Qs) – 50 Marks
     
  2. Arithmetic Test (25 Qs) – 25 Marks
     
  3. Language Test (25 Qs) – 25 Marks
     
• Total Marks: 100
  

Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2026 for Class 9

Eligibility Criteria

• Date of Birth: Students must be born between 1 May 2011 and 31 July 2013 (both dates inclusive).
  
• Education Requirement: The student must be studying in Class 8 during the session 2025-26 in a recognized school.
  
• Admission Type: Lateral entry through Class 9 Lateral Entry Test (LEST).
  

Exam Pattern for Class 9

• Duration: 2.5 Hours
  
• Sections:
  
  1. English (15 Qs) – 15 Marks
     
  2. Hindi (15 Qs) – 15 Marks
     
  3. Mathematics (35 Qs) – 35 Marks
     
  4. Science (35 Qs) – 35 Marks
     
• Total Marks: 100
  

How to Apply for JNV Admission 2026

1. Visit the official website: navodaya.gov.in
   
2. Click on the admission section for Class 6 or Class 9.
   
3. Fill in the details carefully and upload the required documents:
   
   • Date of Birth Certificate
     
   • Photograph & Signature of the student
     
   • Residential proof
     
   • School certificate of the current class
     
4. Submit the form and keep the acknowledgment slip safe.
   

👉 Note: There is no application fee for JNV admission.

Important Dates for Navodaya Admission 2026 (Tentative)

• Application Form Release: September 2025
  
• Last Date to Apply: November 2025
  
• Admit Card Release: January 2026
  
• Exam Date:
  
  • Class 6: April 2026
    
  • Class 9: February 2026
    
• Result Announcement: Within 6–8 weeks of the exam
  

(Exact dates will be updated once officially announced by NVS.)

4 Reasons to Choose Navodaya Vidyalaya?

• High-quality CBSE curriculum with experienced teachers
  
• Fully residential setup with modern hostels, labs, and libraries
  
• Strong alumni network of IAS officers, defence personnel, doctors, engineers, and scholars
  
• Minimal expenses – funded by the Government of India
  

5 Tips to Prepare for JNVST 2026

1. Start early with NCERT Class 5 (for Class 6 admission) and Class 8 (for Class 9 admission).
   
2. Practice previous years’ papers to understand exam style.
   
3. Use mock tests and sample papers to manage time effectively.
   
4. Revise Mental Ability, Arithmetic, and Language thoroughly for Class 6.
   
5. For Class 9, focus more on Maths and Science, as they carry maximum weightage.
   

The Final Note 

Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2026 is a golden opportunity for students aiming for quality education with discipline and holistic development. If your child is eligible, start preparation early, make a timetable, and focus on mock practice.

FAQs on Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2026

Q1. Is there any fee for applying to Navodaya Vidyalaya?
A: No, the application process is free for all students.

Q2. Can students from urban areas apply?
A: Yes, but 75% seats are reserved for rural students.

Q3. Which syllabus should I follow for JNVST 2026?
A: NCERT books of the previous class (Class 5 for Class 6 admission and Class 8 for Class 9 admission).

Q4. Is the exam conducted in regional languages?
A: Yes, the exam is available in 21 Indian languages, including Hindi, English, and regional mediums.