The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) has officially announced the exam dates for JNVST 2026 Class 6, and this year, the entrance test will be conducted in two separate phases. Many parents and students are confused about why two exams are held, which states fall under each phase, and how the schedule affects preparation.
This detailed guide explains the JNVST 2026 Class 6 Phase-1 and Phase-2 exam dates, the latest updates, eligibility criteria, important instructions, and preparation tips to help you stay ahead.
JNVST 2026 Class 6 Exam Dates (Official)
NVS has confirmed the following dates for the Class 6 entrance test:
Phase-1 Exam Date
13 December 2025 (Saturday)
Conducted for majority of states and union territories across India.
Phase-2 Exam Date
11 April 2026 (Saturday)
Held for hilly regions, extreme-weather areas, and certain North-Eastern districts.
These two dates help ensure that students appearing in regions with harsh winters or accessibility issues can write the exam safely.
Why JNVST Class 6 Is Conducted in Two Phases
NVS divides the exam into two phases due to:
- Severe winter conditions in some Himalayan and North-Eastern areas
- Logistical difficulty in December
- Transport challenges in remote mountain regions
- School closures due to snow or seasonal restrictions
This ensures fair opportunity and safe exam conditions for all students.
States & Regions Under Phase-1 (December 13, 2025)
Most states and UTs fall under the first phase. These include:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Rajasthan
- Haryana
- Punjab
- Gujarat
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- West Bengal
- Delhi
- Goa
- Odisha
- Jharkhand
- Chhattisgarh
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Puducherry
- Chandigarh
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu
- Lakshadweep
(Official PDF will include specific district mapping.)
States & Regions Under Phase-2 (April 11, 2026)
Phase-2 includes districts with extreme winter or areas that remain inaccessible in December:
- Jammu & Kashmir (selected districts)
- Ladakh
- Himachal Pradesh (snow-bound regions)
- Uttarakhand (Special Mountain regions based on NVS notification)
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Sikkim
- Tripura (certain areas)
- Assam (selected regions)
This list is based on official patterns from previous years; the final list will be updated on the NVS website.
Admit Card Release Timeline
- Phase-1 Admit Card: Expected in the last week of November 2025
- Phase-2 Admit Card: Likely in March 2026
Download from:
🔗 navodaya.gov.in
Make sure your admit card details match school records.
JNVST 2026 Exam Pattern (Class 6)
The exam is OMR-based with 100 marks:
- Mental Ability Test – 40 Questions – 50 Marks
- Arithmetic – 20 Questions – 25 Marks
- Language – 20 Questions – 25 Marks
Total Duration: 2 Hours
Mode: Offline (OMR sheet)
Mental Ability carries the highest weightage, so regular practice helps increase scores.
Preparation Strategy Based on Phase
For Phase-1 Students (Exam in December 2025)
- Focus now on mock tests
- Avoid touching new topics
- Practise at least five OMR sheets before exam day
- Solve puzzles daily for mental ability and speed
For Phase-2 Students (Exam in April 2026)
You have almost 4 extra months, use it wisely:
- Build a structured 90-day plan
- Strengthen weak topics early
- Increase mock test frequency by February
- Revise NCERT maths thoroughly
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
- Incorrect bubbling on OMR
- Rushing through questions
- Ignoring mental ability practice
- Forgetting the admit card on exam day
- Spending too long on arithmetic questions
Solution: Stay calm, read instructions carefully, and manage time with a steady pace.
Exam-Day Instructions You Must Follow
- Reach 30–45 minutes early
- Carry: admit card, school ID, pens, water bottle
- Sit at the assigned desk
- Listen to the invigilator announcements
- Keep the OMR sheet clean and unwrinkled
These simple steps help reduce avoidable errors.
The Final Note
JNVST 2026 Class 6 is a golden opportunity for students aiming for quality education in Navodaya Vidyalayas. Understanding the Phase-1 and Phase-2 exam schedules, following the right preparation strategy, and avoiding last-minute confusion can help you stay confident and perform well.
Whether your exam is in December or April, consistency and practice will guide you toward success.
FAQs
Q1. Why are there two phases for JNVST Class 6?
Some regions face severe snowfall in December, making travel and examination arrangements difficult.
Q2. When will Phase-1 and Phase-2 admit cards be released?
Phase-1: Late November 2025
Phase-2: March 2026
Q3. Are both exams the same?
Yes, the pattern, syllabus, and difficulty level remain the same.
Q4. Which section carries the maximum marks?
Mental Ability carries 50 marks and plays a major role in the overall score.
