NTA opens SHRESHTA NETs 2026 registration; 3,000 SC students to get fully-funded seats in Classes 9, 11

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started the registration process for the National Entrance Test for Scheme for Residential Education for Students in Higher Classes in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA (NETS) 2026). The scheme is aimed at providing high-quality residential education to meritorious SC students in CBSE-affiliated schools.

Under the SHRESHTA scheme, the central government will bear all expenses of around 3,000 students in Classes 9 and 11. The online application process began today and will remain open until October 30. Students will be given an opportunity to edit the submitted form between November 1 and 2.

The SHRESHTA NETS exam will be conducted in December. The entrance exam will be held in multiple-choice format in pen-and-paper mode. Students will be given 3 hours to attempt the questions. The medium of the question paper will be bilingual – English and Hindi.

The results of the exam will be declared within 4 to 6 weeks, the NTA said.

SHRESHTA Scheme: Eligibility criteria

Admission will be strictly merit-based. To be eligible for the central government’s fully-funded residential education, students should meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Students belonging to scheduled castes (SC), studying in Class 8 and Class 10 in the current academic year (2025-26).
• Parent’s annual income should be up to Rs 2.5 lakh.
• Students opting for Class 9 should be born between April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2014, and should be 12 to 16 years of age as on March 31, 2026
• Students opting for Class 11 should be born between April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2012, and should be 18 to 14 years of age as on March 31, 2026.

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SHRESHTA NETS: Exam pattern

The exam comprises one paper having four sections – mathematics, science, social science, and general knowledge. The question paper will be based on NCERT syllabus of Class 8 and Class 10.