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NTA SHRESHTA NETS 2027 Registration Started; 2,400 Fully Funded Seats in Class 9 and 11; Check Eligibility and Exam Date
New Delhi: Students wishing to pursue their studies at prestigious private residential schools can take advantage of the SHRESHTA NETS 2027 entrance exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started registration for the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA). Approximately 2,400 eligible candidates will be offered seats in Class 9 and 11.
The online registration for the exam has been started on November 14, 2026. It is a scheme initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The exam has been introduced for eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and De-notified Tribes (DNT). The most important part is that the Central Government will fund the full education cost of selected candidates. Also, there is no exam fee or application fee.
SHRESHTA NETS 2027 Important Dates
Candidates and parents need to be aware of the important dates.
|
Event |
Date |
|
Official notification |
November 14, 2026 |
|
Registration begins |
November 14, 2026 |
|
Last date to apply |
November 30, 2026, up to 11:50 PM |
|
Application correction window |
December 2–4, 2026 |
|
Examination city intimation |
December 20, 2026 |
|
Admit card release |
January 3, 2027 |
|
SHRESHTA NETS 2027 examination |
January 10, 2027 |
|
Examination timing |
2 PM to 5 PM |
|
Result declaration |
To be announced |
The exam would be held in pen and paper mode. Candidates will get 3 hours to attempt the exam.
Around 2,400 Seats: Who Will Benefit from SHRESHTA 2027?
The SHRESHTA scheme aims to provide quality residential education to meritorious students belonging to eligible communities. Approximately 2,400 candidates would benefit from this scheme. There would be a total of,
- 2,160 seats for Scheduled Caste (SC) students.
- 240 seats for De-notified Tribes (DNT) who are not under the SC, ST or OBC.
The scheme provides admission in Class 9 and Class 11 at prestigious private residential schools. The Central Government will fund the full education cost of selected candidates.
SHRESHTA NETS 2027 Eligibility Criteria
Not every candidate can apply for the entrance exam. NTA has set certain eligibility criteria based on your category, academics and parents’ income. Eligible Categories: Candidates must belong to the Scheduled Caste category or eligible De-notified Tribes not under the SC, ST and OBC.
Current Class: Candidates must be studying in Class 8 or Class 10 during the 2026-27 academic year.
Income of Parents: Parents’ annual income should not be more than Rs. 2.5 Lakh.
Age Criteria:
- For Class 9 admission: Candidates must be born between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2015.
- For Class 11 admission: Candidates must be born between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2013.
Parents must check the detailed eligibility criteria mentioned in the official information bulletin.
SHRESHTA NETS 2027 Exam Pattern
The entrance exam would consist of 100 MCQs. There would be 25 questions from each subject. Each question would carry 4 marks.
|
Subject |
Questions |
Maximum marks |
|
Mathematics |
25 |
100 |
|
Science |
25 |
100 |
|
Social Science |
25 |
100 |
|
General Awareness/Knowledge |
25 |
100 |
|
Total |
100 |
400 |
The exam would be conducted in both Hindi and English. Candidates would receive 4 marks for each correct answer. There would be no negative marking. Candidates would get zero marks for incorrect or un-attempted questions.
The exam would be based on the relevant NCERT curriculum. Candidates applying for Class 9 would have to attempt questions based on Class 8 topics. Candidates applying for Class 11 would have to attempt questions based on Class 10 topics.
How to Apply for SHRESHTA NETS 2027?
Eligible candidates can apply online via the official NTA exam website.
- Visit https://exams.nta.nic.in/shreshta/
- Click on the SHRESHTA NETS 2027 link.
- Register and note down your application number.
- Login using your application number and password.
- Fill in personal, academic and category details.
- Select the class you wish to apply for and select your top four preferred exam cities.
- Upload your photograph, signature and documents in the required format.
- Carefully fill in the application and submit.
- Download the confirmation page.
There is no application fee. Candidates must only apply once. Candidates must make any required corrections during the correction window.
What Happens After SHRESHTA NETS Exam?
The entrance exam would be conducted by NTA. Results would be declared. Admission and counselling would be conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Just appearing or qualifying the exam would not guarantee admission.
Candidates and parents must check the information bulletin to ensure they apply in time. Registration closes on November 30 so candidates must apply well in advance. The official NTA website would have the latest updates regarding application.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did the application for SHRESHTA NETS 2027 began?
The online application process began on 14th November 2026. Furthermore, the official notification has also been released on the same date.
2. What is the last date for application?
The last date to fill the online application form is 30th November 2026 till 11:50 PM.
3. How many seats are available?
Approximately 2400 students will be selected (2160 SC students + 240 eligible DNT students).
4. Is it free of cost?
There is no application fee or examination fee. The scheme also provides that the Central Government will bear the entire cost of education for the selected students.
5. Who is eligible?
Students belonging to SC/ DNT category and studying in class 8th/ 10th in the academic session 2026-27 can apply for this scheme provided they fulfill the age criteria and annual income of parents.
6. What is the maximum family income?
The parents’ annual income should be up to Rs 2.5 Lakh.
7. When will the SHRESHTA NETS 2027 exam be held?
The entrance exam will be conducted on 10th January 2027 from 2 PM to 5 PM.
8. Is there any negative marking?
No. For every correct answer, 4 marks will be awarded. There will be no negative marking for wrong answers or un-attempted questions.
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