Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) has officially announced the entrance examination dates for the 2027-28 admission session across all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in India. Students aspiring to gain admission to Class 6 and Class 9 can now begin their preparation with clear exam schedules and registration timelines.
Overview
The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) is the national-level entrance examination conducted by NVS annually to select talented and meritorious students for admission to its residential schools spread across India. The 2027-28 cycle comprises two separate competitive exams: one for Class 6 direct admission and another for Class 9 lateral entry. Both exams are held in offline mode on OMR-based answer sheets, ensuring fair and transparent evaluation.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are premier residential schools known for their quality education, excellent infrastructure, sports facilities, and holistic development of students. Admission through JNVST ensures that talented children from rural and disadvantaged sections of society get access to world-class education.
Important Dates
| Event | Class 6 | Class 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Started | 6 July 2026 | 1 September 2026 |
| Original Registration Deadline | 31 July 2026 | 30 September 2026 |
| Extended Registration Deadline | 10 August 2026 | 22 October 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 11–12 August 2026 | 23–25 October 2026 |
| Entrance Examination | 28 November 2026 (Saturday) | 10 April 2027 (Saturday) |
| Admit Card Status | Released | Official Date Awaited |
| Result Declaration | Expected by End of March 2027 | Date to Be Announced |
Exam Schedule and Timing
| Particulars | Class 6 | Class 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Date | 28 November 2026 | 10 April 2027 |
| Day of Week | Saturday | Saturday |
| Exam Start Time | 11:30 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Exam End Time | 1:30 PM | 12:30 PM |
| Total Duration | 2 Hours | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Additional Time for Divyang Candidates | 40 Minutes | 50 Minutes |
| Answer Mode | OMR-Based Sheet | OMR-Based Sheet |
Exam Pattern and Structure
Class 6 Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Suggested Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability Test | 20 | 25 | 30 Minutes |
| Environmental Studies | 20 | 25 | 30 Minutes |
| Arithmetic Test | 20 | 25 | 30 Minutes |
| Language Test | 20 | 25 | 30 Minutes |
| Total | 80 | 100 | 120 Minutes |
Class 9 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 15 | 15 |
| Hindi | 15 | 15 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 |
| General Science | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the JNVST entrance examination, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements set by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti. For Class 6 entry, students should be studying in or have completed Class 5 from a recognized school. For Class 9 lateral entry, students must be currently studying in or have completed Class 8 from a recognized school. Detailed eligibility criteria, including age limits, residential requirements, and category-wise provisions, are available on the official website. See the official notification at navodaya.gov.in for complete eligibility details.
Minimum Qualifying Marks (Class 6)
Class 6 candidates must achieve minimum qualifying marks in each section of the entrance examination to be considered for merit-based selection:
- Mental Ability and Environmental Studies: 14 marks
- Arithmetic Test: 7 marks
- Language Test: 7 marks
Candidates failing to meet these minimum thresholds in any section will not be considered for admission, even if their total marks are high.
Selection Process
Admission to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas is based on merit as determined by the entrance examination score. The final selection follows NVS guidelines, which include provisions for reserved categories, regional quotas, girl child reservation, and other applicable criteria. Candidates with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations during the examination and in the selection process. The exact vacancy distribution, category-wise seat allocation, and other selection parameters are announced separately by NVS.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti website at navodaya.gov.in
- Locate the JNVST section or Admission portal on the homepage
- Select the appropriate class (6 or 9) and academic session (2027-28)
- Click on the online application link to open the registration form
- Create an account or log in if you already have one
- Carefully fill in your personal details including name, date of birth, gender, and contact information
- Enter your academic history and current school details
- Upload scanned documents as per requirements (typically include birth certificate, school mark sheet, photograph, and identity proof)
- Ensure all information is accurate before submission; errors may cause rejection or disqualification
- Review the filled form thoroughly and accept the terms and conditions
- Submit your application before the deadline (10 August 2026 for Class 6; 22 October 2026 for Class 9)
- Take a printout or save the confirmation receipt provided after successful submission
- Use the application receipt and credentials to access the portal for corrections during the correction window
- Download your admit card once it becomes available (Class 6 admit cards are already released; Class 9 release date pending)
Required Documents Checklist
- Date of birth certificate or equivalent proof (birth certificate, passport, or Aadhaar)
- School mark sheet or progress card from Class 4 or Class 5 (for Class 6 applicants) / Class 7 or 8 (for Class 9 applicants)
- Passport-size colour photograph (4×6 cm, typically 100 KB or less as per portal specifications)
- Scanned copy of Aadhaar card, voter ID, or any valid government-issued identity proof
- School leaving certificate or transfer certificate if changing schools
- Caste certificate (if applicable for reserved category)
Preparation Tips
Begin your exam preparation by understanding the syllabus and question pattern. Focus on strengthening fundamentals in Mental Ability, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, and Language for Class 6, or English, Hindi, Mathematics, and Science for Class 9. Solve previous years' question papers and take regular practice tests to build speed and accuracy. Time management is crucial since both exams are MCQ-based on OMR sheets. Join study groups, use authentic coaching resources, and ensure regular revision. Maintain good health and manage stress through proper sleep and physical activity during your preparation period.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the Class 6 and Class 9 entrance exam dates for 2027-28 admission?
The JNVST Class 6 entrance examination is scheduled for 28 November 2026 (Saturday) from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The Class 9 lateral entry exam is on 10 April 2027 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Both exams are conducted in offline mode on OMR-based answer sheets.
Q2: When are the registration deadlines for both classes?
For Class 6, the original registration deadline was 31 July 2026, with an extended deadline of 10 August 2026. For Class 9, the original deadline is 30 September 2026, with an extended deadline of 22 October 2026. Aspirants should apply before the extended deadline to avoid losing the opportunity.
Q3: What is the exam duration and question pattern for each class?
The Class 6 exam is 2 hours (120 minutes) with 80 questions totalling 100 marks, covering Mental Ability (20 Qs, 25 marks), Environmental Studies (20 Qs, 25 marks), Arithmetic (20 Qs, 25 marks), and Language (20 Qs, 25 marks). The Class 9 exam is 2 hours 30 minutes with 100 questions totalling 100 marks: English (15 Qs), Hindi (15 Qs), Mathematics (35 Qs), and General Science (35 Qs).
Q4: What are the minimum qualifying marks required for Class 6?
Class 6 candidates must secure at least 14 marks in Mental Ability and Environmental Studies, 7 marks in Arithmetic, and 7 marks in Language. Failing to meet the minimum in any section results in disqualification from the merit list, regardless of total marks.
Q5: Is additional time provided for candidates with disabilities?
Yes. Divyang candidates receive 40 minutes of additional time for the Class 6 exam and 50 minutes for the Class 9 exam, beyond the standard exam duration. Such candidates must self-declare their disability status during the application process and provide relevant medical certificates as per NVS guidelines.
Q6: Where can I find the official admission notification and complete details?
All official information regarding JNVST 2026-27, including the complete notification, exam syllabus, sample question papers, application guidelines, admit card links, and results, are available on the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti website at navodaya.gov.in. Candidates must verify all details from this official source before applying.
Disclaimer: All information provided on this page is for general reference only. Candidates must verify all details, dates, eligibility criteria, and procedures from the official Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti website before submitting any application.