SHRESHTA Scheme: Admission for Meritorious SC Students in Private Residential Schools in Class 9 and 11, Latest NETS Cycle
Every year the SHRESHTA scheme admits about 3,000 meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) students to selected residential schools in Class 9 and 11, and the government bears the eligible school and hostel costs. Selection is through the NTA entrance test NETS, and there is no application fee.
Scheme at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | SHRESHTA: Residential Education Scheme for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas |
| Started | 2021-22 (revised framework) |
| Beneficiaries | Meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) students |
| Entry Class | Class 9 and Class 11 |
| Seats | About 3,000 a year |
| Support | ₹1 lakh to ₹1.35 lakh per student per year by class, through the school |
| Nodal Department | Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India |
| Exam and Application | NTA's NETS, online, no application fee |
Latest Status
- Applications for NETS-2026 opened in October 2025 and ran into November 2025, the exam was held on 21 December 2025 and the result was declared on 3 January 2026. Counselling was held in several rounds.
- We have not found a confirmed notice for the next cycle (NETS-2027). The last cycle began in October, so keep watching the NTA Shreshta portal for a new notice around now.
- The exam is in Hindi and English, in pen-and-paper (OMR) mode.
- Actual support is paid to the school as per the eligible fees and costs. It is not a cash scholarship paid directly into the student's account.
Maximum Yearly Support
| Class | Maximum Yearly Support |
|---|---|
| Class 9 | Up to ₹1,00,000 |
| Class 10 | Up to ₹1,10,000 |
| Class 11 | Up to ₹1,25,000 |
| Class 12 | Up to ₹1,35,000 |
Support can include eligible school and hostel costs such as tuition and mess. A bridge course may also be given to help adjust to the new setting.
Who Is Eligible
- A student of the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- Passed Class 8 last year for Class 9, or Class 10 for Class 11.
- Parents'/guardian's annual income not above ₹2.50 lakh.
- Not already receiving the pre-matric scholarship for the same purpose.
- The age and date-of-birth limits are given in each year's NETS notice.
NETS Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 120 |
| Science | 20 | 80 |
| Social Science | 25 | 100 |
| General Awareness/Knowledge | 25 | 100 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
4 marks for each correct answer, no negative marking. Time 3 hours. Questions follow NCERT Class 8 level for Class 9 and NCERT Class 10 level for Class 11.
Documents Required
- Recent passport-size photo, signature and left thumb impression of the student
- Valid Scheduled Caste (SC) certificate
- Income certificate within the ₹2.50 lakh limit
- Education record and an ID accepted by NTA (Aadhaar is not mandatory)
Application and Selection
- Check the new NETS notice on the NTA Shreshta portal and fill in the online application.
- Upload the photo, signature, thumb impression, SC and income certificates in the prescribed format.
- Download the admit card and take the exam.
- After the result, register for counselling on the Shreshta admissions portal.
- Fill in the participating schools in order of choice and lock them.
- The seat depends on merit, choice and available seats. Report to the school in time and complete admission.
Important Government Links
Helpline and Contact
NTA Helpdesk011-40759000
011-69227700
011-69227700
Emailshreshta@nta.ac.in
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an application fee for SHRESHTA?
- No. There is no application fee for NETS.
Which classes are admitted?
- Class 9 and Class 11.
Does the money come into the student's account?
- No. Support is given through the school for eligible costs.
Important Notes
- Rules, dates and amounts can change. Check an official source before deciding.
- Emitrawala.com is not a government website. This page is for information only.
- Do not pay money or share OTPs in the name of this scheme.
Need Help?
For help with forms, documents or any government service, contact Emitrawala.com. Our team will assist you.
