SHRESHTA NETS 2026 Application Form, Eligibility, Details

SHRESHTA (NETS) 2026, the National Entrance Test for the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas, is a vital initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the National Testing Agency (NTA). The SHRESHTA (NETS) 2026 will be conducted for admissions in classes 9th and 11th only for SC candidates whose parental annual income is upto Rs. 2.5 lacs.

SHRESHTA NETS 2026 Objective

The Government has approved a Scheme named SHRESHTA (Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas) for the purpose of providing seats for the meritorious SC boys and girls in the best private residential schools in the country. Every year, it is expected that about 3000 students will be selected for admission in Class 9 and Class 11 under the scheme.

The objective of the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA) is as follows:

• To enhance the reach of the development initiative of the government.
• To fill the gap in service-deprived Scheduled Castes (SCs) dominant areas in the sector of education by collaborating with voluntary organizations.
• To provide an environment for socio-economic upliftment and overall development of the Scheduled Castes (SCs).
• To provide access to high-quality education to bright Scheduled Caste (SC) students so that they can secure future opportunities.

SHRESHTA NETS 2026 Overview

SHRESHTA (NETS) 2026 Important Dates

SHRESHTA NETS 2026 Eligibility Details

The Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) students with access to high-quality education in top-tier private residential schools across the country. Under this scheme, approximately 3,000 students are selected annually for admission into Classes 9 and 11 through a competitive entrance examination known as the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS). The SHRESHTA 2026 program continues this tradition, offering fully funded educational opportunities to deserving SC students.

• Only SC (Scheduled Caste) students eligible

• Must be Indian nationals

SHRESHTA NETS 2026 Selection Process

1. Entrance Examination: Candidates must appear for the SHRESHTA NETS 2026.

2. Result Declaration: Results will be announced within 4–6 weeks after the exam.

3. Counseling: Qualified candidates will undergo centralized counseling for school allotment.

4. Admission: Final admission will be based on merit and availability of seats.

Application Fee

• No application fee for any category (application is fully free)

How to Apply

1. Visit exams.nta.nic.in/shreshta.

2. Click on SHRESHTA NETS 2026 Online Application Form.

3. Register, create password, and note the application number.

4. Log in and fill the detailed form.

5. Upload photograph, signature, SC certificate, and income certificate.

6. Review all details and submit.

7. Download & print the confirmation page for future reference.

8. Edit/correct via online correction window (Nov 1–2, 2025).

Official Links

Exam Pattern for SHRESHTA 2026 (NETS)

• Total Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)

• Marking Scheme: +4 for each correct answer

• Negative Marking: None