What is the Navodaya Vidyalaya Entrance Exam 2026?
The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) is a national-level entrance exam for students seeking admission to Class 6 in Navodaya Vidyalayas. These schools are run by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The exam for the 2026–27 academic year is expected to take place in early 2026.
Navodaya schools offer free education, boarding, books, and uniforms, making them a dream school for many students in rural areas.
Eligibility Criteria for JNVST 2026
To appear for the Navodaya Entrance Exam for Class 6 in 2026:
- The student must be studying in Class 5 during the 2025–26 session.
- The student should be born between May 1, 2014, and July 31, 2016 (dates may vary slightly based on official notification).
- The student must have studied and passed Class 5 from a recognized school in the same district where admission is sought.
Exam Pattern for Navodaya Vidyalaya Entrance Exam 2026
Mental Ability Test - 40 - 50
Arithmetic - 20 - 25
Language - 20 - 25
Total - 80 - 100 - 2 hrs
- All questions are multiple choice.
- There is no negative marking.
- The paper is available in multiple regional languages.
Syllabus for JNVST 2026 (Class 6)
1. Mental Ability:
- Figure Matching
- Odd-Man Out
- Pattern Completion
- Figure Series
- Embedded Figures
2. Arithmetic:
- Number System
- LCM and HCF
- Time & Distance
- Simplification
- Fractions and Decimals
3. Language Test:
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar Questions
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Sentence Correction
How to Apply for Navodaya Exam 2026?
- Visit the official website: navodaya.gov.in
- Click on JNVST Class 6 Admission 2026 link
- Fill in your child’s details and upload required documents
- Submit the form and download the confirmation
- Wait for the Navodaya Admit Card 2026 to be released
Note: The application process is completely free.
Important Dates (Tentative for 2026)
Notification Release - September 2025
Registration Starts - October 2025
Last Date to Apply - December 2025
Admit Card Release - January 2026
Exam Date - February 2026
Result Announcement - April 2026
How to Prepare for Navodaya Vidyalaya Exam 2026?
- Daily Practice: Solve questions from each subject every day.
- Mock Tests: Take weekly mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Use Previous Papers: Refer to past 5 years’ JNVST papers.
- Focus on Basics: Understand basic concepts in Maths, Grammar, and Reasoning.
- Practice with NCERT Class 5 Books.
Benefits of Studying in Navodaya Vidyalaya
- Free Education from Class 6 to 12
- CBSE Curriculum
- Hostel, food, books & uniforms provided
- Smart classrooms and digital learning
- All-round development with sports, arts & leadership programs
Final Thoughts
The Navodaya Vidyalaya Entrance Exam 2026 is a golden opportunity for deserving students to access top-quality education absolutely free. With regular practice and a clear strategy, any student can crack the JNVST. Start preparing today and make your dream school a reality!
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FAQs
Q1. Is the Navodaya Entrance Exam 2026 free of cost?
Yes, there is no fee to register or appear in the JNVST exam.
Q2. Can urban students apply for JNVST 2026?
Yes, but 75% of seats are reserved for rural students.
Q3. How many Navodaya schools are there in India?
There are over 650 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across India.
Q4. Is there any coaching required for JNVST 2026?
Self-study using NCERT books and practice papers is usually enough.
Q5. What happens after I clear the exam?
You will be called for document verification and school allotment.