Are you aiming for quality, affordable education in a premier residential school? The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) has officially released the prospectus for Class IX Lateral Entry Admission 2026-27. This is an excellent opportunity for talented students, especially from rural India, to secure admission into Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) – institutions known for modern education, cultural values, and holistic development.
In this article, we provide a detailed guide on eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, important dates, and application process for Navodaya Class IX admissions.
About Navodaya Vidyalayas
Established under the National Policy on Education (1986), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are co-educational, fully residential schools run by the Government of India. Currently, there are 653 functional JNVs across 27 states and 8 Union Territories.
Key Features:
- Free education, boarding, uniforms, and textbooks.
- Nominal fee of ₹600/month (VVN Fund) for Classes IX–XII (exemptions for SC/ST, Divyang, girl students, and BPL families).
- Affiliation with CBSE.
- Three-language formula with English as the medium for Science & Math from Class IX.
- Migration Scheme: 30% of Class IX students spend one academic year in a different linguistic region, promoting national integration.
Important Dates for Class IX Admission 2026
- Last Date for Registration: 23rd September 2025
- Selection Test Date: 7th February 2026
- Result Announcement: On NVS application portal & JNV websites
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Class 9th Lateral Entry Selection Test (LEST) JNV:
✅ Must be a bonafide resident of the district where admission is sought.
✅ Must be studying in Class VIII during the academic year 2025-26 in a Govt./Govt.-recognized school of the same district.
✅ Date of Birth should fall between 1st May 2011 and 31st July 2013 (both inclusive).
✅ Only Indian Nationals are eligible.
Not Eligible: Students who have already passed Class VIII earlier, or studied in a different district than their residence.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The Selection Test will be held on 7th February 2026 in the respective JNV or other allotted centres.
Exam Highlights:
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Type: Objective (OMR-based)
- Medium: Hindi/English
- Subjects & Marks Distribution:
Subject Questions Marks English 15 15 Hindi 15 15 Mathematics 35 35 General Science 35 35 Total 100 100
✅ Merit List Basis: Mathematics + Science + higher score of either English or Hindi.
✅ No negative marking.
Syllabus Overview (based on Class VIII):
- Mathematics: Rational Numbers, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Probability, Data Handling.
- Science: Crop Production, Microorganisms, Force & Pressure, Sound, Light, Reproduction, Conservation of Plants & Animals.
- English & Hindi: Grammar, comprehension, sentence structure, tenses, reported speech, vocabulary.
Complete syllabus for JNV class 9th entrance exam: JNV Class 9 Entrance Syllabus PDF Download
Reservation Policy
- SC/ST/OBC/Divyang seats reserved as per Govt. of India norms.
- Rural quota available for students studying in rural schools.
How to Apply Online?
- Visit the official website: www.navodaya.gov.in.
- Register and fill in details (State, District, Aadhaar, Class VIII study details, APAAR ID, etc.).
- Upload scanned copies of:
- Candidate’s photo
- Candidate’s & Parent’s signatures
- Submit the form before 23rd September 2025.
- Download Admit Card when available.
Documents Required at Admission
- Birth certificate
- Residence proof (same district)
- Class VIII study certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Transfer Certificate from parent school (after admission confirmation)
Why Choose Navodaya Vidyalayas?
- High-quality education at zero/nominal cost
- Exposure to diverse cultures through the migration scheme
- Strong academic foundation with CBSE affiliation
- All-round development via sports, arts, values, and adventure activities
For thousands of students from rural India, JNVs open the doors to academic excellence, cultural integration, and leadership opportunities.
Final Words
The Navodaya Class IX Admission 2026 is more than just an entrance test – it’s a gateway to holistic education and a bright future. Parents and students must prepare early, understand the exam pattern, and submit the online form on time.
Apply before 23rd September 2025 to avoid last-minute issues.
For detailed information and application, visit the official site: www.navodaya.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Navodaya Vidyalaya Class IX Admission 2026
Q1. What is the last date to apply for Navodaya Vidyalaya Class IX Admission 2026?
The last date for submitting the online application form is 23rd September 2025.
Q2. When will the JNV Class IX Entrance Exam 2026 be conducted?
The Lateral Entry Selection Test (LEST) will be held on 7th February 2026.
Q3. Who is eligible to apply for Navodaya Vidyalaya Class 9 admission?
Students studying in Class VIII (2025-26) in a Govt./Govt.-recognized school of the same district, with DOB between 1st May 2011 and 31st July 2013, are eligible.
Q4. Is there any application fee for Navodaya Class IX admission?
No. The application is completely free of cost.
Q5. What is the exam pattern of JNV Class IX LEST 2026?
The test will be objective type with 100 questions from English, Hindi, Mathematics, and Science, lasting 2.5 hours.
Q6. Where can I download the JNV Class 9 admit card 2026?
Admit cards will be available on the official NVS website (navodaya.gov.in) before the exam.
Q7. Is there any reservation in Navodaya Vidyalaya admissions?
Yes, seats are reserved for SC/ST/OBC/Divyang candidates as per Govt. norms. A rural quota is also applicable.
Q8. Do students have to pay any fee after admission?
Education is free, but students of Class IX–XII contribute ₹600 per month (VVN Fund). Exemptions apply for SC/ST, BPL, Divyang, and all girl students.
Q9. What documents are required at the time of admission?
- Birth certificate
- Residence certificate (district proof)
- Class VIII study certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Caste/Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Transfer certificate (post-admission confirmation)
Q10. How to apply online for Navodaya Class 9 admission 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official website www.navodaya.gov.in by filling in details, uploading documents, and submitting the form before the deadline.