SHRESHTA Scheme Mode 1 2026: Free Residential Schooling, Eligibility & How to Apply
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Quick answer
The SHRESHTA Scheme (Mode 1) offers fully funded admissions in premier CBSE private residential schools for meritorious Scheduled Caste students entering Class 9 and Class 11. It covers complete school and hostel fees up to ₹1,35,000 per year along with bridge course support. Students must qualify for the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA conducted by NTA to apply.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Up to ₹1,35,000 per year |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Level | Central Government |
| Income limit | ₹2.5 lakh |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
Introduced by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, the SHRESHTA scheme provides high-quality residential education to meritorious Scheduled Caste students from areas lacking adequate educational infrastructure. Under Mode 1, students receive admission into top CBSE-affiliated private residential schools across India. The government directly pays the school and hostel charges to the institution via the e-Anudaan portal, ensuring that parents face zero out-of-pocket educational expenses.
Benefits
- Full tuition and hostel fee coverage of ₹1,00,000 per student per annum for Class 9
- Full tuition and hostel fee coverage of ₹1,10,000 per student per annum for Class 10
- Full tuition and hostel fee coverage of ₹1,25,000 per student per annum for Class 11
- Full tuition and hostel fee coverage of ₹1,35,000 per student per annum for Class 12
- Additional grant up to 10% of annual fee for a 3-month bridge course outside school hours
- Automatic financial continuation till Class 12 upon passing previous class examinations
- Dedicated teacher counsellor support to help students settle into the residential environment
- Direct disbursement of fees to school accounts within 30 days of admission confirmation
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community
- Annual family income of parents must not exceed ₹2,50,000
- Applicant must be studying in a recognized private, government, or local body school
- Applicants for Class 9 must have passed Class 8 in the academic year immediately preceding admission
- Applicants for Class 11 must have passed Class 10 in the academic year immediately preceding admission
- Applicant must qualify in the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by NTA
Who cannot apply
- Students already receiving benefits under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme of the Department are not eligible
Documents required
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Previous Class Mark Sheet
- School Leaving Certificate or Transfer Certificate from the current school
- National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA Score Card
- Admission Confirmation letter from the allotted SHRESHTA school
How to apply
- 1Visit the official National Testing Agency portal and register for the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA.
- 2Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and upload the required caste and income certificates.
- 3Download the admit card and appear for the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA conducted across India.
- 4Check the examination results and merit rank published on the National Testing Agency portal.
- 5Log in to the web counselling portal managed by National Informatics Centre to select your preferred SHRESHTA schools.
- 6Confirm the allotted school seat online within the prescribed timeframe.
- 7Report to the assigned residential school with all original documents to complete admission formalities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the parental income limit for SHRESHTA Mode 1?+
The total parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000 per year.
Which classes can students take admission in under this scheme?+
Admissions are offered only for Class 9 and Class 11.
How much scholarship amount is provided for Class 9 students?+
A maximum scholarship of ₹1,00,000 per annum is provided for Class 9 to cover tuition and hostel fees.
Do students need to pay any school or hostel fees?+
No, schools are prohibited from charging any fees from selected students as the scholarship directly covers school and hostel costs.
How are students selected for admission to SHRESHTA schools?+
Selection is purely merit-based through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA conducted by the National Testing Agency, followed by online web counselling.
Can students under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme apply?+
No, students covered under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme of the Department are excluded from this scheme.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)