Last updated for the JNVST 2026 cycle. Conducted by NVS (Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
What are Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas?
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) are fully residential co-educational schools under the Ministry of Education, established following the National Policy on Education 1986. There are 661+ JNVs across India — at least one in nearly every district.
JNVs offer:
- Free education — no tuition fees
- Free boarding & lodging — food, dormitory, uniforms
- Free books, stationery, uniforms
- Study Std 6 to Std 12 — CBSE curriculum
- Migration exposure — Class 9 students spend a year in a JNV of a different linguistic region (National Integration)
661+
JNVs in India
80
Seats per JNV
75%
Rural Reservation
100%
Free Education
JNVST Exam Pattern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | OMR (paper-based) at a nearby test centre |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 min) |
| Questions | 80 objective questions |
| Marks | 100 total |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Language | Hindi / English / 20 regional languages (Marathi included) |
Section-wise Breakup
| Section | Q | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 40 | 50 | 60 min |
| Arithmetic Test | 20 | 25 | 30 min |
| Language Test | 20 | 25 | 30 min |
| Total | 80 | 100 | 120 min |
Detailed Syllabus (Class 5 Level)
Section 1 — Mental Ability Test (MAT) · 40 Q · 50 marks
Non-verbal reasoning (mostly pictures/figures, no language needed):
- Odd figure out
- Figure matching
- Pattern completion
- Figure series
- Analogy (figures)
- Geometrical figure completion
- Mirror image
- Punched hole pattern
- Space visualisation
- Embedded figures
Section 2 — Arithmetic Test · 20 Q · 25 marks
Class 5-level arithmetic:
- Number system, place value, four operations
- Factors, multiples, LCM, HCF
- Fractions (addition, subtraction, comparison)
- Decimals
- Simplification (BODMAS)
- Time (clocks, calendar)
- Measurement (length, weight, capacity)
- Percentage, profit/loss (very basic)
- Areas & perimeters (simple shapes)
- Simple interest
Section 3 — Language Test · 20 Q · 25 marks
Reading comprehension test:
- 4 passages, each ~150–200 words
- 5 questions per passage
- Simple grammar, main idea, vocabulary from context
Note: Language Test is in the student's chosen medium — Hindi, English, or a regional language. Marathi is one of the options.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 9 to 13 years as on 1 May of the admission year (born between 1 May 2013 and 30 April 2017 for 2026 admission — verify official dates)
- Class: Must be studying in Class 5 in a Government/Government-aided/Recognised school in the same district where the JNV is located
- Domicile: Same district as the JNV applied for
- Prior Study: No previous JNV appearance
- Rural Reservation: 75% seats for candidates who studied Classes 3, 4, 5 in rural areas (Grama Panchayat) — 25% urban
Reservation
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| Rural | At least 75% |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| Girls | At least 33% (1/3 seats) |
| Divyang (PwD) | 3% |
Recommended Books
- NCERT Class 5 Maths & EVS
- NCERT Class 5 language book (chosen medium)
- Arihant / Bright Publications — JNVST Class 6 Guide
- Oswal Publishers — JNVST Practice Papers
- Free online mock tests
💡 MAT Focus: Since MAT carries 50 marks (half the exam) and is language-independent, focus 60% of prep time here. Practice picture-based reasoning daily.
Sample Questions
Q1. (Arithmetic) The LCM of 12 and 18 is:
A) 24
B) 30
C) 36
D) 48
B) 30
C) 36
D) 48
Answer: C — 12 = 2² × 3, 18 = 2 × 3². LCM = 2² × 3² = 36.
Q2. (Arithmetic) A shopkeeper sold a pen at ₹15 for a profit of ₹3. What was the cost price?
A) ₹10
B) ₹12
C) ₹13
D) ₹14
B) ₹12
C) ₹13
D) ₹14
Answer: B — Cost Price = Selling Price − Profit = 15 − 3 = ₹12.
Q3. (Language — Cloze) Choose the correct word: "The children are playing ___ the garden."
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) into
B) on
C) in
D) into
Answer: C — Use "in" for playing inside a defined area like a garden.
Preparation Strategy — 6-Month Plan (While in Class 5)
Months 1–2 — MAT Foundation
- Daily 20 min figure-based reasoning practice
- Odd-figure, pattern completion, series
- Use JNVST guide books with lots of figures
Months 3–4 — Arithmetic Sharpening
- Complete NCERT Class 5 Maths thoroughly
- Practice mental maths (times tables up to 25)
- Simplification / BODMAS problems
Months 5–6 — Language + Mocks
- Daily short-passage reading (any story book in Marathi/English)
- Weekly full-length JNVST mocks (80 Q in 2 hr)
- Time management — MAT can take 60 min, don't rush
⚠️ Parent Tip: Younger children need short, focused practice sessions (25 min max). Break study into 3 sessions per day. Ensure enough sleep & play time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How competitive is JNVST?
Very — over 25 lakh candidates apply for ~50,000 seats. Success rate ~2%. But focused preparation from Class 5 makes it achievable.
Q: What is the seat count per JNV?
Approximately 80 seats per JNV per year (40 boys + 40 girls). 661+ JNVs across India = ~50,000 seats total.
Q: What if my child is not in a rural school?
Only 25% seats are for urban children. Rural school students (studied Class 3, 4, 5 in rural area) have 75% reservation.
Q: Is boarding really free?
Yes — 100% free including food, uniform, books, dormitory. However, Std 9 and Std 11 students pay a monthly contribution of ₹600 (VVN — Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi) — General category only.
Q: Can I apply from Marathi-medium school?
Yes — student can take the exam in Marathi. Language paper will be in Marathi.
🚀 JNV Practice — Coming Soon!
While full JNVST papers are being prepared, students can build math & reasoning basics with our NMMS and PUP (Std 4 Scholarship) practice papers.
📖 View Std 4 & 7 Scholarship Guide 📝 Register FreeDisclaimer: Age limits, seat counts, and eligibility rules vary by year. Verify from the official NVS website at navodaya.gov.in or the JNVST portal cbseitms.nic.in/2026/nvs.