The SHRESHTA 2025 is a national scholarship scheme for meritorious Scheduled Caste students. Under this scheme, students are offered admission to top private CBSE residential schools in Class 9 and 11. Selected students receive a full scholarship that covers school fees and hostel expenses. The scheme promotes quality education and social empowerment.
SHRESHTA Important Date 2025
The registration for the academic year 2025-26 has been closed and the exam date has been announced. Mention below is the complete timeline for SHRESHTA 2025.
SHRESHTA Application Timeline 2025
| Events | Dates |
| Application Start Date | October 10, 2025 |
| Application End Date | October 30, 2025 |
| Correction Window | November 1, 2025 to November 2, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced later on the website |
| Examination Date | December 21, 2025 |
| Declaration of Result | Within 04 to 06 weeks after exam |
SHRESHTA Eligibility Criteria 2025
Here’s a detailed list of the eligibility criteria for the SHRESHTA 2025. Students who meet the eligibility criteria are considered eligible for this program.
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
- The applicant must be studying in recognized schools (Private, government or local body schools).
- The annual income of the applicant’s parents must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per year.
- Applicants seeking admission in Class 9 must have passed Class 8 in the academic year immediately preceding the year of admission.
- Applicants seeking admission in Class 11 must have passed Class 10 in the academic year immediately preceding the year of admission.
- The applicant must qualify in the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
SHRESHTA Application Process 2025
The application process of the scheme is completely online. Here is the step-by-step guide to apply for the SHRESHTA 2025.
Step 1: Register on the official website https://www.nta.ac.in/, submitting personal details and required documents.
Step 2: Take the NETS examination to determine merit for admission eligibility.
Step 3: Verify qualification status and merit position on the NTA portal.
Step 4: Visit the NIC counselling system to select preferred schools.
Step 5: Confirm the allotted school within the given deadline.
Step 6: Report to the assigned school and complete the necessary procedures (including settling into the hostel).
Step 7: Attend the school’s bridge course to improve academically.
SHRESHTA Selection Process 2025
The selection of students is purely merit-based and handled entirely by the National Testing Agency.
- Applicants will be selected strictly based on marks obtained in the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS).
- Qualified applicants get school options through a web counselling system.
- Applicants may participate in multiple rounds of web counselling to ensure all available seats are successfully filled.
SHRESHTA Benefits 2025
The SHRESHTA offers comprehensive financial and academic support to facilitate quality residential education for selected students.
1. Covers school fees including tuition, hostel and mess charges.
2. Annual fee limits:
- Class 9: ₹1,00,000 per student
- Class 10: ₹1,10,000 per student
- Class 11: ₹1,25,000 per student
- Class 12: ₹1,35,000 per student
3. Bridge courses support up to 10% of the annual fee for a maximum of 3 months.
Important Conditions:
- Students must pass previous class exams to continue funding.
- Students must remain enrolled in the allotted SHRESHTA school.
- If a student leaves, the school must inform the Central Government and refund the fee to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Documents Required for SHRESHTA
To apply for SHRESHTA Education Programme, students need to submit the following documents:
- Caste certificate
- Income certificate
- Previous class mark sheet
- School leaving certificate or transfer certificate from current school
- National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA score card
- Admission confirmation from selected SHRESHTA school
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seats are available in SHRESHTA?
The scheme aims to select around 3,000 meritorious SC students annually for admission into Class 9 and Class 11.
Which subjects are tested in the NETS examination?
The NETS examination covers mathematics, science, social science, and general awareness or mental ability. There are a total of 100 questions, including 30 from mathematics, 20 from science, and 25 from social science and general awareness.
What is the duration and timing of the SHRESHTA exam?
The examination is a 3-hour test conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Students must report on time to avoid any inconvenience.
What is the selection process for the SHRESHTA Education Programme?
The selection process is based on marks obtained in Class 8 or Class 10, parents’ income, and performance in the SHRESHTA Entrance Test.
Is it mandatory for students to qualify the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) to avail the benefits under the SHRESHTA?
Yes, qualifying the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) is mandatory. Students are admitted to SHRESHTA schools based on their performance in this nationwide merit test and are offered admission to a SHRESHTA school of their choice.
What are the targeted areas under the SHRESHTA Education Programme?
The programme targets districts with a high concentration of SC population and low educational attainment. These districts are identified based on factors such as SC population, literacy rate, and dropout rate.
What are the documents required to apply for the SHRESHTA?
Required documents include the applicant's photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, SC category certificate, and income certificate of the parents or guardian.


