The Government of India has approved a new scheme named SHRESHTA to enhance the reach of development intervention and to fill the gap in service deficient dominant areas of the Scheduled Castes (SCs). The scheme is exclusively meant for the purpose of providing seats to the meritorious boys and girls from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community in the best private residential schools across the country.
The acronym ‘SHRESHTA’ stands for Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas’. Every year, it is expected to extend support to approximately 3000 students (1500 for 9th class and 1500 for 11th class tentatively) who would be selected for admission in Class 9 and Class 11 under the scheme. The SHRESHTA Education Programme (Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas) is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Under this scheme, around 3000 meritorious SC students are admitted to selected private CBSE and state board schools through a national level test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) called the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS). The selected students will be admitted to the best private residential schools across the country in the 9th and 11th grades. The entire fee for these students, including school fees and hostel fees, will be waived under this education programme.
There is a provision for a bridge course in the selected schools for students selected under the SHRESHTA Programme. The bridge course shall be conducted outside-the-school-hours after identifying the individual academic requirements. It will target at enhancing the capability of the student and help them adapt to the environment of the school. 10% of annual fee as a cost of bridge course shall be borne by the concerned Department. The progress of the students would be monitored by the Ministry of Education from time to time.
What is the SHRESHTA Education Programme?
Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESTHA) is a comprehensive education program designed to reach and help more students in the SC-dominant areas by facilitating access to high-quality education in SHRESHTA schools and select grant-in-aid institutions run by the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Voluntary Organisations (VOs).
SHRESTHA is being implemented in two modes. They are as follows:
- One is exclusively meant for facilitating admissions to SHRESHTA schools. They are the best CBSE/State Board affiliated private residential schools. Under this mode, each year a specified number of meritorious SC students in States/UTs will be selected through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS). The exam shall be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission in the best private residential schools affiliated by CBSE/State Board in Class 9th and 11th ensuring completion of education till the 12th standard.
- Second Mode is meant for facilitating admissions to Schools/Hostels (Existing Component) operated by the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)/Voluntary Organisations (VOs). Under this mode admission is facilitated in the Schools/Hostels run by NGOs/VOs and other organizations with higher classes (up to class 12) and who have been receiving Grant-in-aid. This mode will be continued, subject to satisfactory performance.
The SHRESHTA education programme has a duration of four years. It includes students pursuing their studies in Class 9 to 12. Students are prepared for the All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) at the end of Class 12.
SHRESHTA Education Programme – Objectives
- Main objective of the SHRESHTA education scheme is to impart quality education to meritorious SC students of Classes 9 and 11 in residential schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
- The government tries to reach out to the needy students through this programme. It aims at enhancing the reach of its development initiative and to fill the gap in the service-deprived Scheduled Caste dominant areas in the education sector.
- By collaborating with local voluntary organisations, the government tries to facilitate an environment of socio-economic upliftment and overall development of the SCs.
- It aims to provide the SC students access to quality education and enable them to explore future opportunities.
SHRESHTA Education Programme – Highlights
| Programme Name | SHRESHTA Education Programme |
| Name of the Provider | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Beneficiary | SC students |
| Benefits | Class 9: ₹ 1,00,000
Class 10: ₹ 1,10,000 Class 11: ₹ 1,25,000 Class 12: ₹ 1,35,000 |
| Boards and Residential Schools | CBSE and State Boards Affiliated Private Residential Schools |
| Official Website | shreshta.nta.nic.in |
SHRESHTA Education Programme – Eligibility Criteria
To be considered eligible under this education programme, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- The students must belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC) category.
- They must be studying in a recognised school, which can be a private, government, or the schools run by a local body.
- For admission to Class 9, the student must have passed Class 8 in the previous academic year.
- For admission to Class 11, the student must have passed Class 10 in the previous academic year.
- Annual income of the parents of the student should be up to ₹ 2.5 lakh.
- Caste and income certificates must be uploaded before web counselling.
- Students applying for under this scholarship programme should not be covered by the department’s Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme.
SHRESHTA Education Programme – Benefits
The SHRESHTA scheme provides the following benefits to selected students:
- Full scholarship to cover all educational expenses, including tuition, hostel, mess, and uniform charges.
SHRESHTA Scholarship (Tuition Fee and Hostel Fee)
| Class | Scholarship per student (per year) |
| Class 9 | ₹ 1,00,000 |
| Class 10 | ₹ 1,10,000 |
| Class 11 | ₹ 1,25,000 |
| Class 12 | ₹ 1,35,000 |
- Access to high-quality education in the best private residential schools in the country.
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced faculty members.
- Opportunity to interact with students from diverse backgrounds.
Important Information on the Entrance Test
- The entrance test consists of one paper with four sections. They are as follows:
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Science
- General Awareness
- The National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) will select the applicants for admission to the best private boarding schools in the country.
- The entrance exam paper for Class 9 will be based on the NCERT syllabus of Class 8, and the entrance exam paper for Class 11 will be based on the NCERT syllabus of Class 10.
- Students who have passed or are enrolled in Class 8 or 10 in the current academic year and are planning to enroll in Class 9 or 11 are eligible to apply under this program.
- The paper will be conducted in both Hindi and English languages.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- The candidates should arrive at the examination centre two hours before the onset of the entrance test. This is important with regard to announcement of instructions at the exam centre.
- Students must bring their SC certificate for verification.
- It is mandatory to carry the admit card and show it on demand.
- Students must also carry a valid photo ID to the exam centre.
- Each candidate will be assigned a seat based on their roll number. Failing to occupy the allotted seats may lead to cancellation of the candidature.
- Candidates are responsible for ensuring receipt of appropriate question papers meant for the class they have applied to.
- Providing wrong or incorrect information will lead to cancellation of the candidature.
- The candidates who fail to take their test on the scheduled date will not be allowed to give a retest.
- On the day of the exam, candidates must bring the following items:
-
- A printed copy of admit card
- Duly filled self-declaration form downloaded from the website of NTA
- A passport-size photograph
- Valid photo ID (from a list of authorized IDs)
- A blue or black ballpoint pen
Unfair Means and Other Violations
- Any candidate resorting to unfair means during the exam will be booked under UFM (Un-Fair Means) cases, and their results will not be released.
- Candidates who will be found to appear for the exam at a different centre than the one assigned to them, or allow another candidate or person to write the exam on their behalf, will have their exam results cancelled.
Instructions on SHRESHTA Scheme’s Scores
- NTA will publish the scores on its official website.
- Once the scores are published, they will not be rechecked or revalued.
- NTA will not respond to any requests for revaluation or rechecking.
SHRESHTA – Exam Pattern
| Subjects | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
| Mathematics | 30 | 120 |
| General Awareness/Knowledge | 25 | 100 |
| Social Science | 25 | 100 |
| Science | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Note:- Correct answers will be awarded 4 marks. Incorrect or unanswered questions will not receive any score.
Online Application – Important Instructions
- Applicants must read all the instructions carefully in the information bulletin.
- Students can apply only through the online mode.
- Applicants must choose four cities of their preference.
- Examination centres will be assigned to the applicants in the order of preference of the cities.
- Examination centres will be assigned by the computer, and there will be no human intervention.
- Once a choice is made, it cannot be changed under any circumstances.
- One applicant can submit only one application form.
SHRESHTA Education Programme – How to Apply?
Interested students can apply for the SHRESHTA Education Programme online on the website of the National Testing Agency (NTA). The application process usually begins in the month of August and ends in September.
Detailed application process is as under:
- Applicants should visit the official website of the SHRESHTA Education Programme.
- They should click on the available option ‘Registration for SHRESHTA’ under ‘CANDIDATE ACTIVITY’ section.
- Applicants should click on the ‘New Registration’ tab on the new page.
- They should read the information carefully on the instruction page and tick the checkbox at the end of the page.
- Applicants need to click on the available option ‘Click Here to Proceed’.
- Applicants must provide the information required in application form.
- After having reviewed the information, the applicants should click on the option ‘Submit’.
- After completion of the process of submission, applicants should log in again by entering the application number, password and security pin.
- They need to update the following details in the application form:
- Contact Number
- Personal Details
- Aadhaar Number
- Information on Exam and Examination Centre
- Qualification
- A candidate must upload all the required documents
- Applicants finally need to click on the option ‘Submit’.
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Residence Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Ration Card
- Birth Certificate
- Passport Size Photograph
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
SHRESHTA Scheme – Instruction on Admit Card
- NTA will issue a temporary admit card to the candidates on its website.
- Applicants must download this admit card.
- Candidates may only appear at the examination centre assigned to them on their admit card.
- If a candidate is unable to download their admit card from the website, they may seek help on the available helpline number 011407590000 between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
- All candidates must read and follow the instructions provided on their admit card carefully.
- If there is any discrepancy found in the candidate’s personal information, photograph, or signature on the admit card or confirmation page, the candidate should contact the NTA helpline immediately.
- No duplicate admit cards will be issued at the examination centre.
- Candidates are not permitted to make any changes to their admit card.
- They must keep their admit card in good condition for future reference.
- Issuing an admit card does not guarantee eligibility.
- Eligibility will be verified at the later stages of the admission process.
Also Read : Scholarships for Rural Students in India – Pathways to Success
SHRESHTA Education Programme – Selection Process
- Students are selected for the SHRESHTA Education Programme through a National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS). The NETS is a computer-based assessment test on the knowledge and skills of the candidates in the following disciplines:
- Mathematics
- Science
- English
- General Awareness
- Students who qualify the NETS, will be shortlisted for admission to CBSE-affiliated schools.
- Under this scheme, scholarships will be disbursed directly to the schools that admit the shortlisted candidates.
- Only residential schools affiliated with CBSE up to class 12 that have been in operation for at least five years with a pass percentage of at least 75% students in Class 10 and 12 in the last three years are eligible under this scheme.
Process to Check SHRESHTA Counselling Schedule
- Applicants are advised to visit the official website of SHRESHTA.
- They should click on ‘Counselling Schedule’ under ‘CANDIDATE ACTIVITY’ section.
- The schedule will be displayed on the screen.
SHRESHTA (NETS) – Process to Check Score Card
- Candidates are advised to visit the official website of SHRESHTA.
- Following after they should click on the option ‘Scorecard for SHRESHTA (NETS)’ available on the homepage.
- Candidates should enter the application number, date of birth, and security pin on the homepage.
- Applicants should finally click on the option ‘Submit’.
Important Links
Official Notification of SHRESHTA Education Programme
SHRESHTA Counselling Eligibility
Seat Allotment Result for SHRESHTA 2023
Official Notification of SHRESHTA (NETS) 2023
SHRESHTA Education Programme – Contact Details
For any queries or grievances, students can contact SHRESHTA on the following official address.
Address: NSIC-MDBP Building,
First Floor, Okhla Industrial Estate
New Delhi-110020
E-mail ID: shreshta@nta.ac.in
Contact Number: 011-69227700, 011-40759000
SHRESHTA Education Programme – FAQs
Who is eligible for SHRESHTA scheme?
Students from Scheduled Caste (SC) community who are pursuing their studies in Class 9 to 12 are eligible to apply under this SHRESTHA education scheme. The scheme covers the entire fee for each student, including school fees (tuition fees) and hostel fees (mess charges). Approximately 3000 SC students with parents’ annual income up to ₹ 2.5 lakh are selected annually based on the merit.
Is the SHRESHTA Education Programme designed to cater SC students or does it cover students from other disadvantaged groups as well?
The SHRESHTA Education Programme is exclusively dedicated to Scheduled Caste (SC) students. It aims to provide fair and inclusive education to SC students and help them overcome the educational disparity with regard to other social groups.
Who selects the eligible schools for the SHRESHTA scheme?
A selection committee led by the Joint Secretary (in charge of the program), a representative from the Ministry of Education, and the Director of the Internal Finance Division in the Ministry finalizes the selection of SHRESTHA schools at the beginning of each year.
What is the selection process for the SHRESHTA Education Programme?
The selection process for the SHRESHTA Education Programme is based on the marks obtained in Class 8 or Class 10 including the income of the parents 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 education programme?
This is mandatory for students to qualify the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) to avail the benefits. Students are admitted to SHRESHTA schools based on their performance in the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS), a nationwide merit test. The selected students will be offered admission in SHRESHTA school of their choice.
What are the targeted areas under the SHRESHTA Education Programme?
The SHRESHTA Education Programme targets districts with a high concentration of SC population and low educational attainment levels. The Indian government identifies these districts based on the various factors, such as the SC population, literacy rate, and dropout rate.
What if I am not selected for the SHRESHTA Education Programme?
Students who are not selected under the SHRESHTA Education Programme can apply again in the following year. They can also try to get admission to other government or private residential schools.