The SHRESHTA scheme is aimed at improving the government’s development efforts and address the lack of services in areas where Scheduled Castes (SCs) students reside.This includes education, with help from grant-funded organizations (run by NGOs) and residential high schools providing quality education.
The NTA will be holding the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) the selection of 3000 students from classes 9 and 11 (1500 students from each grade).
Key dates
The NTA has already initiated the application process. Candidates can apply till April 6, 2024. Here’s a list of important dates-
Who is eligible to apply?
Students can apply for the SHRESHTA Scheme if they meet the following criteria:
- Caste criteria: Belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
- Grade criteria: Currently studying in Class 8th or 10th in a recognized school.
- Academic performance: Must have secured a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade) in the previous Class exam.
- Entrance test: Qualify the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
What are the benefits of SHRESHTA scheme?
The selected students will be admitted to the best private residential schools affiliated to CBSE 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.
In addition, students selected for the SHRESHTA Programme can take a bridge course in the selected schools. The bridge course will be held outside of school hours after the individual academic requirements have been identified. It will aim to improve the student’s ability to adapt to the school environment. The concerned Department will bear 10% of the annual fee for the bridge course.
Direct link to apply
Candidates can use this direct link to reach the website and register themselves as per the instructions given. Candidates must note that there is no application fee for the online registration process.
Examination pattern
The SHRESHTA (NETS) – 2024 exam pattern includes four sections, each with its own set of questions and marks. The sections are Mathematics (30 questions worth 120 marks), Science (20 questions worth 80 marks), Social Science (25 questions worth 100 marks), and General Awareness/Knowledge (25 questions worth 100 marks), for a total of 100 questions and 400 marks. Furthermore, the examination will be administered in a bilingual format, allowing candidates to respond in either Hindi or English.
For more details candidates can check the official information bulletin here.