NTA opens SHRESHTA NETS 2027 registrations for 2,400 fully-funded Class 9 and 11 seats; exam on January 10

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started accepting applications for the National Entrance Test for Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA NETS) 2027. NTA will conduct SHRESHTA NETS 2027 on January 10 from 2 pm to 5 pm across 192 cities in pen-and-paper format. 

NTA, on behalf of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, accepts applications for the SHRESHTA NETS 2027 scheme to provide high-quality education to meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) and De-notified Tribes (DNT) students, both boys and girls, in reputed private residential schools. 

About 2,400 (2160 SC + 240 DNT) students will be selected for admission in Classes 9 and 11 under the scheme, with the entire cost of education funded by the Central Government.

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SHRESHTA NETS Eligibility Criteria 2027

There is no fee required for online registration in SHRESHTA NETS 2027.

• Students belonging to scheduled castes and DNTs (not covered under SCs, STs and OBCs), studying in Class 8 or 10 in the current academic year (2026-27) and
• Students’ parents’ annual income is up to Rs 2.5 lacs.
• Candidates opting for Class 9 should be born between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2015 (that is, 12 to 16 years of age as on March 31, 2027)
• Candidates opting for Class 9 should be born between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2013 (that is, 14 to 18 years of age as on March 31, 2027)

Candidates can apply for SHRESHTA NETS 2027 on the official website at exams.nta.nic.in/shreshta/ by November 30. NTA will open the facility for SHRESHTA NETS 2027 application correction between December 2 and 4. 

SHRESHTA NETS 2027 admit card will be issued on January 19, and the city slip will be made accessible on December 20. 

SHRESHTA NETS exam pattern 2027 will include 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from science, social science, and general awareness and knowledge sections, comprising 400 questions. As per the marking scheme, four marks will be awarded for every correct answer. SHRESHTA NETS syllabus 2027 is based on NCERT.