he NVS has opened the registration process for the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) 2026 for lateral entry into Class 9 and Class 11 at its network of residential schools across India. These schools — known as Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) — offer high-quality, fully residential education and are a sought-after option for many students from rural areas.
The key thing to note: the registration deadline is imminent, and interested students must act today or very soon to avoid missing out. According to the latest media reports the registration window for Classes 9 & 11 applications is slated to close today via the official portal:
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Why These Admissions Matter
JNVs are centrally-funded, co-educational residential schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and are aimed at providing quality education primarily to students from rural and under-represented areas.
Admissions via lateral entry into Classes 9 and 11 offer a chance for students who did not get into Class 6 (the usual entry point) to join at later stages.
For students aspiring for Class 9/11 at a JNV, this is a critical opportunity — the selection test (JNVST) is competitive and deadlines are strict.
Important Dates to Keep in Mind
Here are the key dates for JNVST 2026 (Class 9 & 11) registration:
Registration opened: earlier in 2025 (various portals)
Last date to register: According to multiple sources for lateral entry (Class 9 & 11) the deadline is on or around 21 October 2025.
Exam date for Class 9: Scheduled for 7 February 2026 per NVS prospectus. \
For Class 11 the test date and other details will follow in official notification.
Bottom line: If you haven’t applied yet, you must do so before the deadline — if you miss it, you’ll have to wait for the next cycle.
Eligibility Criteria (Summary)
Before you apply, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the lateral entry test into Class 9 / Class 11:
For Class 9 (Lateral Entry)
Must be studying in Class 8 in the academic year 2025-26 in a recognised school of the district where the desired JNV is located.
Date of birth: For example, for the 2026-27 session Class 9 applicants should have been born between 1 May 2011 and 31 July 2013 (inclusive) per some state-wise notices.
The applicant must belong to the same district as the JNV applied to.
For Class 11 (Lateral Entry)
Applicants must have passed Class 10 from a recognised board in the year preceding admission (or equivalent) and meet the age / other criteria as specified in the notification.
Additional subject / stream-wise eligibility may apply (check the official notification).
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Here’s the general process for registration:
Visit the official website: www.navodaya.gov.in or the designated portal link (for example, CBSE ITMS for JNV lateral entry).
On the homepage, look for the “Admissions”, “Registration” or “JNVST 2026 (Class 9 & 11) – Lateral Entry” link.
Register yourself: Provide basic details like name, date of birth, email/phone, school details etc.
Fill the application form: Upload scanned photograph (10 KB – 100 KB), signatures (student + parent) as stipulated.
Fill academic details (school, class, district, etc.), eligibility proof and other details.
Review the form carefully and submit before the deadline.
After submission, take a print-out of the confirmation page/registration number and retain it for future reference.
Important: The application is online only and you must ensure all uploads and details are correct. Missing fields or documents may lead to rejection.
What After Submission – What’s Next?
After registration, the portal may later open a correction window for minor data mistakes (dates etc) — you’ll need to check whether NVS provides for lateral entry correction.
Admit cards will be released for the test (Class 9 exam scheduled 7 Feb 2026) on the official portal.
The test will be offline (OMR-based) and typically covers subjects like Maths, Science, English, Hindi for Class 9 lateral entry.
Results will be declared and selected candidates will be called for document verification and further admission formalities.
After admission, students become full residential students of the respective JNV school.
Key Points & Tips
Don’t wait till last minute — once traffic builds up near the deadline, websites may slow down. Since the closing date is today (or very soon), act immediately.
Keep documents ready: Photo, signature, class 8/10 certificate, domicile proof, birth certificate, etc.
Check district JNV availability: You must apply to the JNV in the same district your current school belongs to (for Class 9 lateral entry).
Ensure eligibility: If you don’t meet the age, class or district criteria, application may get rejected.
Keep registration number safe: You’ll need it for further login, admit card, updates.
Prepare meantime for exam: Even while registration ends, quickly start your preparation — check sample papers, previous years’ trends for the selection test.
Check official notification and website: Always rely on the official NVS notification (prospectus) for accurate dates, criteria, paper pattern. For example there is a prospectus PDF for Class 9 lateral entry dated session 2026-27.
FAQs
Q: Is there any application fee?
A: No fee is specified for lateral entry into Class 9/11 in most notifications. However, always confirm via the official notification.
Q: Can a student from outside the district apply to a JNV in another district?
A: Generally no — for Class 9 lateral entry the student must hail from or study in the same district where the JNV is located.
Q: What is the selection test called?
A: The selection test is known as JNVST – Lateral Entry Selection Test for Classes 9/11.
Q: What if I miss the deadline today?
A: If you miss the window, you will have to wait for the next admission cycle for that class (likely the next year).
Q: Where will the examinees sit the test?
A: The test centres will typically be the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya or affiliated centres in the district; specific details will be on the admit card.
Q: Is the education at JNV fully free?
A: For most students in Classes VI-VIII via JNVs, boarding + lodging + textbooks + uniforms are free. For later classes there may be nominal contributions (e.g., Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi) for certain categories.
Conclusion
This is an important opportunity for Class 8 students (for Class 9 entry) and Class 10 pass-outs (for Class 11 entry) to join the prestigious JNV system for the 2026-27 session via the JNVST lateral entry. The clock is ticking, the registration deadline closes today or very soon, so don’t delay. Visit the official website navodaya.gov.in, fill the application form correctly, upload documents, submit before the cut-off and keep the confirmation safe. Then shift your focus to exam preparation and keep checking for updates on admit cards, test dates and further processes.
Would you like me to pull together a downloadable checklist of documents required, and also the exam syllabus & pattern for the lateral entry test?
