Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Full tuition and hostel fees, plus a bridge course, till Class 12 |
| Who can apply | Meritorious SC students entering Class 9 or Class 11, with parents' income up to Rs 2.5 lakh a year |
| How it is paid | Fees paid directly to the participating schools |
| Apply at | NTA website for the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- About 3,000 SC students are selected every year through NETS.
- Fees are fully covered, including tuition and hostel.
- Entry is at Class 9 or Class 11, and the student studies till Class 12.
- Parents' annual income must be up to Rs 2.5 lakh.
So what does a selected student actually get?
Selected students are admitted to good private residential schools affiliated with CBSE or State Boards.
The scheme pays the full fee for each student, covering tuition and hostel or mess charges.
The admissible fee for each class is Rs 1,00,000 in Class 9, Rs 1,10,000 in Class 10, Rs 1,25,000 in Class 11 and Rs 1,35,000 in Class 12.
Rs
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
A bridge course is also held in the school to help the student adjust. The Department covers its cost, which is about 10 per cent of the annual fee.
These amounts can change, so readers should confirm the current figures on the official site.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
The student must belong to a Scheduled Caste and come from a family with annual income up to Rs 2.5 lakh.
The student must be a meritorious candidate who qualifies in the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA.
Entry is for students moving into Class 9 or Class 11 in the selected schools.
The scheme is for all of India. It is not limited to one state.
Students who do not meet the SC category or the income limit cannot apply under this route.
Why was this scheme started, and what has changed?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched SHRESHTA in the academic year 2022 to 2023.
Its aim is to bring quality education to SC students and fill service gaps in SC-dominant areas.
Schools in the scheme must have run for at least five years and have a board pass rate above 75 per cent for three years.
Each year the test has a set date, so check the NTA site for the latest schedule.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your SC caste certificate and your income certificate ready.
Keep your Aadhaar card, the student's birth certificate, and recent passport-size photographs.
Keep your previous school marksheet and a valid mobile number and email ID.
Check the NTA website for the exact list of documents needed at the time of counselling.
How do you apply online, step by step?
Go to the NTA website and open the application link for the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA.
Create a registration with your mobile number and email, then fill in the student's details.
Upload your photograph, signature and other documents as asked, in the required size.
Pay the fee if one is charged, then submit and save the confirmation page.
How does the selection and school allotment work?
Students who qualify in NETS are called for a web-based counselling process.
Schools are allotted on the basis of merit and the preferences the student gives.
Check the official SHRESHTA portal for the result and the counselling schedule.
What if you have a problem or the school does not respond?
First, check your application status on the NTA or SHRESHTA portal.
Your school head can also help with questions on admission and fees.
Do not pay money to any agent who promises a seat. Official selection is free.
Report any suspicious offers to the NTA or the Ministry.
Frequently asked questions
Is SHRESHTA only for Delhi students?
No. It is a central scheme for SC students from all states and union territories. The selection is done through a national entrance test.
Are the fees fully paid by the scheme?
Yes, the scheme covers tuition fees and hostel or mess charges for selected students. The fees are paid directly to the schools.
Can a student apply for Class 9 and Class 11?
Yes, entry is at Class 9 or Class 11. The student then continues till Class 12 in the same school.
Is there an application fee?
The test is free to take for eligible students. Check the NTA website for any current charges and the latest rules.
What is the bridge course?
It is a short course in the school to help selected students with academics and adjust to the new environment. The Department covers its cost.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
