SHRESHTA Scheme 2026 - NETS Registration, Eligibility and Application Process

SHRESHTA scheme is running under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment to give meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) students seats in top private residential schools across the country. Every year, around 3,000 students get admission in Class 9 and Class 11 under this scheme, and the government pays the full school and hostel fees, which range between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.35 lakh per student till Class 12.

National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA, known as NETS, every year to pick these students. For the 2026 cycle, NTA opened online applications in October 2025, held the exam on 21 December 2025, and released results on 3 January 2026. Counselling is now over too, with Round 4 seat allotment already announced on the official portal.

SHRESHTA NETS Application Process

Applications for SHRESHTA (NETS)-2026 closed in October 2025 and the admission cycle for this year is complete. The next cycle, NETS-2027, is expected to open around September or October 2026. Students who want to apply next year can keep an eye on the official website and follow the same steps given below when applications open.

STEP 1 - Visit the official SHRESHTA exam portal at exams.nta.nic.in/shreshta and look for the active application link once registration opens.

STEP 2 - Click on the new registration link for the SHRESHTA scheme. A login and registration page similar to the one shown below will appear.

STEP 3 - Click on "New Registration" and then on "Click Here to Proceed" on the next window. This opens the SHRESHTA registration form shown below.

STEP 4 - Fill in date of birth, mobile number, email address and other basic details to complete registration.

STEP 5 - Log back in and fill out the full application form, including preferred examination cities.

STEP 6 - Upload a recent photograph, scanned signature, SC certificate, income certificate and proof of address as asked in the form.

STEP 7 - Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

There is no application fee for SHRESHTA (NETS). Once admit cards are out, candidates need to carry them to the exam centre, since entry is not allowed without it. After the exam and result, selected students go through a counselling process on the shreshta.admissions.nic.in portal to choose schools and confirm their seats.

SHRESHTA NETS 2026 Important Dates

Eligibility for SHRESHTA Scheme

Not every student can apply for SHRESHTA. Basic eligibility conditions are simple, though, and cover most SC students studying in government or aided schools.

• Student must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category and hold a valid caste certificate.
• Student should be studying in Class 8 (for admission to Class 9) or Class 10 (for admission to Class 11) in the current academic year.
• Parental annual income should not be more than ₹2.5 lakh.
• Student should be an Indian citizen with valid proof of residence.

SHRESHTA Scheme Highlights

Documents Required for SHRESHTA NETS

Keep these documents ready before starting the application, so the form can be filled in one go without last minute trouble.

• Recent passport size photograph and scanned signature, both in the format asked in the form.
• Caste certificate proving Scheduled Caste status, issued by a competent authority.
• Income certificate showing that parental annual income is within ₹2.5 lakh.
• Valid government photo ID and proof of residence or domicile.

About SHRESHTA Scheme

Central government launched SHRESHTA on 6 December 2021, on the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Divas, to work for the socio-economic upliftment and overall development of Scheduled Castes students. The scheme gives bright SC students access to quality residential education in reputed private schools and helps reduce dropout rates between Class 9 and Class 12. Over five years, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had planned to support close to 24,800 meritorious SC students under this scheme, with a total outlay of around ₹300 crore. Students who need money support for higher studies can also check the Post-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students, which covers college level education.

FAQ's

Is SHRESHTA scheme still active in 2026?

Yes. SHRESHTA (NETS)-2026 exam, result and counselling are complete, and the next cycle is expected to open around September or October 2026.

What is the age or class limit to apply for SHRESHTA?

Students currently studying in Class 8 can apply for admission to Class 9, and those in Class 10 can apply for admission to Class 11.

Is there any fee for SHRESHTA NETS application?

No, the online application for SHRESHTA (NETS) is completely free of cost.

Where can candidates check SHRESHTA counselling and seat allotment?

Seat allotment and counselling updates are posted on shreshta.admissions.nic.in, while exam related notices stay on exams.nta.nic.in/shreshta.