Applications for Class 9 and Class 11 lateral entry in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) are now open for the 2027-28 session. The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) has invited students across India to apply for the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LEST) 2027.
The last date to apply is 30 September 2026. If your child is eligible, this is the right time to complete the form. Here is everything you need to know, explained in simple words.
Navodaya Admission 2027: Key Dates
Both classes will have the same exam date.
| Event | Details |
| Application start date | 2 September 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 30 September 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Selection exam date (Class 9 and 11) | 10 April 2027 |
| Result | Expected in May or June 2027 |
| Application fee | Nil (free) |
Admission is offered only against vacant seats, so seat numbers can differ from one JNV to another.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility for Class 9 and 11
Class 9 Eligibility
- The student must be studying in Class 8 in a government school during 2026-27.
- The student must belong to the same district where the JNV is located.
- The date of birth must fall between 1 May 2012 and 31 July 2014.
- The district of residence and the district of the Class 7 school must be the same.
Class 11 Eligibility
- The student must be an Indian citizen studying in Class 10 during 2026-27.
- The school must be recognised by the government and can be located anywhere in India.
- The date of birth must fall between 1 June 2010 and 31 July 2012.
Exam Pattern and Selection Process
The Class 9 test will be held at the JNV of the concerned district. It is a 2 hour 30 minute paper, and students with special needs will get extra time. The question paper comes in Hindi and English.
Questions will be asked from Mathematics, General Science, English and Hindi. There is no negative marking, so students can attempt every question without fear.
Class 11 admission also depends on vacant seats and this same test date. The result is expected in May or June 2027.
Stream Choices in Class 11
Selected students can choose a stream based on their interest and earlier marks. The options include:
- Science (Medical and Non-Medical)
- Commerce
- Humanities or Arts
- Vocational
Fees and Facilities
Applying for the test costs nothing. Once admitted, education, hostel, food, uniform and books are provided free of cost at JNVs, which are affiliated to the CBSE board.
However, students of Classes 9 to 12 pay ₹600 per month towards the Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi (VVN). This amount is waived for SC and ST students, girl students, Divyang students and children from BPL families.
How to Apply for Navodaya Admission 2027
Follow these simple steps to fill the form online:
- Visit the official Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti website or the NVS admission portal.
- Complete the One-Time Registration.
- Open the LEST 2027 link for Class 9 or Class 11.
- Fill in personal, academic and district details.
- Upload the photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Check every detail carefully and submit the form.
- Save the registration number and a copy of the application.
Keep every detail matching your school records to avoid problems later.
Why Choose a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya?
JNVs are residential schools run in 27 states and 8 Union Territories, and Tamil Nadu is the only state without one. They offer quality CBSE education to talented children at almost no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. I have missed the deadline. Can I still apply?
The official last date is 30 September 2026. NVS has extended the date in some earlier years, but nobody should depend on it. Please apply now and check the official website for any notice.
2. My school and home are in different districts. Can I apply for Class 9?
No. For Class 9, the district of residence and the district of the Class 7 school must be the same. Check this rule before you apply.
3. Some websites are asking for money to fill the form. What should I do?
Do not pay. There is no application fee for this test. Use only the official NVS portals and avoid agents or unknown websites.
4. My child studies in a private school in Class 10. Can he or she apply for Class 11?
Yes, if the school is recognised by the government and the age limit is met. The student must be an Indian citizen and must be studying in Class 10 in 2026-27.
