Exam guide for parents
JNV Entrance (JNVST) Guide
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) are free, fully residential CBSE schools run by the Government of India β free education, boarding, food and uniforms. Entry is through the JNV Selection Test (JNVST).
Who can apply?
- Class 6 entry: the main gate β students studying in Class 5 in the same district as the JNV
- Class 9 lateral entry: limited seats for students in Class 8
- At least 75% seats are for rural-area students; forms are free, apply on the official NVS website (usually JuneβSeptember)
JNVST pattern (Class 6 entry)
- Mental Ability Test: 40 questions, 50 marks β patterns, figures, series (the section that decides selection)
- Arithmetic: 20 questions, 25 marks β Class 5 level
- Language: 20 questions, 25 marks β reading comprehension
- 2 hours, OMR sheet, available in Hindi and other regional languages, no negative marking
Check the current-year NVS prospectus for exact dates and any pattern changes.
How to prepare
Mental ability is a skill, not a school subject β daily 20 minutes of figure-series practice for 3β4 months beats any crash course. Arithmetic must be quick and error-free at Class 5 NCERT level. Practice with OMR-style timed mocks so the exam format feels familiar.
Start here
1οΈβ£ Free worksheets and mock PDF
2οΈβ£ Online mock tests β 10 full-length timed papers per class
3οΈβ£ Ask us how to plan the JNVST year
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JNVST paper solved β every question explainedDon’t prepare alone
Free worksheets and a printable full-length mock for this exam Β· confirmed dates posted in our parents’ WhatsApp group Β· honest advice on whether your child is ready.