Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti Recruitment 2025 – Extension of Last Date for Online Applications to Class IX & XI Lateral Entry Selection Test (LEST) 2026
Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has released an important notification regarding the extension of the last date for submission of online applications for admission into Class IX and Class XI through the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LEST) for the academic session 2025–26.
According to the latest notice, students who wish to seek admission against vacant seats in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) now have additional time to register. The online application submission date has been extended up to 7th October 2025, giving aspirants a golden chance to secure a seat in one of India’s premier school systems.
About Navodaya Vidyalayas
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) are a network of residential schools established with the objective of providing quality modern education to talented students predominantly from rural areas. Operated under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), these schools are funded by the Government of India and managed by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.
Key highlights of JNVs include:
- Free education up to Class XII including boarding, lodging, uniforms, and textbooks.
- Focus on academic excellence as well as extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and cultural education.
- Special emphasis on national integration as students from diverse backgrounds study and live together.
- Availability of modern infrastructure, smart classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities.
Due to their reputation for academic excellence and holistic development, JNVs are among the most sought-after schools in India, and admission is considered highly prestigious.
Admission Through Lateral Entry Selection Test (LEST)
While the majority of admissions take place at the Class VI level through the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST), every year the NVS also conducts Lateral Entry Selection Tests (LEST) to fill vacant seats in Classes IX and XI.
For the academic session 2025–26, NVS is currently inviting applications for admission into Class IX and Class XI through LEST. The process allows students who were unable to join at Class VI level to secure admission later, provided they qualify in the selection test.
Important Dates
- Last date to apply online: Extended up to 7th October 2025
- Mode of Application: Online only
- Application Fee: No fee (completely free of cost)
- Official Links for Application:
- For Class IX LEST 2025: Apply Here
- For Class XI LEST 2025: Apply Here
Eligibility Criteria
Students seeking admission into Class IX and XI must carefully check the eligibility requirements before applying.
For Class IX LEST 2025:
- Age Limit: Candidates should be born between 1st May 2010 and 31st July 2012 (both dates inclusive). This ensures that the candidate falls within the prescribed age bracket.
- Educational Qualification: The student must be studying in Class VIII in a recognized school during the academic session 2024–25.
- Domicile: The candidate must apply for admission in the district where the JNV is located.
For Class XI LEST 2025:
- Age Limit: Candidates should be born between 1st June 2008 and 31st July 2010 (both dates inclusive).
- Educational Qualification: The student must have passed Class X during the academic session 2024–25 from a recognized school.
- Stream Availability: Admission will be offered in Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams based on the availability of seats and the student’s merit.
Selection Process
The Lateral Entry Selection Test (LEST) is the gateway to securing admission into JNVs. It is a competitive examination designed to assess the aptitude, knowledge, and reasoning ability of candidates.
Class IX LEST Exam Pattern:
- Subjects Covered: Mathematics, Science, English, and Hindi.
- Duration: 2½ hours.
- Medium of Exam: Both Hindi and English.
- Type of Questions: Objective/Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Class XI LEST Exam Pattern:
- Admission will be based on the marks obtained in Class X Board Examination.
- Merit will be prepared considering the availability of streams (Science, Commerce, Humanities) and the student’s performance.
How to Apply Online
The application process is simple and free of cost. Interested students and their parents/guardians must follow the steps below:
- Visit the official NVS admission portal.
- Click on the appropriate link for your desired class.
- Register by entering the required details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID.
- Fill in the complete application form carefully with academic and personal information.
- Upload the required documents including a recent photograph, signature, and relevant certificates.
- Submit the application form.
- Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Benefits of Studying in Navodaya Vidyalayas
Admission to JNVs is a life-changing opportunity for students, especially those from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. Some of the benefits include:
- Completely free education including boarding and lodging.
- Highly qualified and trained teachers under NVS.
- Balanced focus on academics, sports, and extracurriculars.
- Exposure to ICT-enabled learning and modern teaching methodologies.
- A chance to participate in national-level competitions and cultural exchange programs.
- Strong alumni network with successful representation in civil services, engineering, medicine, defense, and other prestigious fields.
Why the Extension Matters
The extension of the application deadline till 7th October 2025 is a significant move by NVS. Many students from remote and rural areas face difficulties in completing the online registration process due to limited access to internet facilities, lack of awareness, or delays in gathering required documents.
By extending the deadline, NVS ensures that more eligible students can take advantage of this unique opportunity to secure a seat in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and benefit from quality education without any financial burden.
Key Takeaways for Applicants
- The last date to submit the online form is 7th October 2025.
- Applications are invited free of cost.
- Admissions are available against vacant seats in Classes IX and XI.
- Selection for Class IX will be through an entrance test, while for Class XI, it will be based on Class X Board results.
- Interested candidates must apply only through the official NVS admission portal.
Conclusion
Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti has once again opened doors for deserving students to secure admission into Classes IX and XI for the academic session 2025–26. With the extension of the last date, aspirants now have an excellent opportunity to prepare their applications and submit them online before 7th October 2025.
Parents, teachers, and guardians are encouraged to spread awareness about this admission process so that talented students, especially from rural and economically weaker sections, can avail themselves of this opportunity to access free, high-quality education in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
For further details, candidates must visit the official websites and keep track of updates regarding the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LEST) 2026.
👉 Apply now and give your child the chance to grow, learn, and succeed in one of India’s finest residential school systems!
✅ Direct Application Links:
- For Class IX LEST 2025: https://cbseitms.nic.in/2025/nvsix_9/
- For Class XI LEST 2025: https://cbseitms.nic.in/2025/nvsxi_11/
