Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA
scheme) — What It Is, Role and Objectives, How To Apply?
What is Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in Targeted Areas: SHRESHTA Scheme
The Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in Targeted Areas or SHRESHTA
urges young and meritorious boys and girls from Scheduled Caste in the country’s best residential
schools, promising a brighter future. At least 3,000 students are selected for admission every year
for classes IX and XI.
According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that implemented the scheme, a total
of 2,564 students were admitted to at least 142 private residential schools that were affiliated by the
CBSE and state boards for the academic session for the year 2023-2024. The department reimbursed
the school fee to the amount of ₹30.55 crores.
The Objective of Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in Targeted Areas: SHRESHTA Scheme
Among the many objectives the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in
Targeted Areas serves, primarily, it serves the purpose of creating initiatives focusing on overall
development of students from underprivileged backgrounds, especially the SC community, and to
bridge the gaps in education.
The scheme aims to create high quality education accessible across the
country to students from SC community which benefits them into exploring different opportunities
for their future.
The scheme also creates an environment for them to be uplifted socio-economically. The scheme is
implemented at two levels — first being school level implementation, the other where NGOs
operate schools and hostels, that function in grant-in-aid.
Looking to register for a Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in Targeted Areas?
For a student to apply for the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in
Targeted Areas, they have to apply online for a test that is conducted by the National Testing
Agency.
The NET is conducted for admission in class IX and XI specifically for students from the SC
community.
The scheme aims to uplift students whose parental annual income is upto ₹2.5 lakhs.
Only students who have passed or are appearing in class VIII and X are allowed to take the test for
the scheme.
To apply, one needs to go to the National Testing Agency’s website at
https://exams.nta.ac.in/SHRESHTA/ , http://shreshta.ntaonline.in/ and then, apply for NETS. NETS
is conducted in pen and paper mode.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria The Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in Targeted Areas Exam?
For a student to apply for the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in
Targeted Areas, one has to be a candidate from the SC community, their parent’s annual income
should be up to ₹2.5 lakhs. The student should either be studying in class VIII or X at a school that is
recognised. The students should have secured a minimum of 55% marks (or an equivalent grade) in
the exam for previous class.
For the application form, the student needs to register and fill out complete details with the choice
of examination centre. The students should be ready with a scanned photograph and a signature,
along with the student’s category certificate or undertaking, and the income certificate.
About The Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in Targeted Areas Exam:
The medium of the question paper is in Hindi and English languages and the NCERT syllabus of
classes VIII and X is specified for admission in classes IX and XI respectively.
The exam is divided into 100 questions , with 30 questions for mathematics, 20 for science, 25 for social science and 25 for general awareness, with each student securing 4 marks for a correct answer, and no marks for incorrect answer.
The exam is 180 minutes long and the results are declared within 4 to 6 weeks
after the exam.
The e-admit card for NETS is issued provisionally to the candidates through NTA’s website. The e-
admit card permits the entry of students at the examination centre as per the mentioned date and
time.
