Scheme For Residential Education For Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA): Mode 1 - SHRESHTA Schools (Best CBSE Private Residential Schools)
SC students in top CBSE private residential schools · scholarship up to ₹1.1 lakh/year · NTA exam entry
Scheduled Caste students with family income below ₹2.5 lakh per year can secure a fully-funded seat at a top CBSE private residential school for Class 9 or Class 11 through this central government scheme. Scholarships cover tuition fees and hostel charges up to ₹1,35,000 per year, with students selected through a national entrance test conducted by NTA. Register and apply through the NTA portal (nta.ac.in) when the annual notification is released.
About This Scheme
Scheduled Caste students with family income below ₹2.5 lakh per year can secure a fully-funded seat at a top CBSE private residential school for Class 9 or Class 11 through this central government scheme. Scholarships cover tuition fees and hostel charges up to ₹1,35,000 per year, with students selected through a national entrance test conducted by NTA. Register and apply through the NTA portal (nta.ac.in) when the annual notification is released.
Full official description
The scheme "Scheme For Residential Education For Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA)" was launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India from 2023-24 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to provide access to high quality education to students from Scheduled Caste communities in the best private residential schools in the country, thereby securing their future opportunities and filling the gap in service deficient Scheduled Caste dominant areas in the education sector. Under the "SHRESHTA Schools (Best CBSE Private Residential Schools)" mode, the scheme provides scholarships covering school fees including tuition fees and hostel fees including mess charges, along with bridge courses to help students adapt to the new environment. The applicant must be a Scheduled Caste student with parental income not exceeding ₹2,50,000/- per year and must qualify through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA conducted by National Testing Agency.
Benefits
- Class 9: ₹1,00,000 per year towards school fees and hostel charges
- Class 10: ₹1,10,000 per year
- Class 11: ₹1,25,000 per year
- Class 12: ₹1,35,000 per year
- Additional bridge course support up to 10% of annual fee (up to 3 months) to help students settle in
- Students admitted in Class 9 or 11 are automatically funded through to Class 12
- Dedicated school counsellor and potential connection to post-matric scholarship for higher studies
💡 Why Startups Should Care
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Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must belong to the Scheduled Caste community
- Parental income must not exceed ₹2,50,000 per year
- Must be studying in any recognised school (government, private, or local body)
- For Class 9 entry: must have passed Class 8 in the immediately preceding academic year
- For Class 11 entry: must have passed Class 10 in the immediately preceding academic year
- Must qualify the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA conducted by NTA
Exclusions
- Not available to students already covered under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme of the Department
How to Apply
- Register on the National Testing Agency portal at nta.ac.in for the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA
- Complete registration with your personal details
- Appear for the entrance exam
- If selected, choose from the list of empanelled SHRESHTA residential schools
- Submit your school selection along with required documents to the scheme authorities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum annual family income limit for students applying under this residential education program for Scheduled Caste students?
The parental income shall not exceed ₹2,50,000/- per year for eligibility under this scheme.
Which classes can students apply for admission and what are the academic prerequisites for each level in this quality education initiative?
Students can apply for admission in Class 9th after passing Class 8th in the immediately preceding academic year, or for Class 11th after passing Class 10th in the immediately preceding academic year.
How much financial assistance is provided annually for each class under this scholarship program for residential schooling?
The scholarship amounts are Class 9th: ₹1,00,000/-, Class 10th: ₹1,10,000/-, Class 11th: ₹1,25,000/-, and Class 12th: ₹1,35,000/- per student per annum covering school fee and hostel fee.
What is the selection process and testing mechanism for students seeking admission to these premier private residential institutions?
Students must qualify through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA conducted by National Testing Agency, followed by merit-based selection and web counselling for school choice.
How many seats are allocated annually across the country for fresh admissions under this educational opportunity program?
The tentative allocation provides 1500 seats in Class 9th and 1500 seats in Class 11th each year from 2023-24 to 2025-26, totaling 3000 fresh admissions annually.
Can students already receiving benefits under other scholarship schemes of the department apply for this residential education program?
Students applying under this scheme should not be covered under Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
What type of schools are recognized and selected under this initiative for providing quality education to Scheduled Caste students?
The best performing private residential schools are selected based on Central Board of Secondary Education database, schools recommended by District Authorities, and other eligible private residential schools affiliated to State or Central Boards.
What additional academic support is provided to help students adapt to the new learning environment in these institutions?
A bridge course may be conducted outside school hours covering academic topics and personality development, with funding up to 10% of annual fee for up to 3 months duration.
How long will students continue to receive financial support once they are admitted under this residential education scheme?
Students admitted in Class 9 or 11 shall automatically be funded for the next classes till they complete 12th class, subject to passing the exams of the previous class.
What are the minimum operational requirements and infrastructure standards that participating schools must maintain under this program?
Schools should have existed for at least 5 years, maintain more than 75% pass percentage in Class 10 and 12 for the last 3 years, and have adequate infrastructure for admitting at least 10 additional Scheduled Caste students.
Within what timeframe are the scholarship funds transferred directly to the selected schools after student admission confirmation?
The fee covering school fee and hostel fee would be released directly to schools by the Ministry within 30 days from the date of confirmation of admission on the Information Technology portal.
What happens if a student decides to leave the school after admission and fee payment has been made to the institution?
If any student leaves after getting admitted and payment of fee to the school, it should be brought to notice of Central Government immediately and fees paid should be refunded to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Are there any charges or fees that students need to pay directly to the schools under this residential education program?
No fee or any other charges will be charged from the beneficiary by the schools participating in this scheme as all costs are covered by the scholarship amount.
What counselling and support mechanisms are available for students to help them settle in their new residential school environment?
Schools designate one of the teachers as counsellor who would resolve difficulties faced by students and provide necessary assistance to settle down in the new environment.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Caste certificate
- Income certificate
- Previous class mark sheet
- School leaving certificate or transfer certificate from current school
- National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA score card