Last date for application for ‘SHRESHTA Scheme’ for meritorious Scheduled Caste students is October 30

Raipur, October 22

Applications have been invited under the Government of India’s “SHRESHTA Scheme” (Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas) with the objective of providing quality education to meritorious Scheduled Caste students in the country’s best private residential schools. The last date for application is fixed as October 30, 2025, at 5 PM. Under this scheme, 3000 new students are selected annually for admission to Class 9 and 11 through a national entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), who then complete their education up to Class 12. School allocation is done through online counseling based on merit and the students’ preferences.
This scheme, operational since 2022-23 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides an opportunity for Scheduled Caste students to gain admission in Class 9 and 11 in nationally reputed private residential schools. For this, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the “National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA” (NETS). The upcoming examination is likely to be held in December 2025.
The criteria for selecting the best private residential schools each year under the SHRESHTA scheme are: schools that have been continuously operating for a minimum of five years, have achieved a pass percentage of at least 75% or more in the Class 10 and 12 examinations for the last three years, and have the necessary and appropriate infrastructure to accommodate at least 10 additional Scheduled Caste students in Class 9 and 11.
Under this scheme, the full expenditure for tuition and hostel fees for the selected students is borne by the Government of India. Students are not required to pay any type of fee or extra charge. Additionally, there is a provision for up to 10% of the annual fee for a ‘Bridge Course’ to assist with academic adjustment.
Online applications for the scheme can be made on the NTA website. The window for application correction will be open from November 1 to 2, 2025. Detailed guidelines and public information are available at https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s388a839f2f6f1427879fc33ee4acf4f66/uploads/2025/10/202510101384621454.pdf.
The State Government has instructed all District Collectors to ensure wide publicity of this scheme through schools, websites, and social media in their districts, so that eligible students can apply in time and take advantage of this opportunity for quality education.