Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2026 – Last Date Extended for Class 9 and 11 Lateral Entry
What is JNVST & Lateral Entry
JNVST means Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test. It is an exam held by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS).
The test is for students who wish to join Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs).
Lateral entry means students entering directly into Class 9 or Class 11, instead of starting in lower classes.
What’s New for Admission 2026
The last date to apply for Class 9 and Class 11 lateral entry admissions has been extended. You now can apply till October 7, 2025.
Before this extension, the deadline was earlier. Now students have more time.
Important Dates You Should Know
These are the key dates for JNVST Admission 2026 for Class 9 and 11 lateral entry:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application start date (Class 9 & 11 lateral) | July 30, 2025 |
| Original last date to apply | September 23, 2025 |
| Extended last date to apply | October 7, 2025 |
| Exam date for the selection test | February 7, 2026 |
| Result declaration (expected) | Around May-June 2026 |
Who Can Apply — Eligibility Criteria
Here are what students need to meet to apply for Class 9 and 11 lateral entry:
You should be studying in Class 8 (for Class 9 lateral entry) or Class 10 (for Class 11 lateral entry) in the current academic year in a government or government-recognized school in the same district where you want admission.
You should be a resident of the district where the JNV is located.
For Class 9, there is an age limit: your date of birth should fall between May 1, 2011 and July 31, 2013 inclusive.
If you have already passed Class 8 (for Class 9 lateral) or Class 10 (for Class 11 lateral) in a previous year, you are not eligible.
How to Apply — Steps You Should Follow
If you want to apply, here are the steps:
Visit the official website or portal for JNVST lateral entry: cbseitms.rcil.gov.in.
Find the link for “Application Form for JNVST Class 9 / 11 Lateral Entry 2026-27”.
Fill in the form carefully. You will need personal details, school details, date of birth, etc.
Check that you meet eligibility. Provide required documents (birth certificate, proof of current class, residence certificate etc.).
Submit the application form before October 7, 2025.
Keep a copy of the completed application, and note down the registration/application number or acknowledgement.
Exam Pattern & Selection Process
Here is how the test and selection work:
The selection test will be held on February 7, 2026, for both Class 9 and 11 lateral entry.
Duration of the exam is 2 hours 30 minutes.
For Class 11 lateral entry, the merit will be based on marks in different subjects depending on which stream (Science, Commerce, Humanities, Vocational) you choose. There are minimum qualifying marks in each subject as per the norms.
After the exam, selected students will be announced around May-June 2026.
Where to Find Official Information
Make sure you check only official sources to avoid wrong info. Useful links:
NVS (Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti) official site, especially the Admission Notifications page.
The application portal: cbseitms.rcil.gov.in.
What to Be Careful About
Don’t miss the deadline. Even though it’s been extended, October 7 is final. Late applications may not be accepted.
Fill all information correctly. Errors in date of birth, school name, class, district, etc., can cause rejection.
Keep all necessary documents ready (birth proof, school proof, residence etc.). Sometimes uploading wrong file types or sizes delays or rejects applications.
Read instructions carefully for the exam date, exam centre, what to bring on exam day.
Why This Extension Matters
The extra time till October 7 helps students who may not have been able to apply earlier due to missing documents, lack of awareness, or other issues. This extension gives more opportunity. It reduces last-minute rush. It lets more eligible students prepare their applications properly.
Final Thoughts
If you are thinking of applying for JNVST 2026 under the lateral entry for Classes 9 or 11:
Check that you meet all eligibility (class, age, residence).
Fill the form before October 7, 2025.
Use the official site, keep proof of submission.
Prepare for the exam in February 2026.
If you like, I can prepare a reminder calendar or checklist so you don’t miss any dates. Do you want me to send that?