SHRESHTA NETS 2026 Eligibility: Who Can Apply for Class 9 & 11?
Who Can Apply for SHRESHTA NETS 2026? Let’s Break Down the Eligibility.
Hey there! If you’re a student looking at the SHRESHTA NETS scheme, you’re probably excited about the chance to study in a great residential school. But first, you need to answer one big question: “Am I even eligible to apply?”
It’s super important to get this right. You don’t want to spend time preparing for an exam only to find out you can’t take it. So, let’s walk through the eligibility criteria for the 2026 exams in the simplest way possible. We’ll look at the rules for Class 9 and Class 11 separately.
Think of this as a checklist. Go through it point by point to see if you qualify.
The Most Important Rule: The Caste Category
This is the fundamental criteria for the scheme. The SHRESHTA scheme is specifically for students who belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
You will need a valid SC certificate issued by a competent authority. This is non-negotiable. When you apply, you’ll have to upload a copy of this certificate. So, make sure you have it ready.
Eligibility for Admission to Class 9
If you’re currently in Class 8 and aiming to get into Class 9 through this scheme, here’s what you need to know.
| Criteria | What You Need |
| Caste | Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. |
| Age Limit | You should be between 13 and 16 years old as on March 31, 2026. This is a key one, so check your age carefully. |
| Current Class | You must be studying in Class 8 at the time of applying. |
| Educational Qualification | You must have passed Class 8 from a recognized school before joining Class 9. |
A quick note on the age limit: If you’re a little outside this range, there might be some relaxation, but that’s entirely at the discretion of the authorities. It’s always best to check the official notification when it comes out for the exact rules.
Eligibility for Admission to Class 11
For those of you finishing Class 10 and looking to join Class 11, the criteria are a bit different, especially because you get to choose a stream.
| Criteria | What You Need |
| Caste | Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. |
| Age Limit | You should be between 16 and 18 years old as on March 31, 2026. |
| Current Class | You must be studying in Class 10 at the time of applying. |
| Educational Qualification | You must have passed Class 10 from a recognized board (like CBSE, State Board, etc.) before joining Class 11. |
| Minimum Marks | You generally need to have scored at least 50% marks in your Class 10 board exams. Some years, the requirement is a simple “pass,” but aiming for 50% or above is a safe benchmark. |
A crucial point for Class 11: The stream you can choose—like Science, Commerce, or Humanities—depends on what the partnered residential schools offer and what you scored in your relevant subjects in Class 10. For example, a school might require a certain score in Science and Math for you to take the Science stream.
What About Family Income?
This is a common question. For the SHRESHTA NETS scheme, your family’s annual income is not an eligibility criteria. The scheme is open to all SC students who meet the age and educational requirements, regardless of their parents’ income.
However, the scheme does give priority to certain students within the eligible pool. Students from these backgrounds often get preference:
- Parents who are manual scavengers
- Families involved in waste picking
- Transgender students
- Children who have lost one or both parents
- Students from low-income families (like those with an annual income below a certain threshold, even though income isn’t a strict barrier)
So, while income isn’t a barrier to apply, it can help you get a seat if you fall into one of these priority groups.
Important Dates to Keep in Mind for 2026
Since the exam is for 2026, the official dates aren’t out yet. But based on past years, you can expect the process to follow this general timeline. This will help you plan your year.
| Event | Tentative Timeline for 2026 |
| Official Notification Release | January – February 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | January – February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February – March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| NETS Exam Date | April – May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | May – June 2026 |
| Counselling Process | June – July 2026 |
Where to Find the Final, Official Information?
This guide gives you a solid understanding, but rules can sometimes change. For the final word, you must check the official sources. When the 2026 notification is released, it will be available on these websites:
- National Testing Agency (NTA): https://www.nta.ac.in (They usually conduct the exam)
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment: https://socialjustice.gov.in (This is the ministry that runs the scheme)
Before you start your application, always download the official information brochure from one of these sites. It will have the complete and final eligibility criteria.
A Quick Recap and Next Steps
So, to sum it all up, to be eligible for SHRESHTA NETS 2026, you need to be an SC student within the right age bracket, currently studying in Class 8 (for Class 9) or Class 10 (for Class 11).
If you meet these criteria, that’s fantastic! You’ve cleared the first hurdle. Your next step is to start thinking about the NETS entrance exam. The preparation for that is a separate journey, but knowing you’re eligible is the best motivation to begin.
Get your documents—like your SC certificate and age proof—in order. Keep an eye on the official websites around the end of 2025 or early 2026 for that all-important notification.
This is an amazing opportunity. If you’re eligible, go for it with all your energy. Good luck