In a momentous stride towards the advancement of education and the promotion of socio-economic prosperity among Scheduled Castes (SCs), the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has ushered in the ”Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas’ (SHRESHTA)”.
If you are a Scheduled Caste student who is interested in applying for the Shreshta Scheme, We encourage you to please visit the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA) for more information.
Shreshta Scheme
The Shreshta Scheme, or the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas, is a government of India initiative launched in 2023 to provide quality education and opportunity to meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) students.
The scheme aims to bridge the gap in service-deprived SC-dominant areas in the sector of education and create a conducive environment for the socio-economic upliftment and comprehensive development of SC students.
National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS)
Under the Shreshta Scheme, every year, about 3000 students are selected for admission in Class 9 and Class 11 in the best private residential schools in the country.
The selection is based on a National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS), which is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The students will then be admitted to the best private residential schools affiliated with CBSE/State Boards for their education from the 9th to the 12th standard.
Selection of these schools is based on their exemplary performance, with schools boasting over a 75 per cent pass rate for classes 10 and 12 over the past three years being chosen by a selection committee for the admission of selected students.
Selection Process
Approximately 3,000 SC students, with parents whose annual income falls within the 2.5 lakh limit, will be chosen each year through a national-level test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
These students will be provided with a range of school choices based on their merit. Notably, the scheme covers all fees for each student, including both school fees (tuition fees) and hostel fees (mess charges).
The specified admissible fees for each class are as follows:
- 9th Class: ₹ 1,00,000;
- 10th Class: ₹ 1,10,000;
- 11th Class: ₹ 1,25,000;
- 12th Class: ₹ 1,35,000.
Shreshta Scheme benefits to selected students
- Free admission and tuition fees in the best private residential schools in the country
- Free boarding and lodging
- Free transportation to and from school
- Free books, uniforms, and other educational materials
- Mentorship and support from experienced teachers and staff
The Shreshta Scheme has been widely welcomed by the SC community and education experts. It is seen as a significant step towards improving the educational outcomes of SC students and enabling them to reach their full potential.
Conclusion
The Shreshta Scheme is a valuable opportunity for meritorious SC students to pursue quality education in the best private residential schools in the country.
The scheme has the potential to transform the lives of SC students and help them achieve their educational and career goals.