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JNV Selection Test (Navodaya, Class 6 and 9)

Evidence status: 🟢 official. Every number and detail below is verified against the official Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) portal.

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) are co-educational residential schools across India (except Tamil Nadu) administered by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India. Education, boarding, and lodging are free. The selection tests admit students to Class 6 (main entry) and Class 9 (lateral entry against vacant seats).

At a glance
Conducted by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (Ministry of Education, Govt. of India)
Entry classes Class 6 (Main Entry) and Class 9 (Lateral Entry)
Mode Offline pen-and-paper OMR-based test
Negative marking None (no negative marking for incorrect answers in Class 6 or Class 9 tests)
Class 6 Test Pattern 80 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours (Mental Ability: 40 Qs / 50 marks; Arithmetic: 20 Qs / 25 marks; Language: 20 Qs / 25 marks)
Class 9 Test Pattern 100 questions, 100 marks, 2½ hours (English: 15 Qs / 15 marks; Hindi: 15 Qs / 15 marks; Mathematics: 35 Qs / 35 marks; General Science: 35 Qs / 35 marks)
Class 6 Eligibility Bonafide resident students studying Class 5 in a recognized school in the same district
Class 9 Eligibility Bonafide resident students studying Class 8 in a recognized school in the same district; DOB between 1st May 2012 and 31st July 2014 (for session 2027-28)
Reservation Minimum 75% seats for rural candidates; SC/ST proportionate to district population; 27% OBC; 1/3 seats reserved for girls

Official sources

  • Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti official portal: https://navodaya.gov.in
  • Note: The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti does not publish an official archive of previous-year question papers on its website.

Exam pattern

1. Class 6 Selection Test (Main Entry)

A single test booklet comprising 80 objective-type multiple-choice questions carrying 100 marks, conducted in 2 hours (120 minutes) on an OMR sheet. Each correct answer carries 1.25 marks; there is no negative marking.

Section Questions Marks Duration
Section 1: Mental Ability Test (MAT) 40 50 60 minutes
Section 2: Arithmetic Test 20 25 30 minutes
Section 3: Language Test 20 25 30 minutes
Total 80 100 2 hours

Note: Differently-abled (Divyang) candidates are allowed 40 additional minutes.

2. Class 9 Selection Test (Lateral Entry - LEST)

Objective-type test comprising 100 questions carrying 100 marks, conducted in 2½ hours (150 minutes) without a break. The question paper is based on the Class VIII syllabus. There is no negative marking.

Subject Questions Marks
English 15 15
Hindi 15 15
Mathematics 35 35
General Science 35 35
Total 100 100

Merit List Criteria: Candidates must score minimum qualifying marks in all four subjects as per NVS criteria. The final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in three subjects: Mathematics + Science + One of the two languages in which the candidate scored higher marks.

Syllabus

Class 6 Syllabus

  • Mental Ability Test (MAT): Non-verbal reasoning across 10 topics: Odd-Man Out, Figure Matching, Pattern Completion, Figure Series Completion, Analogy, Geometrical Figure Completion, Mirror Imaging, Punched Hole Pattern (Folding/Unfolding), Space Visualization, and Embedded Figure.
  • Arithmetic Test: Number system, four fundamental operations, factors and multiples, decimals, fractions, measurement of length/mass/capacity/time/money, simplification, profit and loss, perimeter and area, types of angles, and data interpretation (bar charts/line graphs).
  • Language Test: Reading comprehension based on 4 passages with 5 multiple-choice questions each (testing factual comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar).

Class 9 Syllabus (Class VIII Level)

  • Mathematics: Rational numbers, linear equations in one variable, understanding quadrilaterals, data handling, squares and square roots, cubes and cube roots, comparing quantities, algebraic expressions and identities, mensuration, exponents and powers, direct and inverse proportions, factorisation, and introduction to graphs.
  • General Science: Crop production and management, microorganisms, synthetic fibres and plastics, materials (metals and non-metals), coal and petroleum, combustion and flame, conservation of plants and animals, cell structure, reproduction in animals, adolescence, force and pressure, friction, sound, chemical effects of electric current, some natural phenomena, and light.
  • English & Hindi: Comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, spellings, tense forms, sentence structure, etc., at Class 8 level.

Free resources

How to prepare (free, in order)

  1. Master Mathematics & Science: Mathematics and Science constitute the bulk of marks across both Class 6 and Class 9 tests (Arithmetic in Class 6; Mathematics and General Science in Class 9). Complete NCERT textbooks thoroughly.
  2. Daily Reasoning / Mental Ability Practice: Non-verbal reasoning in Class 6 (MAT) and Intelligence/Reasoning requires daily practice across standard pattern archetypes.
  3. Language & Comprehension: Read narrative and informational passages daily and practice grammar exercises.
  4. Previous Years' Papers: Solve official JNVST sample papers and previous year papers under timed OMR conditions (remembering there is no negative marking).