The Navodaya Vidyalaya System is a unique experiment unparalleled in the annals of school education in India and elsewhere. Its significance lies in the selection of talented rural children as the target group and the attempt to provide them with quality education comparable to the best in a residential school system. such children are found in all sections of society, and in all areas including the most - backward. But, so far, good quality education has been available only to well-to-do sections of society, and the poor have been left out. It was felt that children with special talent or aptitude should be provided opportunities to proceed at a faster pace, by making good quality education available to them, irrespective of their capacity to pay for it.

These talented children otherwise would have been deprived of quality modern education traditionally available only in the urban areas. Such education would enable students from rural areas to compete with their urban counterparts on an equal footing. The National Policy on Education-1986 envisaged the setting up of residential schools, to be called Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas that would bring out the best of rural talent.

      SALIENT FEATURES

JNVST: Entrance on the basis of Merit

Navodaya Vidyalayas draw their student strength from talented children, selected on the basis of a the merit test, called the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test, designed, developed and conducted by NCERT initially and now, by the CSSE. The test is held annually on All India basis and at block and district levels. It is objective, class neutral and is so designed as to ensure that rural children are not ­at disadvantage.

Admissions in Jawahar Novodaya Vidyalayas primarily for children from the rural areas, with provision of 75% seats for rural children. Seats are reserved for children from the SC and ST communities in proportion to their population in the district but not less than the national average. 1/3 of the seats are for girl students. 3% of the seats are for disabled children.

Co-educational Residential Schools with Free Education

Navodaya Vidyalayas offer free education to talented children from Class-VI to XII. Navodaya Vidyalayas are affiliated to the CBSE. Entry to a Navodaya Vidyalaya is in Class-VI only. Each Navodaya Vidyalaya is a co­educational residential institution providing free boarding and lodging, expenses on uniforms, text books, stationery, to and from rail and bus fare. However, a nominal fee @ Rs. 200/= per month is charged from students of Class IX to XII. The students belonging to SC, ST, categories, girls disabled students and children of the families below poverty line are exempted from this fee.

Adherence to Three Language Formula

The Regional Language is generally the medium of instruction from Class-VI to VIII and from class l-XI onwards, it is English for Science and Mathematics and Hindi for Humanities subjects.

Promotion of National Integration

Navodaya Vidyalayas aim at inculcating values of national integration through migration scheme though which the inter regional exchange of students between Hindi and Non-Hindi speaking States and Vice-versa takes place for one academic year. Efforts are made to promote better Understanding of the unity in diversity and cultural heritage through various activities.

Location of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas

Navodaya Vidyalayas are located in rural areas across the country. The State Govt. is to offer cost free land and rent free temporary buildings for the setting up of a Navodaya Vidyalaya. .