Navodaya Vidyalaya JNVST Class 6 2026: Syllabus, Paper Mapping, Tips & Schedule
Overview
The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) is the entry point for Class 6 admission into the prestigious residential Navodaya schools across India. This exam provides an opportunity for deserving rural and urban students to access world-class, CBSE-affiliated education, free of cost.
Fast Facts:
- Exam Date: Phase 1 – December 13, 2025; Phase 2 – April 11, 2026
- Total Questions: 80
- Total Marks: 100
- Negative Marking: None
- Cutoff (Expected): General: 72-78, OBC: 68-75, SC: 60-66, ST: 55-62
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | June 1, 2025 |
| Online Application Start | June 1, 2025 |
| Last Date for Application | August 27, 2025 |
| Phase 1 Exam (Summer Bound) | December 13, 2025 |
| Phase 2 Exam (Winter Bound) | April 11, 2026 |
| Result Announcement (Tentative) | January & May 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
- Currently studying in Class 5 (session 2025–26) in a recognized school.
- Date of birth between 1 May 2014 and 31 July 2016 (both inclusive).
- Candidates from both rural and urban backgrounds can apply, but rural quota is available.
- 1/3 seats reserved for girls. Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled as per Government norms.
- Applicants must not have appeared for JNVST in previous years.
How to Apply
- Visit navodaya.gov.in or cbseitms.rcil.gov.in/nvs.
- Go to ‘Class 6 Admission 2026–27’ and register.
- Fill the online form, upload documents (photo, signature, certificates).
- Submit application. No fee required.
- Download/print the application for your records.
JNVST Exam Pattern & Syllabus to Paper Mapping
| Section | Topic | Approx. #Questions | Approx. Marks | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability | Odd Man Out | 4 | 5.0 | Moderate-High |
| Figure Matching | 4 | 5.0 | Moderate-High | |
| Analogy | 4 | 5.0 | Moderate-High | |
| Pattern Completion | 4 | 5.0 | Moderate-High | |
| Figure Series | 4 | 5.0 | Moderate-High | |
| Geometrical Figure Completion | 4 | 5.0 | Moderate-High | |
| Mirror Imaging | 4 | 5.0 | Moderate-High | |
| Punched Hole | 4 | 5.0 | Moderate-High | |
| Space Visualization | 4 | 5.0 | Moderate-High | |
| Embedded Figures | 4 | 5.0 | Moderate-High | |
| Arithmetic | Number and Numeric System | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate |
| Operations | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate | |
| Fractions | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate | |
| Factors & Multiples | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate | |
| LCM & HCF | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate | |
| Decimals | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate | |
| Measurement | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate | |
| Percentage | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate | |
| Profit and Loss | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate | |
| Simple Interest | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate | |
| Perimeter, Area, Volume | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate | |
| Word Problems | 1 | 2.1 | Moderate | |
| Language | Comprehension | 5 | 6.2 | Easy-Moderate |
| Grammar | 5 | 6.2 | Easy-Moderate | |
| Vocabulary | 5 | 6.2 | Easy-Moderate | |
| Sentence Formation | 5 | 6.2 | Easy-Moderate |
Why this mapping matters: Understanding topic-wise questions and marks helps you focus on high-weightage, challenging areas. It enables smart revision, not just rote repetition.
Section-Wise Time Management
| Section | Recommended Time (min) | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability | 60 | Solve easy ones, then return to the tough ones; don’t get stuck |
| Arithmetic | 30 | Practice calculations, recall formulas, work out on margins |
| Language | 30 | Do comprehension first, then grammar/vocabulary, use direct info |
Why it matters: Time discipline assures you finish the paper, attempt all questions and avoid careless mistakes.
Recommended Books for JNVST 2026
- Navodaya JNVST Class 6 Entrance Exam Guide – Arihant
- Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Practice Workbook – Kiran
- JNV Class 6 Entrance Solved Papers – Prabhat
- NCERT Class 5 Books (for basics)
Why these matter: Good books provide the right practice sets and model papers designed along actual exam lines, boosting confidence.
Preparation Tips
- Make a study plan splitting all topics across months/weeks. Block time for strong and weak areas equally.
- Use flowcharts to revise formulae and solving process for mental ability and arithmetic.
- Solve at least 1–2 model papers weekly on OMR sheets. Review and revisit topics where mistakes are frequent.
- Discuss difficult topics with teachers, parents or via educational videos/sites (including jaganinfo.in).
- Don’t leave revision or full-length mock tests for the last week. Start early!
Why it matters: Systematic, practice-oriented study prevents last-minute stress and ensures syllabus coverage.
Exam Context, Difficulty & Best Fit
- The JNVST is moderately tough for a well-prepared Class 5 student, with most questions based on logic and concepts rather than memorization.
- The exam tests: reasoning, calculation speed, comprehension and application skills. Mental Ability is the most critical scoring section.
- This paper is best for students who are self-motivated, have covered their basics, and are aiming for Navodaya’s high-quality learning environment.
Revision Timeline Infographic (List Format)
- June–July 2025: Registration and detailed syllabus reading
- August–September 2025: Focus on Arithmetic basics; mental ability introduction
- October 2025: Intensive Mental Ability/Logical Reasoning
- November 2025: Mock exams every weekend & rapid revision
- December 2025: First phase of exam or continued preparation for phase 2
- April 2026: Phase 2 exam (if applicable)
FAQs
- Is there an application fee? No, registration is free.
- Are previous year papers available? Yes, visit jaganinfo.in for free downloads and video solutions.
- What about negative marking? There is no negative marking in JNVST.