In a significant move to bridge educational disparities and uplift students from Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, the Delhi Government has officially commenced the application process for the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA). This initiative is designed to provide meritorious SC students access to quality education in top private residential schools across the city, ensuring a nurturing academic environment and support for holistic development.

The scheme is being implemented in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA), which will conduct the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) for selecting eligible students. Aspiring candidates can submit their applications through the NTA’s official website. As per a circular issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), the last date for submitting applications is May 5, 2025, and the entrance test is scheduled for June 1, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM.

SHRESHTA is a flagship scheme under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and has been adapted at the state level by the Delhi Government to target service-deprived areas where SC populations are concentrated. The scheme aims to address the educational disadvantages faced by SC students and provide them with an opportunity to study in well-established, high-performing residential schools. Through this initiative, the government seeks to facilitate social and economic upliftment of the SC communities by offering quality education to their children.

One of the most notable features of the SHRESHTA scheme is its comprehensive financial support. It covers both tuition and hostel fees of the selected students, with the funds being directly transferred to the participating residential schools. This ensures transparency and eliminates financial burdens on the families of the beneficiaries. The scheme not only aims to improve academic access but also offers a stable and enriched residential schooling experience, fostering personal growth, discipline, and academic excellence.

To be eligible for SHRESHTA, students must belong to the Scheduled Caste category and be currently enrolled in either Class VIII or Class X during the ongoing academic year. The focus on these particular grades ensures that students can enter residential schools at critical academic junctures, either before high school or at the start of senior secondary education.

The entrance examination, NETS, is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) based test of 100 marks. The exam evaluates students on their knowledge and understanding across four key subjects—Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and General Awareness/Knowledge. Each correct or most appropriate response will earn the candidate four marks, while no marks will be deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions. The total duration of the test is three hours, and students can choose to answer the paper in either Hindi or English, providing flexibility and inclusivity for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

The SHRESHTA scheme also aligns with broader educational reforms aimed at inclusivity and equal opportunity. By integrating bright SC students into mainstream high-quality education systems, the initiative is expected to break generational cycles of socio-economic disadvantage and foster a more equitable society. Educationists and social reformers have hailed the scheme as a step in the right direction, noting that residential education offers not only academic learning but also essential life skills, exposure, and confidence-building for marginalized children.

Following the entrance test on June 1, the results are expected to be declared within four to six weeks, allowing adequate time for counselling and admissions into the participating schools before the commencement of the next academic session. The DoE has emphasized that the selection process will be merit-based and transparent, ensuring that only deserving candidates gain access to the scheme’s benefits.

Overall, the launch of the SHRESHTA application process by the Delhi Government marks a progressive stride in ensuring educational equity and empowerment for SC students. By eliminating financial barriers and offering a quality residential schooling experience, the scheme promises to nurture the academic potential of some of the most underserved sections of society. Interested and eligible students are encouraged to apply promptly via the NTA’s official website to avail themselves of this transformative opportunity.