Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas

The scheme SHRESHTA (Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas) has been launched for the purpose of providing seats for the meritorious SC boys and girls in the best private residential schools in the country.

Every year, it is expected that about 3000 students would be selected for admission in Class 9 and Class 11 under the scheme. The erstwhile Central Sector Scheme of “Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary and other Organizations working for Scheduled Castes” has been revised w.e.f. 2021-22 as SHRESHTA.

Implementation agency

The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

The scheme is being implemented in two Modes: One is SHRESHTA schools, (Best CBSE/State Board affiliated Private Residential Schools). Second Mode is NGO/VO operated Schools/Hostels. Schools/Hostels run by VOs/NGOs and other organizations having higher classes (up to class 12) and who have been receiving Grant-in-aid will be continued, subject to satisfactory performance.

Objectives

The objective of SHRESHTA is as follows:

• To enhance the reach of the development initiative of the government.
• To fill the gap in service-deprived Scheduled Castes (SCs) dominant areas in the sector of education by collaborating with voluntary organizations.
• To provide an environment for socio-economic upliftment and overall development of the Scheduled Castes (SCs).
• To provide access to high-quality education to bright Scheduled Caste (SC) students so that they can secure future opportunities

Benefits

• Provides an entry at Class 9th and 11th in CBSE-affiliated residential schools for completion of education till 12th. Approx 3000 (1500 for 9th class and 1500 for class 11th tentative) SC students get to benefit.
• Grants are directly disbursed to the schools covering school fees and hostel fees for the students.

Provisions have been incorporated for a bridge course in the selected schools for students selected under the Scheme, outside-the-school-hours after identifying the individual academic requirements. Bridge course will target at enhancing the capability of the student to easily adapt to the environment of the school. The cost of bridge course i.e. 10% of annual fee shall also be borne by the Department. The progress of the students would be monitored by the Ministry from time to time.

In case of Mode 2, the grants under of the Scheme will be provided for School fee and residential charges for the SC admitted in the schools. The grant per SC student shall be as below:

Mode of entry

The students have to apply online for a  National Entrance Test to get benefits from the scheme. The entrance exam -  SHRESHTA (NETS) is organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA). To get more details visit https://shreshta.nta.nic.in/

Eligibility

• The SHRESHTA (NETS) will be conducted for admissions in classes 9th and 11th only for SC candidates whose parental annual income is up to Rs. 2.5 lacs.
• Only those candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class VIII/X in the given academic session can apply for taking admission to Class IX/XI.
• Selection of schools: Best performing CBSE based private residential schools, having more than 75% pass percentage for class 10 and 12 for last three years are selected by a Committee for admission of selected students.

To access the complete scheme guidelines, click here.