Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV): Fostering Talent and Excellence

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) schools are central institutions aimed at providing top-notch education primarily to talented students from rural areas. These schools operate under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) was established under the National Policy on Education, 1986, by the then Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi. The initiative aimed to provide quality education to talented children from rural areas, ensuring they have equal opportunities to excel1.

The JNVs are run by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education (MoE), formerly known as the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). The NVS is responsible for the overall administration, policy formulation, and coordination of these schools1.

Distribution of JNV Schools by State and City

As of the 2022-23 academic session, there are 661 JNVs spread across 27 states and 8 union territories. Each district typically has one JNV, promoting regional balance and inclusivity. A detailed state-wise distribution includes:

State/UT	Number of JNVs
Andhra Pradesh	15
Arunachal Pradesh	18
Assam	27
Bihar	39
Chhattisgarh	28
Delhi	2
Gujarat	33
Haryana	21
Himachal Pradesh	12
Jammu & Kashmir	22
Jharkhand	26
Karnataka	31
Kerala	14
Madhya Pradesh	54
Maharashtra	33
Manipur	11
Meghalaya	12
Mizoram	8
Nagaland	11
Odisha	31
Punjab	23
Rajasthan	35
Sikkim	4
Tamil Nadu	0
Telangana	9
Tripura	8
Uttar Pradesh	76
Uttarakhand	13
West Bengal	20

Organisation Running JNVs

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), established in 1986 under the National Policy on Education, administers and operates the JNVs. The Samiti is responsible for policy formulation, coordination, and maintaining the standards of education in JNVs.

Admission Criteria

Admission to JNVs is conducted through the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST), which is an entrance examination for Class VI. Additionally, lateral entry exams are held for admission into Class IX and Class XI.

1. Class VI Admission:
   • Eligibility: Students from recognized schools in the district where JNV is located.
   • Criteria: Selection based on performance in the JNVST, which assesses Mental Ability, Arithmetic, and Language skills.
2. Class IX and XI Admission:
   • Eligibility: Students from recognized schools with required academic performance.
   • Criteria: Selection through lateral entry exams.

Grade Levels

JNVs provide education from Class VI to Class XII. The education is free of cost, including boarding, lodging, uniforms, textbooks, and daily use items. For students of general and OBC categories in Classes IX to XII, there is a nominal monthly fee of INR 600.

Languages Offered

JNVs promote multilingualism by offering instruction in English and Hindi. In the initial stages, education is provided in the regional language until Class VIII, after which the medium of instruction shifts to English.

Other Activities

JNVs emphasize the holistic development of students through various activities:

• Cultural Programs: Regular celebrations of national festivals and cultural events to foster a sense of unity and diversity.
• Sports: Extensive sports facilities and regular competitions at intra-school and inter-school levels.
• Adventure Activities: Opportunities for students to participate in trekking, mountaineering, and camping.
• Experiential Learning: Science fairs, exhibitions, workshops, and field trips to enhance practical knowledge.
• Value Education: Programs to inculcate moral values, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.

The JNV system is renowned for its commitment to excellence, providing a nurturing environment that fosters both academic achievement and personal growth. The alumni of JNVs have consistently excelled in various fields, contributing to the nation’s development.