The SHRESHTA Scheme (Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas) is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Its primary aim is to provide high-quality residential education to meritorious students from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, particularly in areas that lack adequate educational facilities.
This scheme is designed to bridge the educational service gap in SC-dominated regions and ensure these students have access to top private residential schools across the country. The ultimate goal is to support the socio-economic upliftment of the SC community and provide avenues for their overall development.
Who is Eligible for the SHRESHTA Scheme?
Eligibility for the SHRESHTA Scheme is clearly defined to ensure that the benefits reach the most deserving SC students:
- Students must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- They should currently be studying in Class 8 or Class 10 in the academic year to avail of admission in Class 9 or Class 11.
- Their family annual income should not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh.
- Selection is merit-based, with students chosen through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
How are Students Selected Under SHRESHTA?
The selection process under SHRESHTA is designed to be transparent, merit-based, and nationwide:
- National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS): The NETS is an all-India entrance test conducted annually by the NTA. Only students who clear this examination are eligible for admission into top private residential schools.
- Admission Classes: Eligible students are admitted into Class 9 or Class 11 in CBSE or State-affiliated private residential schools.
- Bridge Course: Students coming from state schools or rural backgrounds often face adaptation challenges. To address this, SHRESHTA provides a 3-month bridge course outside regular school hours. This course helps students adapt academically, socially, and emotionally to the new environment.
What Types of Schools are Covered Under SHRESHTA?
The scheme operates under two modes to ensure broader reach:
| Mode | Details |
| Mode 1: SHRESHTA Schools | – Students are admitted into selected private residential schools. – Schools are affiliated with CBSE or State Boards and provide high-quality education and residential facilities. – The government covers full tuition and hostel fees, ranging from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,35,000 per student per year. |
| Mode 2: NGO/VO Operated Schools | – Schools and hostels run by voluntary organizations (VOs) or NGOs are supported. – Institutions receive grants ranging from Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 55,000 per student, depending on the type of school and facilities provided. – Strict monitoring includes performance disclosure on e-Anudaan portals, field visits, and installation of cameras for live monitoring. |
What Financial Support does SHRESHTA Provide?
SHRESHTA provides comprehensive financial assistance, removing economic barriers for SC students:
- School Fees: Full payment of tuition fees for selected students.
- Hostel Fees: Residential charges are fully covered until Class 12.
- Bridge Course Fees: The government covers 10% of the annual fee for students attending bridge courses.
- Total Cost per Student: Ranges between Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,35,000 per annum for residential and tuition fees.
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How does SHRESHTA Aim to Socio-Economically Uplift SC Students?
The SHRESHTA Scheme is not just about education; it also focuses on socio-economic development:
- Enhanced Access to Quality Education: By admitting SC students into top residential schools, SHRESHTA provides opportunities previously out of reach for marginalized communities.
- Skill Development: Bridge courses and high-quality schooling ensure students acquire critical thinking, academic skills, and social adaptability.
- Future Opportunities: Students are later guided to other schemes like Post Matric Scholarship Scheme or Top-Class Education Scheme, promoting higher education and career growth.
- Overall Development: Residential education fosters self-confidence, leadership, and holistic personality development.
How is the SHRESHTA Scheme Monitored?
Monitoring is a critical component of the SHRESHTA Scheme to ensure transparency and effectiveness:
- Ministry Oversight: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment monitors students’ progress regularly.
- Institutional Transparency: Schools and hostels are required to disclose performance metrics on e-Anudaan/online portals.
- Field Visits and Inspections: A dedicated inspection team conducts field visits to monitor facilities and academic outcomes.
- Live Monitoring: Selected institutions may have cameras installed for live monitoring to ensure students’ safety and accountability.
How Many Students have Benefited from SHRESHTA?
The impact of SHRESHTA has been significant since its inception:
- As of December 2023, approximately 7,543 students have benefited from the scheme.
- In the 2023-24 academic year, 2,564 students were admitted to 142 private residential schools, with the government reimbursing Rs. 30.55 crore for school fees.
- The scheme targets around 3,000 students annually, creating equal opportunities for academically bright SC students across the country.
What are Other Government Initiatives Supporting SC Students?
SHRESHTA is part of a broader set of initiatives by the government for SC welfare:
- Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY): Provides hostel facilities for SC students across the country.
- Post Matric Scholarship Scheme: Offers financial aid for higher education to SC students, increasing their Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER).
- Single National Scholarship Scheme: Provides merit-based scholarships to students from SC, OBC, DNT, and EBC categories, supporting their education at national levels.
How does SHRESHTA Align with the National Education Policy (NEP)?
The scheme supports NEP 2020 objectives:
- Equity and Inclusion: By targeting marginalized SC students, the scheme aligns with NEP’s goal of inclusive education.
- Quality Education: Admission in top residential schools ensures access to modern pedagogical practices.
- Holistic Development: Through bridge courses and residential exposure, SHRESHTA promotes overall cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas |
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment |
| Beneficiaries | Meritorious SC students with family income ≤ Rs. 2.5 lakh |
| Selection Process | National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) by NTA |
| Admission Classes | 9th and 11th in CBSE/State-affiliated private residential schools |
| Financial Coverage | Tuition + Hostel Fees + 10% bridge course fee (~Rs. 1–1.35 lakh/year) |
| Bridge Course | 3 months for smooth transition from state/rural schools |
| Modes of Implementation | Mode 1: SHRESHTA Schools, Mode 2: NGO/VO-run Schools/Hostels |
| Monitoring | Ministry oversight, field inspections, performance disclosure, live cameras |
| Impact | 7,543 beneficiaries as of Dec 2023; Rs. 30.55 crore reimbursed in 2023-24 |
Questions Based on SHRESHTA Scheme
- What does SHRESHTA stand for?
a) Scheme for Higher Education in Schools of Targeted Areas
b) Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas
c) Social Housing and Residential Education Scheme for Talented Academics
d) Scheme for Rural Education and Student Training
e) None of the above - Which ministry implements the SHRESHTA Scheme?
a) Ministry of Education
b) Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
c) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
d) Ministry of Home Affairs
e) Ministry of Women and Child Development - Who conducts the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS)?
a) CBSE
b) NCERT
c) NTA
d) UGC
e) AICTE - Up to which annual income are SC students eligible for SHRESHTA?
a) Rs. 1 lakh
b) Rs. 2 lakh
c) Rs. 2.5 lakh
d) Rs. 3 lakh
e) Rs. 5 lakh - In which classes can students get admission under SHRESHTA?
a) Class 8 & 10
b) Class 9 & 11
c) Class 10 & 12
d) Class 7 & 9
e) Class 6 & 8 - Which types of schools are covered under SHRESHTA Mode 1?
a) Government schools
b) Private residential schools
c) NGO-run schools
d) Open schooling programs
e) Online schools - What is the purpose of the bridge course under SHRESHTA?
a) To teach English
b) To help students adapt to new school environments
c) To prepare students for competitive exams
d) To provide vocational training
e) To conduct sports activities - How much financial assistance does the government provide per student under SHRESHTA?
a) Rs. 50,000–70,000
b) Rs. 80,000–90,000
c) Rs. 1,00,000–1,35,000
d) Rs. 2,00,000–2,50,000
e) Rs. 3,00,000 - Which other government scheme supports SC students after SHRESHTA?
a) PMJDY
b) Post Matric Scholarship Scheme
c) PMKVY
d) Skill India Scheme
e) Jan Dhan Scheme - What is the main objective of SHRESHTA?
a) Promote digital literacy
b) Provide financial loans to SC students
c) Offer free high-quality residential education to SC students
d) Build schools in rural areas
e) Provide online courses
Also Check:
Answer Key
| Q. No. | Answer | Q. No. | Answer |
| 1 | b | 6 | b |
| 2 | b | 7 | b |
| 3 | c | 8 | c |
| 4 | c | 9 | b |
| 5 | b | 10 | c |
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