Delhi government launches free JEE and NEET residential coaching scholarship

The year-long scholarship will enable selected Class 12 science students from government and aided schools to receive fully funded residential coaching, accommodation and meals at the Dakshana Foundation's Pune campus after a multi-stage selection process.

The Delhi government has introduced a scholarship programme aimed at helping meritorious Class 12 science students from government and government-aided schools prepare for India's top engineering and medical entrance examinations. Under the initiative, selected students will receive a year of free residential coaching for exams such as JEE and NEET at the Dakshana Foundation's campus in Pune, Maharashtra.

The scholarship will cover the complete cost of academic coaching, accommodation and meals, allowing students to focus entirely on their preparation without financial constraints. The programme is intended for students enrolled in the science stream during the 2026-27 academic session and seeks to improve access to quality coaching for candidates from economically weaker backgrounds.

Applications for the scholarship will be accepted through the Dakshana Foundation's online scholarship portal. The Directorate of Education (DoE) has encouraged eligible students to complete the application process within the prescribed timelines and participate in the subsequent selection stages.

Selection process to begin with JDST 2027

Admission to the programme will be based on a structured, multi-stage evaluation process. Initially, applicants will be shortlisted according to the eligibility criteria and cut-off marks determined by the Dakshana Foundation during the application stage.

Candidates who qualify in the preliminary screening will be required to submit the Dakshana Scholar Application (DSA). Before appearing for the selection examination, students will also participate in mock tests designed to familiarise them with the online testing platform and examination process.

The primary selection will be conducted through the Joint Dakshana Selection Test (JDST) 2027, scheduled for December 2026. Students will take the examination online at designated centres using their mobile phones. Performance in the JDST will determine the candidates advancing to the next stage.

Interview and verification to complete admissions

Students shortlisted after the entrance test will be invited for interviews and document verification before the final list of scholarship recipients is announced. The multi-level evaluation is intended to identify students with strong academic potential who can benefit from intensive coaching for highly competitive national entrance examinations.

To ensure wider participation, the Directorate of Education has instructed heads of all government and government-aided schools across Delhi to inform eligible Class 12 science students about the scholarship opportunity. Schools have also been asked to encourage deserving students to apply for the fully funded programme.

The initiative reflects the Delhi government's continued focus on expanding educational opportunities for students from public schools by providing access to high-quality coaching that is often financially out of reach for many families. Through its partnership with the Dakshana Foundation, the programme aims to help talented students strengthen their preparation for engineering and medical entrance examinations while benefiting from a dedicated residential learning environment.

By removing the financial burden associated with competitive exam coaching, the scholarship is expected to support deserving students in pursuing higher education at some of the country's leading engineering and medical institutions.