Overview

The National Policy on Education 1986 envisaged establishment of a Navodaya Vidyalaya in each District of the country. The first two schools were started in 1985-86 on experimental basis. The number of schools have now grown to 482 spread over 34 Union States and Union Territories. These schools have over 1.41 lakhs students on rolls. Navodaya Vidyalayas are fully residential and co-educational schools covering classes VI to XII. Education in the Vidyalayas is free for all enrolled students including lodging, boarding, text  books, uniforms etc. The Vidyalayas seek to promote and develop talented, bright and gifted children predominantly from rural areas who may otherwise be denied good educational opportunities.

The Vidyalayas are affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and impart the CBSE curricula.Admission to Vidyalayas is made at the class VI level through open test conducted at District level by CBSE. About 35,000 students are admitted every year.