NVS Class 9 LEST Admit Card 2026 Released — Direct Link Here

The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) has officially released the admit card for the Class 9 Lateral Entry Selection Test (LEST) 2026, marking a key milestone for thousands of aspirants seeking admission to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) across the country for the academic session 2026-27. Candidates who have registered for the Class 9 LEST 2026 can now download their hall tickets from the official NVS portal at navodaya.gov.in using their unique login credentials.

The release of the admit card comes amid heightened anticipation among students and parents, as it formally sets the stage for the entrance test scheduled for February 7, 2026. The selection test, which plays a crucial role in lateral admissions to Class 9, is part of the Samiti’s broader efforts to provide quality residential education across its network of Navodaya schools.

NVS Class 9 LEST Exam 2026: Overview

The Class 9 LEST 2026 is an offline, pen-and-paper based entrance examination designed to assess students on multiple academic fronts. The test will comprise questions from Mathematics, General Science, English, and Hindi, and is conducted in both English and Hindi mediums to accommodate candidates from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The overall duration of the examination is 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, candidates with benchmark disabilities will be provided an additional 50 minutes, subject to valid documentation from a recognized authority.

The admit card includes essential information such as:

• Candidate’s name

• Roll number and registration number

• Exam centre address

• Exam date and reporting time

• Instructions for the day of the examination 

Students are strongly advised to verify all details carefully upon downloading the admit card and ensure that no errors have occurred in key fields such as the spelling of names, examination centre, or reporting time. Any discrepancy should be reported to the examination authorities immediately to avoid issues on exam day.

How to Download NVS Class 9 LEST Admit Card 2026?

To avoid confusion and assist candidates, here’s a straightforward process to download the NVS Class 9 LEST 2026 admit card:

1. Visit the official website: navodaya.gov.in

2. Look for the link that reads “Class 9 & 11 Lateral Entry Admit Card 2026.”

3. Click on the link and enter your registration number and date of birth.

4. Solve the captcha or security prompt (if prompted) and submit.

5. Your admit card will be displayed on the screen.

6. Download and take a printout for exam day.

This process is the same for both Class 9 and Class 11 applicants, though the focus of this report remains on the Class 9 LEST aspirants. Students are urged to download and print multiple copies of their hall ticket for safekeeping and future reference.

Exam Centres and Instructions

The NVS has assigned examination centres to candidates primarily at the nearest Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in the concerned district, although some students may be allotted other designated centres depending on logistical needs. It is vital that candidates reach their allotted centre well before reporting time, carrying the admit card and a valid photo ID.

Strict exam protocols will be in place, and entry without an admit card will not be permitted under any circumstances. Students should also carry the necessary stationery as specified in the admit card instructions since exam halls typically do not provide these items.

What Happens Next After the Exam?

Following the conduct of the LEST on February 7, 2026, results are expected to be released by May or June 2026. The exact publication date for results will be announced later by NVS, but once declared, students can check their selection status and merit lists on the official portal. Successful candidates will be invited for further documentation and admission formalities in the respective JNVs.

Provisionally selected candidates must produce all required academic and residential proofs during verification. This includes age certificates, category certificates (if applicable), and proof of district residence. Until certificates are verified, admissions remain provisional.

Why This Exam Matters?

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas have long been considered among India’s most sought-after residential schools, known for providing high-quality education with minimal cost for students from rural and economically modest backgrounds. Admission via LEST allows eligible students from non-JNV feeder zones to enter Class 9 directly, expanding access to quality education opportunities across regions.

For many students and families, the release of the admit card is more than just a procedural formality — it represents the culmination of months of preparation and aspiration to be part of one of India’s prestigious educational institutions.

Final Notes and Preparation Tips

As the exam date approaches, aspirants are urged to revisit key subjects, manage their time effectively, and ensure they have complete logistical clarity — including the exact location of their examination centre to avoid last-minute hassles. Additionally, candidates should adhere to all COVID-19 and hygiene protocols as per local guidelines, especially when travelling to exam venues.

With the NVS Class 9 LEST admit card now available, students across the nation can proceed with confidence toward their goal of securing a seat at a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. Best of luck to all the candidates!

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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