Admission Guide: Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX)
For Class IX (2026‑27) in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
Unlock a Bright Academic Future with Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX)
If you're a Class‑VIII student in 2025 or a parent seeking top-tier education opportunities, the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX) is your gateway to Class IX admission (2026‑27) in an esteemed Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. This guide explains eligibility, application details, and why the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX) is not to be missed.
What Is the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX)?
The Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX) is a special entrance test conducted by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti to allow meritorious Class‑VIII students (2025 session) to gain admission directly into Class IX, bypassing Class VII admission procedures. This test opens doors to residential, free-of-cost education at JNVs for the academic session 2026‑27.
Who Is Eligible?
Academic Session Eligibility
To qualify for the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX), the student must be enrolled in Class VIII during:
- January–December 2025 OR
- April 2025–March 2026
Residency and School District Must Match
Applicants must study in Class VIII within the same district where they reside — this is strictly required for Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX) eligibility.
Nationality & Other Conditions
- Indian nationality is mandatory.
- Applicants with a disability ≥ 40% can also apply.
- All submitted information must be accurate; wrong details may lead to cancellation of candidacy even after selection.
Why Choose Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX)?
Key Details for the Application Form
Here's a breakdown of what you must enter in the online application for Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX):
- State and District of Class‑VIII Study (must match residence district)
- District of Residence (same as study district)
- Candidate's full name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID
- Gender, category (GEN/SC/ST/OBC), nationality, religion
- Parent's names, annual income, disability status and percentage (if any)
- Full details of Class‑VIII school: name, location, medium of instruction, recognition status
- Joining month/year of Class VIII (e.g. April 2025)
- Expected passing month/year (e.g. March 2026)
Upload Requirements
You must upload the following in .jpeg/.jpg format (file size between 10–100 KB):
- Candidate's passport-size photo
- Candidate's signature
- Parent's signature
Step‑by‑Step How to Apply
Visit the official Navodaya Vidyalaya website or state-specific JNV regional portal.
Select your state and district, ensuring the district of residence and Class VIII school district is the same.
Fill in personal, family, and school details as outlined.
Upload the photo and signatures in the required format and size.
Read the parental undertaking carefully, sign digitally, and submit.
Review all entries one last time—changes are not permitted after submission.
Submit the form and note down the acknowledgment number for future reference.
Important Deadlines & Timeline
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Class VIII Enrollment | April 2025 |
| Expected Class VIII Passing | March 2026 |
| Lateral Entry Selection Test for Class IX (if eligible) | Mid-2026 (tentative exam date) |
| Admission to Class IX | April 2026 |
Keep checking the official notice board and website for the exact exam date and schedule to stay updated well in advance.
Tips to Boost Your Chances
Verify District Details
Be absolutely sure that your Class VIII school district and residential district match.
Accurate Data
Details like date of birth, income, and category must align with official documents.
File Size & Format
Photo and signatures must be under 100 KB and saved as .jpg or .jpeg.
Review Carefully
Since no edits are allowed after submission, double-check everything.
Keep Documents Ready
Originals like school certificates, caste/PWD certificates (if applicable), income proof, and identity proof will be checked later.
After Submission: What Happens Next?
- A selection test will be conducted across districts where students appear for Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX).
- Shortlisted candidates will get call letters and a schedule for document verification.
- Upon final selection, admission letters will be issued for Class IX (session 2026‑27); they must report by April 2026.
- Selected students must bring original documents during admission; failure may result in forfeiture.
FAQs About Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX)
Q: Can students from other districts apply?
A: No—your Class VIII study district and residence district must match strictly.
Q: What if I'm appearing in Class VIII in 2026?
A: Only students enrolled in Class VIII in 2025 are eligible for the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX).
Q: Are there any fees for the test or admission?
A: No—JNV admission via Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX) covers tuition, boarding, lodging, and other essentials.
Q: Can I request changes after submission?
A: No—once submitted, data cannot be edited. Any inaccuracies may lead to disqualification.
Final Thoughts
The Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Class VIII students in 2025 to secure admission into Class IX (2026‑27) in a prestigious, fully funded Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. From top-quality academics to holistic development, the benefits are unparalleled.
Prepare carefully, fill your application accurately, and keep track of official updates. Your journey through Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX) can set your child on a path to academic excellence and national-level opportunities.
📌 Apply Now via Official JNV Portal
Don't wait—visit the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti website or the regional JNV portal in your state and start filling out the form. Ensure accuracy and completeness to make the most of this Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS‑IX) opportunity.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX) 2026-27
🔹 1. What is the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX)?
The Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) for admission into Class IX in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs). It offers students who are currently studying in Class VIII (in 2025) the opportunity to enter Class IX for the academic year 2026-27.
🔹 2. Who is eligible to apply for the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX)?
To be eligible for the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX):
- The candidate must be studying in Class VIII in 2025 in a recognized school.
- The school's district must match the candidate's district of residence.
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
- Students with a minimum of 40% disability (if applicable) are eligible.
- There is no age restriction mentioned in the current guidelines, but birth certificates must match school records.
🔹 3. Can students from CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards apply?
Yes. Students from any recognized education board, including CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards, are eligible for the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX) as long as they are studying in Class VIII in 2025 and fulfill the district and nationality criteria.
🔹 4. What is the cost of applying for the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX)?
There is no application fee for the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX). The entire process is free of cost, including application submission, selection test, and eventual admission if selected.
🔹 5. How can I apply for the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX)?
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official NVS website: https://navodaya.gov.in
- Click on the link for Class IX Lateral Entry 2026-27.
- Fill out the application form with correct details.
- Upload scanned passport-size photo and signatures (candidate and parent).
- Submit the application and save a copy of the acknowledgment.
Note: Ensure that all entries are correct. No modifications are allowed after final submission.
🔹 6. What documents are required during application?
You'll need the following at the time of filling out the form for Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX):
- A recent passport-size photograph (10–100 KB, JPG/JPEG format)
- Signature of the candidate and parent (10–100 KB each)
- Details of your school, such as name, district, recognition status, and medium of instruction
- Information on disability, if applicable
- Aadhaar Number, if asked (not mandatory at the time of application in most cases)
Original documents will be verified at the time of admission if the candidate is selected.
🔹 7. When will the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX) be held?
The exact date for the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX) for admission in Class IX (2026-27) is usually announced in the first quarter of the year (early 2026). The exam is typically held in mid-2026. Stay updated through the official NVS website and your district education office.
🔹 8. What is the syllabus for the LASS-IX selection test?
Although the exact syllabus may vary slightly, the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX) usually includes the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- Science
- English
- Hindi
The questions are based on the Class VII and VIII syllabus of the CBSE/State Boards. The paper tests understanding, analytical thinking, and subject knowledge.
🔹 9. Is the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX) available in regional languages?
Yes. The question paper is available in multiple regional languages along with Hindi and English to ensure that students from all linguistic backgrounds can take the test with ease.
🔹 10. What is the exam pattern for LASS-IX?
While the pattern may vary slightly each year, typically:
- The exam is of objective type (MCQs).
- Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Subjects: Math, Science, English, Hindi
- Each section carries equal marks, and there may be no negative marking.
Detailed exam patterns are released in the official notification each year.
🔹 11. Can I edit the application form after submission?
No. Once submitted, the application for Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX) cannot be edited or updated. Therefore, review all details carefully before final submission.
🔹 12. What happens after the LASS-IX result is declared?
If the student is selected:
- A provisional selection letter will be issued.
- The student must report to the designated JNV with original documents.
- Final admission will be granted only after document verification.
Important: Failure to report on time or provide correct documentation will result in cancellation of selection.
🔹 13. What if the district of residence and school are different?
The student is not eligible for the Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX) if the residence district does not match the school district. The application will be rejected at any stage during verification.
🔹 14. Are students from urban areas eligible?
Yes. While JNVs give preference to rural applicants, students from urban areas can also apply for Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX) provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
🔹 15. Is reservation applicable in LASS-IX admissions?
Yes. As per government rules, reservation is provided for:
- SC/ST/OBC (Non-creamy layer)
- Girls
- Students with disabilities
- Rural candidates
Ensure you provide valid certificates for category-based reservations during document verification.
✅ Final Tip
Keep checking the official website regularly for updates related to Lateral Entry Selection Test (LASS-IX) 2026-27, including important dates, admit cards, and result announcements.
