The Directorate of Education has directed all government and government-aided schools in the Capital to inform Class 12 Science students about a free one-year residential coaching programme for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) being offered by the Dakshana Foundation.The circular asks schools to actively spread awareness about an existing scholarship programme that covers coaching, accommodation and meals for selected students. For many students preparing for engineering and medical entrance examinations, the biggest hurdle is often the cost of coaching rather than the examination itself. The latest direction attempts to bridge that information gap by ensuring schools become the first point of contact.
Schools asked to reach every eligible student
The Directorate of Education has instructed heads of all government and government-aided schools to inform Class 12 Science students studying during the 2026-27 academic session about the scholarship. Copies of Dakshana Foundation’s letter to principals and the notification for the Joint Dakshana Selection Test (JDST) 2027 have also been circulated with the order.According to the circular, selected students will receive one year of free residential coaching at the Dakshana Valley campus in Kadus village, Pune, Maharashtra. The scholarship also includes free food and accommodation, meaning students do not have to bear any cost during the programme.
Selection will happen through JDST 2027
Unlike direct admissions, entry into the programme will be through JDST 2027, which is scheduled to be conducted in December 2026. Students who qualify will undergo multiple stages, including shortlisting, an application process, mock tests, document verification and interviews before final selection.The notification also lays out a structured selection process, making it clear that the scholarship is based on academic performance as well as financial eligibility.
Who can apply?
The programme is meant for students currently studying in Class 12 Science in government, government-aided and eligible public schools.Applicants must have an annual family income below ₹3 lakh. The income condition does not apply to Persons with Disabilities (PD) category candidates. Students must also meet minimum Class 10 marks criteria in Mathematics and Science, with different cut-offs prescribed for General, Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Persons with Disabilities categories. Separate eligibility criteria have also been specified for engineering and medical aspirants.
More than coaching
The scholarship is designed as a residential programme.Students selected through the JDST will stay at Dakshana Valley in Pune for a year while preparing for JEE or NEET. The programme includes coaching, accommodation and meals at no cost to the selected candidates.In its letter to school principals, the Dakshana Foundation said, “The residential coaching program for JEE & NEET is absolutely free for students. There is no cost to the students or the school.”The organisation also said it has been offering coaching scholarships to students from government schools for more than 19 years and that many of its scholars have secured admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology, National Institutes of Technology and government medical colleges. These figures are claims made by the foundation in its communication to schools.
Mock tests before the final examination
The scholarship process extends beyond one entrance test.Students shortlisted after the initial application will first complete the Dakshana Scholar Application, appear for mock tests and then take the online JDST at designated examination centres using the Dakshana Scholarship Test mobile application. Candidates shortlisted after the test will be called for interviews and document verification before the final list is prepared.The notification also includes the examination pattern and syllabus covering Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and Logical Reasoning to help students prepare in advance.Read the official circular available here.Every year, thousands of students in Delhi government schools prepare for JEE and NEET while balancing school education with the high cost of private coaching. Many scholarship opportunities remain underutilised because students either do not know they exist or hear about them after application deadlines.
