In a major initiative aimed at helping students from economically weaker backgrounds crack India’s top engineering and medical entrance examinations, the Delhi government has announced a free one-year
residential coaching programme for Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) aspirants studying in Class 12 in government and government-aided schools.
According to a circular issued by the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE), the programme will be offered under a scholarship sponsored by the Pune-based non-profit Dakshana Foundation.
The department has informed all government and government-aided schools about the opportunity and asked eligible students to participate in the selection process.
The scholarship is open to meritorious and deserving students currently enrolled in Class 12 (Science) during the ongoing academic session in Delhi government and government-aided schools.
Students will be selected through the Joint Dakshana Selection Test (JSDT) 2027, which is scheduled to be conducted in December 2026.
Those who qualify will receive free residential coaching for one year at Dakshana Valley, the foundation’s campus located in Kadus village in Maharashtra’s Pune district.
The Directorate of Education said the scholarship will cover the complete cost of the programme, ensuring that selected students do not have to bear any financial burden during their preparation.
The scholarship includes free coaching for JEE and NEET, hostel accommodation and meals for the entire duration of the one-year course.
The initiative is expected to benefit talented students who aspire to pursue careers in engineering and medicine but may not have access to expensive coaching institutes.
By providing high-quality residential coaching and comprehensive support, the programme aims to improve the representation of government school students in premier engineering and medical institutions across the country.
The Delhi government has directed schools to spread awareness about the scholarship among eligible students so that deserving candidates can appear for the Joint Dakshana Selection Test and avail themselves of the opportunity.
The announcement comes as governments continue to focus on improving access to competitive exam preparation through targeted scholarship programmes and partnerships with educational organisations.
