Pattern of Class 6 JNV Entrance Exam (JNVST)

The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) is one of the most important competitive exams for students seeking admission into Class 6 at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across India.
Understanding the exam pattern is the first and most important step in effective preparation.
The more you know about the structure, marking scheme, and question types, the more confidently you can approach the test.

In this blog, we will explain the complete pattern of the Class 6 JNV entrance exam in detail, along with tips to use this knowledge for better preparation.

1. Overview of JNVST Class 6 Entrance Exam

The Class 6 JNVST is conducted by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) every year to select talented rural students for admission into Navodaya schools.
Key points about the exam:

Mode of Exam: Offline (pen and paper)
Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 100
No Negative Marking: Students are encouraged to attempt all questions

The test is designed to measure mental ability, numerical skills, and language proficiency, not just memory-based learning.

2. Subjects and Weightage

The exam consists of three main sections:

Section Name	Number of Questions	Marks	Time Allotted
Mental Ability Test (MAT)	40	50	60 minutes
Arithmetic Test	20	25	30 minutes
Language Test	20	25	30 minutes
Total	80	100	120 minutes

2.1 Mental Ability Test (MAT) – 50 Marks

This is the largest and most important section of the exam, focusing on reasoning and problem-solving skills.
It includes:

Figure Matching
Pattern Completion
Odd One Out
Figure Series Completion
Analogy (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
Mirror and Water Images
Embedded Figures
Coding-Decoding

Why it’s important:
MAT checks a student’s logical thinking and analytical ability, which are crucial for higher learning. Even students from rural areas without advanced textbooks can score well here if they practice regularly.

2.2 Arithmetic Test – 25 Marks

This section tests basic mathematical concepts taught up to Class 5. Topics include:

Numbers and the Four Operations (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division)
Fractions and Decimals
Factors and Multiples
LCM and HCF
Measurement (Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Money)
Geometry (Shapes, Angles, Perimeter, Area)
Simple Data Interpretation

Why it’s important:
Arithmetic not only checks basic numerical skills but also tests application of concepts in problem-solving situations.

2.3 Language Test – 25 Marks

This section checks reading comprehension and grammar in the language chosen by the candidate (the exam is conducted in multiple regional languages).
It generally includes:

Reading Passages with Questions
Synonyms and Antonyms
Fill in the Blanks
Sentence Arrangement
Grammar-based Questions

Why it’s important:
The language test ensures students have basic reading and comprehension skills to understand lessons in school.

3. Marking Scheme

Correct Answer: 1.25 marks for each question in the MAT section (40 × 1.25 = 50 marks)
Correct Answer: 1.25 marks for each question in the Arithmetic section (20 × 1.25 = 25 marks)
Correct Answer: 1.25 marks for each question in the Language section (20 × 1.25 = 25 marks)
No Negative Marking: This is an advantage — students should attempt all questions

4. Time Management in the Exam

Each section has a fixed time limit. Once a section’s time is over, students cannot go back to it.
This means:

You must complete all questions in that section before moving on
Time management during practice is essential
Avoid spending too long on a single question

Example:
In the MAT section (60 minutes for 40 questions), you should aim to solve each question in about 1.5 minutes or less.

5. Language of the Question Paper

The JNVST is conducted in 21 languages to ensure that students from all regions can participate.
While applying, students choose the language medium in which they are most comfortable.
However, after selection, the medium of instruction in Navodaya schools is English for Science and Mathematics and Hindi or regional language for other subjects.

6. How Knowing the Exam Pattern Helps

Understanding the Class 6 JNVST pattern benefits students in many ways:

Focused Preparation – You know exactly what subjects to study and how much weight each has.
Better Time Management – You can plan your speed for each section during practice.
Smart Practice – You can prioritize high-weightage sections like MAT for maximum scoring potential.
Confidence Boost – Familiarity with the format reduces exam-day stress.

7. Preparation Tips Based on the Pattern

For MAT:

Practice puzzles, pattern recognition, and reasoning exercises daily
Learn shortcut techniques for visual reasoning
Use previous year MAT papers for speed training

For Arithmetic:

Revise Class 4 & Class 5 math concepts thoroughly
Focus on accuracy and mental calculation
Practice word problems to improve application skills

For Language:

Read short stories and passages daily to improve comprehension
Learn 5 new words every day to build vocabulary
Revise basic grammar rules and sentence structures

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring MAT practice – Many students think it’s easy but end up losing marks
Spending too long on one question – This reduces the number of questions attempted
Neglecting language skills – Even with good math, weak language scores can affect selection
Not practicing with a timer – Real exam pressure is different from untimed study

9. Final Words

The pattern of the Class 6 JNV Entrance Exam is designed to test overall aptitude rather than just school syllabus knowledge.
Students who understand the pattern, prepare strategically, and practice regularly are far more likely to succeed.

At www.jnvs.in, we provide:

Free study materials for all three sections
Previous year question papers in PDF
Practice papers designed as per the latest pattern
Tips and strategies to help students prepare smartly

📧 For free resources, contact us at: myteacher4785@gmail.com

With the right approach and dedication, you can make your dream of studying at a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya a reality.

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (JNVS) Entrance Exams