JDST 2027 Scholarship: The Delhi Government has partnered with the Dakshana Foundation to launch the Joint Dakshana Selection Test (JDST) 2027, a scholarship programme offering completely free, one-year residential coaching for JEE and NEET to meritorious Class 12 Science students from Delhi government and government-aided schools. For families who cannot afford lakhs of rupees in private coaching fees, JDST 2027 is one of the most valuable scholarship opportunities available this year. Here is everything you need to know about eligibility, income limits, the selection process and how to apply.
Important Note: The application process for the Delhi Government’s JDST 2027 scholarship is currently open online through the Dakshana Foundation Application Portal, with the exam scheduled for December 2026
JDST 2027 Scholarship: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Joint Dakshana Selection Test (JDST) 2027 |
| Launched By | Delhi Government & Dakshana Foundation |
| Eligible Students | Class 12 Science students, Delhi govt/govt-aided schools (2026-27 session) |
| Benefits | Free 1-year residential JEE/NEET coaching, hostel, food, mock tests |
| Coaching Location | Dakshana Valley Campus, Kadus, near Pune, Maharashtra |
| Selection Test | JDST 2027 (tentative: December 2026) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | dakshana.org/jdst |
What Does the JDST 2027 Scholarship Offer?
Selected students receive a fully sponsored one-year residential programme that removes every financial barrier to serious JEE/NEET preparation. Benefits include:
- Free one-year residential coaching for JEE or NEET
- Free hostel accommodation at Dakshana Valley Campus
- Nutritious meals throughout the programme
- Regular mock tests and performance tracking
- Structured mentoring from experienced faculty
The coaching begins only after students complete their Class 12 board examinations, so it does not interfere with regular schooling.
Eligibility Criteria for JDST 2027
To apply, a student must satisfy all three conditions set by the Dakshana Foundation:
1. School and Academic Year
- Currently studying in Class 12 Science at a government or government-aided school for the 2026-27 academic year
- Must appear for the Class 12 board exam by May 2027
- Note: Students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are not eligible for this particular application route
2. Merit (Class 10 Aggregate in Maths & Science)
| Stream/Category | Male Cut-off | Female Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering – General | 85% | 80% |
| Engineering – EWS/OBC | 80% | 75% |
| Engineering – SC | 70% | 65% |
| Engineering – ST | 65% | 60% |
| Engineering – PD | 55% | 50% |
| Medical – General | 80% (75% for EWS/OBC, 65% SC, 60% ST, 50% PD) | |
3. Family Income
Annual family income should be under Rs. 3 lakh for male candidates. Relaxed income limits (up to Rs. 5 lakh) apply for female candidates, part of a deliberate push to improve gender representation in engineering and medical education.
Documents Required
- Recent passport-size photograph (under 200 KB)
- Class 10 marksheet
- School ID / bonafide certificate
- Income certificate or self-declaration as specified
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Valid email ID and mobile number
Selection Process: Step-by-Step
- Online Application: Submit the JDST 2027 form on the Dakshana scholarship portal
- Initial Shortlisting: Based on cut-off marks and details entered in the application
- Dakshana Scholar Application (DSA): Shortlisted students fill a detailed follow-up form
- Mock Test: Familiarisation with the online test interface
- JDST Examination: Objective test at an assigned centre (students must carry their own mobile phone for verification)
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed
- Document Verification: Final check before the scholarship is awarded
Understanding the JDST Exam Pattern
JDST is an online objective test with positive and negative marking, covering:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics (engineering aspirants) or Biology (medical aspirants)
- Logical Reasoning
The test is tentatively scheduled for December 2026, with invitations sent based on Class 12 Term 1 performance and application cut-offs.
JDST 2027 Syllabus and Sample Papers
| Section | Syllabus Coverage | Questions | Sample Paper Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | NCERT Class 9 & 10 | 25 MCQs | Dakshana official website / mobile app |
| Chemistry | NCERT Class 9 & 10 | 25 MCQs | Dakshana official website / mobile app |
| Mathematics (Engineering track) / Biology (Medical track) | NCERT Class 9 & 10 | 25 MCQs | Dakshana official website / mobile app |
| Logical Reasoning | General aptitude & problem-solving | 25 MCQs | Dakshana official website / mobile app |
Exam duration: 3 hours | Marking scheme: +1 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer (negative marking) | Total questions: 100 MCQs across 4 sections
Dakshana does not release a fixed printed syllabus — questions are based strictly on NCERT Class 9 and 10 textbooks, with an emphasis on conceptual clarity and problem-solving speed over rote learning. Previous years’ JDST/NDST question papers and free mock tests are available on the official Dakshana website and the Dakshana mobile app; students should rely only on these official sources rather than unverified third-party PDFs.
Real-Life Example: How a Student Can Benefit
Consider Ritika, a Class 12 Science student at a Delhi government school in Rohini. Her family’s annual income is Rs. 2.8 lakh, and her Class 10 aggregate in Maths and Science was 82% — comfortably above the female engineering cut-off for her category. She applies for JDST 2027 online, gets shortlisted, clears the mock test and main exam, and is invited for an interview. After document verification, Ritika is offered a fully funded seat at Dakshana Valley, Pune, where she prepares for JEE for a year at zero cost to her family — the kind of opportunity that would otherwise mean lakhs in coaching fees.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official JDST 2027 Page | dakshana.org/jdst |
| Application Portal | apply.scholarship.dakshana.org |
| JDST 2027 Notification | Click Here to Download |
Explore more State Government Scholarships and Private Scholarships on ScholarshipsX to find other funding opportunities you may be eligible for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the JDST 2027 Scholarship?
It is a selection-based scholarship offering free residential JEE/NEET coaching to eligible students through the Dakshana Foundation, in partnership with the Delhi Government.
Q2. Who can apply for JDST 2027?
Class 12 Science students in Delhi government or government-aided schools for the 2026-27 academic year, meeting the merit and income criteria.
Q3. What is the family income limit?
Up to Rs. 3 lakh per year for male candidates and up to Rs. 5 lakh for female candidates.
Q4. When is the JDST 2027 exam?
It is tentatively scheduled for December 2026.
Q5. Where does the coaching take place?
At the Dakshana Valley Campus in Kadus village, near Pune, Maharashtra.
Q6. Does filling the application guarantee selection?
No. Filling the JDST application form does not guarantee an invitation to appear for the test — shortlisting depends on merit cut-offs.
Menka Singh is an education researcher and scholarship consultant with over 5 years of experience helping Indian students navigate central, state and private scholarship programmes. Having personally applied for and received scholarships during her own education, she brings firsthand understanding to every guide she writes. She specialises in Bihar, UP, Maharashtra and all India scholarship schemes and has helped thousands of students find verified funding opportunities. Read More: Click Here
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