Delhi's education department has partnered with the Dakshana Foundation to provide free, residential JEE‑NEET coaching for up to 2,000 Class 12 science students from low‑income families.
The Delhi administration announced a scholarship‑driven residential coaching programme for Class 12 science students, delivered in partnership with the Dakshana Foundation.The initiative targets financially weaker but academically strong learners and begins this academic year.
The Delhi Government introduced a free, one‑year residential coaching programme for Class 12 science students preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the National Eligibility‑cum‑Entrance Test (NEET) on 4 August 2026. The announcement was made by the Directorate of Education (DoE) and reported by multiple news outlets on the same date. The programme will be implemented across Delhi through a partnership with the Dakshana Foundation, a non‑profit organization that runs scholarship‑based coaching for competitive exams.
The primary entities involved are the Delhi Government’s Education Department, the Directorate of Education, and the Dakshana Foundation. The programme is open to Class 12 science students enrolled in Delhi’s public and private schools who meet defined academic and financial criteria. The coaching will be provided as a residential, full‑time program lasting one year, with tuition, accommodation, and study materials covered by the scholarship.
Programme Structure and Partnership
The coaching scheme is delivered under the Dakshana Foundation’s existing scholarship framework, which historically supports students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Under the new arrangement, selected students will reside at Dakshana’s residential centres, receive classroom instruction, test‑taking strategies, and regular assessments designed for JEE and NEET preparation. The Delhi Government will fund the scholarships, while Dakshana will manage day‑to‑day operations, faculty recruitment, and curriculum delivery.
The DoE has identified a quota of 2,000 seats for the inaugural batch, with the intention to expand capacity in subsequent years based on demand and resource availability. Selection will be based on a combination of academic performance in Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations, as well as a household income assessment to verify eligibility. The application window opened on 1 August 2026 and closed on 15 August 2026, after which a merit‑based shortlist was prepared for interviews.
Programme Structure and Partnership The coaching scheme is delivered under the Dakshana Foundation’s existing scholarship framework, which historically supports students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria and Enrollment Process
Delhi Government Launches Free One‑Year JEE‑NEET Coaching for Class 12 Students
Students must be enrolled in a Delhi‑affiliated school, have secured at least 80 percent in their Class 10 board exams, and be pursuing a science stream in Class 12. Financial eligibility requires a family annual income below ₹4 lakh, as per the government’s definition of economically weaker sections. Applicants submit academic transcripts, income certificates, and a personal statement online through the DoE portal.
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Following the submission deadline, a two‑stage evaluation process was conducted. The first stage involved verification of documents and preliminary academic scoring, while the second stage comprised a written test and a personal interview conducted at designated district education offices. Successful candidates receive a scholarship award letter and are assigned to one of Dakshana’s residential campuses in Delhi or neighboring states.
Immediate Impact on Students and Institutions
The programme provides direct financial relief to eligible families by covering tuition fees, boarding, and study resources, eliminating the cost barrier associated with private coaching. For students, the residential setting offers a structured learning environment, access to experienced faculty, and peer support, which are intended to improve performance in the JEE and NEET examinations.
Educational institutions in Delhi, including both government and private schools, are expected to see an increase in enrollment for science streams as the free coaching removes a significant deterrent for lower‑income families. The DoE has indicated that the initiative aligns with its broader objective of enhancing equitable access to higher‑education opportunities in engineering and medicine.
Key Facts
What: Delhi Government launches a free, one‑year residential coaching programme for Class 12 students preparing for JEE and NEET.
For students, the residential setting offers a structured learning environment, access to experienced faculty, and peer support, which are intended to improve performance in the JEE and NEET examinations.
When: Announcement on 4 August 2026; application period 1–15 August 2026.
Impact: Provides tuition‑free coaching to up to 2,000 financially weaker but academically strong students, aiming to improve exam outcomes and broaden access to professional courses.
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