How can JEE-NEET students in UP access free coaching? Here are the details.

The Yogi government, in collaboration with the Dakshana Foundation, has launched a special initiative. Under this program, students in Class 12 (Science stream) will be provided with free coaching to prepare for entrance examinations such as JEE and NEET.

Often, talented children from underprivileged families are unable to fulfill their dreams of becoming doctors or engineers due to financial constraints and the high cost of coaching. To address this, the Social Welfare Department of the Yogi government has partnered with the Dakshana Foundation. Through this scheme, Class 12 Science students will receive up to one year of completely free coaching for national-level entrance exams like JEE and NEET. In addition to coaching, these students will be provided with free accommodation and nutritious meals at the Dakshana Valley campus in Pune.

Sanjeev Singh, Director of the Social Welfare Department, stated that students from Sarvodaya Vidyalayas who are in Class 12 (Science stream) and are set to appear for their board examinations by May 2027 are eligible for this program. Selection will be conducted through the 'Joint Dakshana Selection Test 2027.'

Eligibility for the scheme is based on marks obtained in Mathematics and Science in Class 10. For JEE coaching, students must have secured at least 85% marks in Mathematics and Science in Class 10. To encourage female students, a 5% relaxation is provided, setting the requirement for them at 80%. Separate relaxation criteria will also apply to students from OBC, ST, and PwD (Persons with Disabilities) categories, in accordance with the established rules.

For NEET coaching, the requirements are as follows: 80% marks in Science and Mathematics in Class 10 for students in the General category; a minimum of 75% marks for those in the OBC and EWS categories; and 65% marks for students belonging to the SC and ST categories. The primary objective of this scheme is to provide opportunities to children from economically weaker families. To this end, a limit on the family's annual income has been established: for male students, the total annual family income must be less than ₹3 lakh, while for female students, it must be less than ₹5 lakh.

Students selected through an examination will, upon completing their 12th-grade studies, be taken to the Dakshana Valley campus near Pune. There, they will be provided with one year of coaching for the JEE or NEET examinations, along with free accommodation and meals, allowing them to focus entirely on their preparation without any financial concerns.

The Social Welfare Department has instructed all principals and teachers at Sarvodaya Vidyalayas to inform eligible students about this scheme and encourage them to submit an application. Interested students may apply by visiting the official website of the Dakshana Foundation.