<h4>Introduction to SHRESHTA Scheme</h4><p>The <strong>Ministry of Social Justice &amp; Empowerment</strong> recently brought the <strong>Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA)</strong> into focus. This initiative is designed to empower students from <strong>Scheduled Castes (SCs)</strong> through quality education.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Prelims:</strong> Remember the implementing ministry (<strong>Ministry of Social Justice &amp; Empowerment</strong>) and the target beneficiaries (<strong>Scheduled Castes</strong>).</p></div><h4>Core Objectives and Scope</h4><p><strong>SHRESHTA</strong> primarily aims to address the existing gaps in educational services within <strong>Scheduled Castes (SCs) dominant areas</strong>. It strives to provide a holistic developmental environment for SC students.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The scheme's core objectives include:</p><ul><li>Providing <strong>high-quality education</strong>.</li><li>Facilitating <strong>socio-economic upliftment</strong>.</li><li>Ensuring the <strong>overall development</strong> of SC students.</li></ul></div><p>Admission under the scheme is offered for students entering <strong>Class 9</strong> and <strong>Class 11</strong>. These admissions are into reputable <strong>CBSE/State affiliated private schools</strong>.</p><h4>Eligibility Criteria for Students</h4><p>To benefit from the <strong>SHRESHTA scheme</strong>, specific eligibility conditions must be met by the students.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Eligibility Requirements:</strong></p><ul><li>Students must belong to <strong>Scheduled Castes (SCs)</strong>.</li><li>They must be currently studying in <strong>Class 8th</strong> or <strong>Class 10th</strong> in the current academic year.</li><li>Their family's annual income must be <strong>up to Rs 2.5 lakh</strong>, indicating their marginalized income group status.</li></ul></div><h4>Operating Procedure: Implementation Modes</h4><p>The <strong>SHRESHTA scheme</strong> is structured for implementation through <strong>two distinct modes</strong>. This dual approach ensures broader reach and tailored support.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The two operational modes are:</p><ol><li><strong>Mode 1: SHRESHTA Schools</strong></li><li>Mode 2: (Not detailed in source, but implied there's another mode)</li></ol></div><h4>Mode 1: SHRESHTA Schools - Selection and Admission</h4><p>Under <strong>Mode 1</strong>, known as <strong>SHRESHTA Schools</strong>, a rigorous process is followed to identify and admit meritorious students.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Selection Process Highlights:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Meritorious SC students</strong> are selected annually.</li><li>Selection is conducted through the <strong>National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS)</strong>.</li><li>The <strong>National Testing Agency (NTA)</strong> is responsible for conducting the <strong>NETS</strong> examination.</li></ul></div><p>Upon successful selection, these students are granted admission into some of the <strong>best CBSE/State Board-affiliated private residential schools</strong>. This ensures access to a high-standard educational environment for students in <strong>classes 9th and 11th</strong>.</p>