The journey of Navodaya Vidyalaya began with the introduction of the National Policy on Education in 1986, which aimed to provide opportunities for quality education to rural children. The first two Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) were established in 1986-87. Since then, the Navodaya Vidyalaya system has grown to become a significant part of India's education landscape.

Here's a brief overview of its journey:

1. **1986-87**: The first two JNVs were established in the state of Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

2. **Expansion**: The concept of Navodaya Vidyalayas gained popularity due to their focus on providing quality education in rural areas. As a result, more JNVs were established in various states and union territories across the country.

3. **Autonomy and Administration**: The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) was established in 1986 to oversee the administration of these schools. The NVS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education and is responsible for the management and funding of JNVs.

4. **Unique Features**: Navodaya Vidyalayas are residential schools that provide education from Class VI to Class XII. They follow the three-language formula and provide a balanced curriculum with a focus on academics, co-curricular activities, and physical education.

5. **Selection Process**: Admission to JNVs is through a competitive entrance examination known as the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST). This test is conducted annually for students of Class V, and those selected get admission into Class VI in the JNVs.

6. **Growth and Impact**: Over the years, the Navodaya Vidyalaya system has expanded significantly, with JNVs established in most states and union territories. These schools have played a crucial role in providing quality education to rural students and nurturing their talents.

7. **Recognition**: Navodaya Vidyalayas have gained recognition for their academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and emphasis on all-round development.

8. **Challenges and Achievements**: The journey of Navodaya Vidyalaya has been marked by both challenges and achievements. While the schools have faced infrastructure and staffing issues in some cases, they have also been successful in producing outstanding students who excel in various fields.

Overall, the Navodaya Vidyalaya system has made a significant contribution to rural education in India by providing opportunities for talented students and promoting educational excellence.