Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students for studying in India

The Dr. Ambedkar Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarships for OBC Students is an initiative by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to OBC students pursuing studies at the post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to help them complete their education in India. The scholarships will be awarded by the State/Union Territory Government where the applicant resides.

Benefits:

1. Maintenance Allowance:

   • Group A:

     • Degree & Post Graduate Courses (including M.Phil., PhD, Post-Doctoral research in Medicine, Engineering, Technology, etc.)
     • Hostellers: ₹750 per month
     • Day Scholars: ₹350 per month

   • Group B:

     • Graduate/Post Graduate courses like Pharmacy, Nursing, LLB, BFS, Mass Communication, Hotel Management, etc.
     • Hostellers: ₹510 per month
     • Day Scholars: ₹335 per month

   • Group C:

     • Other graduate degrees (BA, BSc, BCom, etc.)
     • Hostellers: ₹400 per month
     • Day Scholars: ₹210 per month

   • Group D:

     • Non-degree post-matriculation courses (Class XI and XII, ITI, polytechnic diploma, etc.)
     • Hostellers: ₹260 per month
     • Day Scholars: ₹160 per month

   Note: Students entitled to free boarding and lodging will receive 1/3rd of the hostellers’ rate.

2. Reader Charges for Blind Students:

   • Group A & B: ₹175 per month
   • Group C: ₹130 per month
   • Group D: ₹90 per month

3. Fees:

   • Tuition, enrolment, games, union, library, magazine, medical examination, etc., are covered, except for refundable deposits like caution money.

4. Study Tours:

   • Up to ₹900 per annum for transportation charges, subject to certification from the institution that the study tour is essential for course completion.

5. Thesis Typing/Printing Charges:

   • Up to ₹1000 for research scholars.

Mode of Disbursal:

• The scholarship is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. Cash payments are not allowed.
• Bank Accounts: The bank accounts must have Electronic Clearing System (ECS) or Core Banking.

Duration of Awards: The scholarship is tenable from the point it is granted to the completion of the course, subject to good conduct and regular attendance.

Renewal of Awards: The scholarship is renewed annually, provided the scholar secures promotion to the next class, irrespective of examination results.

Eligibility:

1. General Eligibility:

   • The applicant must be Indian, belonging to OBC as notified by the State Government/UT Administration.
   • Must be pursuing post-matriculation or post-secondary education in a recognized institution.
   • Income Criteria:
     • For employed applicants, their combined income with their parents/guardians should not exceed ₹1.50 lakh per annum.
     • For unemployed applicants, the income of the parents/guardians must be under ₹1.50 lakh per annum.

2. Course Eligibility:

   • The scholarship is available for various courses as mentioned under Group A, B, C, and D, ranging from professional courses to regular graduate and non-degree courses.

3. Additional Eligibility Conditions:

   • The scholarship is restricted to two boys per family; there is no such restriction for girls.
   • Students pursuing correspondence courses are eligible only for non-refundable fees and an annual allowance for books.

Exclusions:

1. Ineligible Courses:

   • Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and aviation-related courses are excluded.
   • Students pursuing M.Phil., Ph.D., B.Ed., and M.Ed. are not eligible.

2. Ineligible Students:

   • Students enrolled in open universities or pursuing distance learning.
   • Students who change courses after receiving the scholarship.

3. Non-eligibility Due to Concurrent Scholarships:

   • The applicant must not hold any other scholarship or stipend concurrently. If another scholarship is received, the applicant must choose the more beneficial option.

Application Process Online:

Documents Required:

1. Passport-size photograph with student’s signature
2. Income Certificate issued by a Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tehsildar
3. Mark Sheets of all examinations passed
4. Bank Account Details (first page of bank passbook showing account number and IFSC)
5. Caste Certificate as proof of OBC status
6. Previous Year’s Scholarship Receipt (if applicable)
7. Bonafide Certificate from the institution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1: How does the scholarship program define the duration of awards, and how does this impact the recipients’ education?
A1: The award is valid until the completion of the course, subject to the student maintaining good conduct and regular attendance.

Q2: Why are scholarships not provided for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and aviation-related courses?
A2: These courses are excluded as they are considered specialized and require different financial structures.

Q3: What should I do if I am already receiving another scholarship?
A3: You must choose between the two scholarships. Inform the awarding authority through the Head of the Institution about your choice.

Q4: What is the significance of the annual study tour allowance?
A4: It helps to cover transportation costs for students undertaking essential study tours that contribute to their course completion.

Q5: How can I apply for the scholarship?
A5: The application must be made online via the National Scholarship Portal.

Sources and References:

• Guidelines
• Official Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in