The Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for Scheduled Castes & Others is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to support parents of children from Scheduled Castes (SC) and other disadvantaged groups. The scheme provides financial assistance to ensure that students from these communities can afford their education at the pre-matric level.
The scheme aims to:
- Increase school participation among SC and disadvantaged students.
- Reduce dropout rates, especially during the transition from primary to secondary school.
- Improve academic performance and increase retention in education beyond the pre-matric stage.
Benefits of the Scheme
Scholarship Amount
| Category | Scholarship Amount (₹ Per Annum) |
|---|---|
| Day Scholars | ₹3,500 |
| Hostellers (Class III – X) | ₹7,000 |
| Hostellers (Component 2) | ₹8,000 |
| Additional Allowance for Disabled Students | 10% Extra |
Eligibility Criteria
Component 1: Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- The student should be studying in Class IX or X on a full-time basis.
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per annum.
Component 2: Pre-Matric Scholarship for Children of Parents/Guardians Engaged in Unclean & Hazardous Occupations
- Students from Class I to X are eligible.
- Students must be full-time learners.
- Children of parents engaged in the following occupations can apply:
- Manual Scavengers
- Tanners & Flayers
- Waste Pickers
- Persons engaged in hazardous cleaning
- No family income limit applies under this component.
- Students are eligible for one scholarship at a time. If another scholarship is awarded, the student must notify the awarding body.
Application Process
Online Application via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Visit the Official NSP Portal
- Go to https://scholarships.gov.in/.
- New Applicant Registration
- Click on New Registration under “Applicant Corner”.
- Read the instructions & guidelines carefully.
- Accept the undertaking by checking the box and click Continue.
- Complete registration via Mobile OTP verification.
- Provide Aadhaar details and Bank Account details.
- Login for Registered Applicants
- Click on Fresh Application under “Applicant Corner”.
- Enter Application ID & Password.
- Select the Scholarship Category.
- Fill in the application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Click Submit to complete the process.
Documents Required
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Academic Certificates (Marksheet of Previous Class)
- Scheduled Caste (SC) Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Domicile Certificate
- Bank Account Details
- Aadhaar Card
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SC & Others?
The scheme provides financial assistance to SC students and children of parents engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations to support their education at the pre-matric level.
Q: What is the main objective of this scheme?
The scheme aims to reduce school dropout rates, increase school participation, and support families in educating their children.
Q: What financial benefits are provided?
- ₹3,500 per annum for day scholars.
- ₹7,000 per annum for hostellers (Class III-X).
- ₹8,000 per annum for Component 2 hostellers.
- 10% additional allowance for disabled students.
Q: Who is eligible under Component 1?
SC students studying in Class IX & X, with a family income below ₹2.5 lakh per annum.
Q: Who is eligible under Component 2?
Children of manual scavengers, waste pickers, tanners, flayers, and hazardous cleaning workers studying in Classes I to X. There is no family income limit under this category.
Q: How can I apply for the scheme?
Students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at https://scholarships.gov.in/.
Q: What is the official NSP URL?
The official National Scholarship Portal (NSP) website is https://scholarships.gov.in/.