The Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students aims to provide financial support to SC students studying in Classes 9th and 10th in government schools or government-recognized schools (including CBSE and State Boards). The scheme is centrally sponsored and implemented by the State/UT governments, providing monetary assistance to ensure that students complete their schooling without financial barriers.
Benefits
Scholarship Amount (for 10 months in an academic year)
- Day Scholars: ₹225 per month
- Hostellers: ₹525 per month
Books and Ad hoc Grant (Annual Allowance)
- Day Scholars: ₹750 per year
- Hostellers: ₹1,000 per year
Additional Monthly Allowances for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Studying in Private Unaided Schools
| Allowance Type | Monthly Allowance (₹) |
|---|---|
| Reader Allowance (for Blind Students) | ₹160 |
| Transport Allowance (for students who do not reside in a hostel within the premises of the school) | ₹160 |
| Escort Allowance (for severely disabled Day Scholars / students with low extremity disability) | ₹160 |
| Helper Allowance (for orthopedically handicapped students needing hostel assistance) | ₹160 |
| Coaching Allowance (for Mentally Retarded and Mentally ill students) | ₹240 |
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a student studying in Class 9th or 10th.
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- The total annual family income of parents/guardians must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh from all sources.
- The student must be studying in a Government School or a Government-recognized school (CBSE, State Board, etc.).
Exclusions (Who is NOT Eligible?)
- Students who repeat a class will not receive the scholarship for that repeated year.
- If a student is found to have submitted false statements, the scholarship will be canceled.
- Students who are already receiving benefits from another centrally-funded scholarship scheme cannot apply.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
- Download the Application Form from the State Government/UT Administration website (or collect it from the school).
- Complete the application form with all required details.
- Attach the necessary documents (self-attested, if required).
- Submit the application form to the Head of the Institution/School by 30th November of the academic year.
- School authorities will verify and forward applications to the District/Block Level Authorities for processing.
- State Governments/UT Administrations will sanction scholarships through the appropriate District/Block-level authority.
Note: Ensure that the application is submitted within the prescribed deadline.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Number (Mandatory for verification)
- One Passport-size Photograph (for fresh applicants, with signature)
- Duly filled Application Form (as prescribed by the respective state/UT)
- Self-attested copies of educational certificates (Diploma/Degree/Marksheet of all exams passed)
- Caste Certificate (signed by an authorized Revenue Officer, not below the rank of Tehsildar)
- Income Certificate
- If self-employed, an income declaration certificate issued by a Revenue Officer (not below the rank of Tehsildar)
- If employed, an income certificate from the employer
- If additional sources of income exist, a consolidated income certificate from a Revenue Officer
- Bank Account Details (for Direct Benefit Transfer – DBT)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there any allowances for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)?
A: Yes, additional monthly allowances (₹160-₹240) are provided for disabled students under this scheme.
Q: When will the scholarship amount be disbursed?
A: The scholarship is credited annually into the student’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after verification.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of scholarships available?
A: No, all eligible SC students will receive the scholarship as per the prescribed guidelines.
Q: Can I apply if I have to repeat a class?
A: No, students repeating a class will not receive the scholarship for that repeated year.
Q: I am already availing another centrally-funded scholarship. Can I apply?
A: No, students receiving another centrally-funded scholarship are not eligible for this scheme.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No, there is no application fee for this scholarship.
Q: Do I need to submit an Aadhaar Card copy with my application?
A: Yes, a copy of the Aadhaar Card is mandatory for identity verification.
Q: How do I know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
A: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory in the application form.