The Department of Social Welfare, Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has launched the Scheme for Grant of Additional Scholarship to OBC Students to provide financial assistance to students belonging to the non-creamy layer of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The scheme enables eligible students from Andaman & Nicobar Islands to pursue higher education anywhere in India after completing their Secondary (Class X) or Senior Secondary (Class XII) education in a recognized Polytechnic, ITI, College, or University.
The scholarship aims to reduce the financial burden on students and their families while encouraging them to pursue higher education.
Duration of Scholarship
- The scholarship is awarded for the entire duration of the course, subject to:
- Good conduct
- Regular attendance, as certified by the Head of the Institution.
Funding Pattern
- The scheme is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
- Funds are allocated under the Union Territory Plan.
Benefits
Value of Scholarship
- ₹1,000 per month shall be sanctioned to eligible OBC students.
Payment & Disbursal Mode
- The scholarship is payable for ten months in an academic session.
- The scholarship is applicable only to passed-out students from the previous academic session.
- The scholarship amount is directly credited to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the student.
- The award of the scholarship is subject to fund availability in the financial year.
Eligibility Criteria
- The student must belong to the non-creamy layer of OBCs in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, as per the Notification issued on December 16, 2005 and subsequent amendments.
- The student must be a domicile of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- The student must have passed Class X or XII from a recognized Board of School Education.
- The student must be pursuing higher education in a recognized institution/university anywhere in India.
- Only two children of the same parent/guardian shall be eligible. If the 2nd live birth results in multiple children, all of them shall be eligible.
- The scholarship applies to students pursuing:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree Programs
- M.Phil, Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral Research
- Medical, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, and other professional courses
- Postgraduate Diploma courses in Management, Medicine, Finance, and related fields
- Vocational and Polytechnic courses after Class X
- ITI courses and three-year Diploma programs
Exclusions
- Students repeating the same level of education in another stream (e.g., B.Sc. after B.A.) are not eligible.
- Students pursuing multiple professional courses (e.g., LLB after B.Ed.) are not eligible.
- Students receiving funding from Central/State/UT Government schemes for specific courses such as Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Defence Academies, and Distance Education Programs are not eligible.
Renewal of Scholarship
- The scholarship is renewed yearly based on promotion to the next level.
- If a student fails in a class for more than one year, the scholarship is stopped.
- If a student withdraws from the course, they must refund the scholarship amount.
- A student receiving a scholarship through false statements will be blacklisted and debarred from future benefits.
Application Process
Online Application Process
-
New Registration:
- Students applying for the first time must register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in/
- Click on “New Registration” and enter the required details.
-
Obtain Student Registration ID:
- After registration, students receive a Student Registration ID.
-
Login & Application Submission:
- Log in to NSP using the Student Registration ID.
- Click on “Fresh Application” and fill out the form.
-
Final Submission:
- After completing the form, click on “Final Submit”.
- A system-generated registration number is sent to the student.
Note:
- The Department of Social Welfare announces the application period every year in May-June through newspapers and official notifications.
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Mark Sheets of Class X/XII/Diploma/Degree
- OBC Caste Certificate (issued by Tehsildar or higher authority)
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (issued by Tehsildar or higher authority)
- Income Certificate
- Previous Scholarship Acknowledgment (for renewal cases)
- Copy of Marksheet (for renewal cases, certified by the institution)
- Copy of Aadhaar Card
- First Page of Bank Passbook
- Any other document required by the department
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of this scheme?
The scheme provides financial assistance to OBC students from Andaman & Nicobar Islands for higher education anywhere in India.
Q: Which department implements this scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
OBC students from non-creamy layer families who are domiciles of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and pursuing higher education in a recognized institution in India are eligible.
Q: What is the benefit under this scheme?
Eligible students receive ₹1,000 per month for ten months in an academic year.
Q: Is this scheme only for OBC students?
Yes, only students belonging to the OBC category in Andaman & Nicobar Islands can apply.
Q: Can a student pursuing a Postgraduate course in Medicine apply?
Yes, provided they are not engaged in medical practice during their course.
Q: How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship continues for the duration of the course, subject to promotion and good conduct.
Q: How many children from one family can apply?
Only two children per family are eligible. If the second birth results in multiple children, all are eligible.
Q: How can I apply?
Apply online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in/
Q: Is Aadhaar mandatory?
Yes, students must provide their Aadhaar-linked bank account details.
Q: What if I make a mistake in my application?
If a mistake is detected after forwarding the application, the student should contact the institute to correct it.
Q: Can I apply if my institute is outside Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
Yes, students pursuing higher education in any recognized institution across India can apply.