Initiated by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to provide financial support to school-going children of economically weaker OBC families, the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for Other Backward Classes (OBC) This scholarship seeks to lower pre-matric dropout rates among OBC students and advance education overall.
Duration of the Scholarship
- The scholarship is available to students from Class 1 onwards (for day scholars) and Class 3 onwards (for hostellers).
- The scholarship terminates at the end of Class 10.
- The scholarship is granted for a maximum of 10 months per academic year.
Benefits
Scholarship Amount
| Category | Scholarship Amount (Per Month for 10 Months) |
|---|---|
| Hostellers (Class 3 to 10) | ₹500 per month |
| Day Scholars (Class 1 to 10) | ₹100 per month |
Additional Ad-Hoc Grant
- An extra ₹500 per student per annum is provided to both hostellers and day scholars.
- The scholarship is payable from the date of joining the school until the date of leaving, excluding vacation periods.
Eligibility Criteria
- The parents’ or guardians’ annual income should not exceed ₹2,50,000 from all sources.
- The student must be enrolled in a pre-matriculation course recognized by the respective State Government or Union Territory Administration.
- The student must have at least 60% attendance in the previous academic year.
- The student must not be availing benefits from any other pre-matric scholarship scheme.
Reservation and Relaxation
- 30% of the scholarships are reserved for girl students.
- At least 5% of the scholarships must be granted to students with disabilities.
Application Process
Online Application through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal.
- Click on “New Registration” and read the guidelines.
- Scroll down, accept the terms, and click on “Continue”.
- Fill in the registration form with the mandatory details and click “Register”.
- The Application ID and password will be displayed on the screen and sent via SMS to the registered mobile number.
Step 2: Login and Application Form Submission
- Go to the “New Registration” page and select “Login to Apply”.
- Enter your Application ID and Password, complete the CAPTCHA, and click “Login”.
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and reset your password.
- Access the Applicant Dashboard.
- Click on “Application Form”, fill in all mandatory fields, and upload required documents.
- You can save as a draft or select “Final Submit”.
Documents Required
- Passport-sized Photograph.
- Aadhaar Number.
- Proof of Educational Qualification (Marksheet or School Certificate).
- Bonafide Certificate from the institution.
- OBC Caste Certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Income Certificate (issued by the Revenue Department).
- Aadhaar-linked Bank Account Details for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the main objective of the Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC students?
The scheme provides financial assistance to students from economically weaker OBC families to reduce dropout rates and promote education at the pre-matric level. - Q: How is parental income calculated for scholarship eligibility?
The total annual income from all sources must be ₹2,50,000 or below, verified through an official income certificate. - Q: What if a student’s parent passes away, affecting their income?
If the death of an earning parent significantly reduces family income, special consideration may be given upon verification. - Q: Are there exemptions for specific income sources?
Income sources such as certain disability benefits or family pensions may be excluded based on state/UT policies. - Q: How often should income certificates be renewed?
Applicants must submit an updated income certificate during each renewal cycle. - Q: For how long is the scholarship available?
The scholarship is available for a maximum of 10 months per academic year. - Q: Can students receiving this scholarship apply for other pre-matric scholarships?
No, students receiving benefits from this scheme cannot apply for other pre-matric scholarship programs. - Q: What percentage of scholarships are reserved for girl students?
30% of scholarships are reserved for girl students under this scheme. - Q: What is the reserved quota for students with disabilities?
At least 5% of the total scholarships are allocated to students with disabilities. - Q: Is Aadhaar seeding of bank accounts mandatory?
Yes, applicants must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). - Q: How is the scholarship renewed?
To renew the scholarship, students must meet attendance and academic progress criteria, and reapply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). - Q: Is the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme a ‘funds-limited’ scheme?
Yes, the scheme operates based on available government funds, and scholarships are distributed accordingly. - Q: What is the role of States/UTs in managing the scheme?
State/UT administrations are responsible for verifying applications, approving scholarships, and disbursing funds.