The Dr. Ambedkar Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarships for Economically Backward Class (EBC) Students is an initiative by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to EBC students pursuing post-matriculation or post-secondary education to support them in completing their studies.
These scholarships are available only for studies in India and are awarded by the State/Union Territory Governments where the applicant is permanently settled.
Benefits
Maintenance Allowance
| Group | Courses Covered | Hostellers (₹/Month) | Day Scholars (₹/Month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | Degree and Postgraduate courses in Medicine, Engineering, Technology, Planning, Architecture, Management, Business, Computer Science, and related fields | 750 | 350 |
| Group B | Professional and non-professional courses such as B.Pharm, Nursing, LLB, Hotel Management, Travel & Tourism, Financial Services, and PG courses not in Group A | 510 | 335 |
| Group C | General degree courses like BA, B.Sc, B.Com | 400 | 210 |
| Group D | Non-degree courses at the post-matric level, including ITI, Polytechnic, and Senior Secondary (Class XI & XII) | 260 | 160 |
Note:
- Blind students receive additional Reader Allowance:
- Group A & B: ₹175/month
- Group C: ₹130/month
- Group D: ₹90/month
- Scholars receiving free boarding/lodging will receive only 1/3rd of the hosteller rate.
Additional Benefits
- Reimbursement of compulsory fees (tuition, enrollment, library, exam, etc.).
- Study Tour Charges up to ₹900 per year, if certified as essential by the institution.
- Thesis Typing/Printing Charges up to ₹1,000 for research scholars.
Mode of Disbursal
- Scholarships are credited directly into the beneficiary’s bank account.
- Payments transition towards Smart Cards for easy access.
Duration & Renewal of Awards
- The scholarship remains valid until the completion of the course, provided the student maintains good conduct and regular attendance.
- Annual renewal is based on promotion to the next class/semester.
Eligibility Criteria
- The scheme is open to Indian nationals from the General Category (excluding SC, ST, and OBC).
- Applicable for all recognized post-matriculation or post-secondary courses in Government institutions.
- Postgraduate medicine students are eligible if they are not allowed to practice during the course.
- Students who pursue distance education/correspondence courses are eligible for reimbursement of non-refundable fees and a ₹900 annual book allowance.
- Only two boys from the same family can avail of this scholarship (restriction not applicable to girls).
Income Criteria
- Employed students: If their combined income with their parents/guardians is below ₹1,00,000 per annum, they can receive reimbursement of non-refundable fees.
- Unemployed students: If their parents’/guardians’ income is below ₹1,00,000 per annum, they are eligible for full scholarship benefits.
Exclusions
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and aviation courses are not eligible.
- Students repeating the same level of education in another stream (e.g., B.Sc. after B.A.) are not eligible.
- Students switching from one professional field to another (e.g., LLB after B.Ed.) are not eligible.
- Class XI & XII students in Higher Secondary or Multipurpose High Schools are not eligible.
Application Process
Online Application Process
- New Registration:
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in
- Click “New Registration” and accept the terms.
- Fill the Registration Form:
- Enter all details correctly. A Student Application ID and Password will be generated.
- Login & Verify OTP:
- Use the received OTP to create a new password and access the dashboard.
- Submit Application:
- Fill in personal, academic, and bank details.
- Upload required documents.
- Click “Final Submit” to complete the application.
- Track Application:
- A system-generated registration number will be sent via SMS for future reference.
Documents Required
- Scholarship Application Form (fresh & renewal).
- Passport-size Photograph with student’s signature.
- Attested copies of previous examination certificates.
- Income Certificate (issued by Tehsildar or higher authority).
- Acknowledgment receipt of previous year’s scholarship (for renewal).
- Aadhaar Card Copy.
- Bank Passbook Copy (first page).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the scholarship paid during internships or practical training?
Yes, if the internship is a mandatory part of the course, students will continue receiving the scholarship.
Q: Do students need to buy textbooks from their maintenance allowance?
Yes, students are expected to purchase books with their maintenance allowance.
Q: What if a student is admitted after the 20th of a month?
The first month’s scholarship will be disbursed in the next cycle.
Q: What is the payment schedule for maintenance charges?
The State Government/UT determines the monthly/quarterly payment schedule.
Q: Can students switch courses and still receive the scholarship?
No, students cannot change courses midway and still avail of the scholarship.
Q: What happens if a scholar misses an annual exam due to illness?
They may apply for renewal with a medical certificate and approval from the institution.
Q: Can students studying in a different state apply?
Yes, as long as they are domiciled in India and pursuing recognized courses.
Q: What is the amount covered for thesis typing/printing charges?
₹1,000 will be provided to research scholars upon institutional recommendation.
Q: Are refundable deposits like caution money covered?
No, only non-refundable fees are covered.
Q: What expenses are covered under study tour charges?
Transportation costs up to ₹900 per annum for students in professional courses.
Q: Is there any additional allowance for blind students?
Yes, blind scholars receive a Reader Allowance ranging from ₹90 to ₹175 per month, based on their study group.
Q: Is house rent allowance considered while calculating income eligibility?
No, House Rent Allowance (HRA) is not included in income calculations.