The Financial Assistance Scheme for Higher Competitive/ Entrance Examination was introduced by the Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes, Government of Haryana.
This scheme provides financial aid to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Backward Class (BC) students who cannot afford coaching for IAS and other higher competitive exams due to financial constraints.
Modification: The scheme has been amended w.e.f 01.06.2009:
- Committee-led Implementation: A committee headed by the Secretary, Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes decides the duration of coaching and quantum of fees.
- Increased Financial Assistance: Earlier, the financial assistance was ₹10,000; now, the income ceiling has increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.50 lakh per annum.
Objectives
- To enable SC/BC students to access classroom or postal coaching for:
- IAS, IFS, and Allied Services exams.
- UPSC/HPSC/LIC/GIC/RRB/BRB exams and other central/state recruiting agencies.
- Pre-Entrance exams for PMT/PET and other interview-based coaching.
- Job-oriented courses such as IT and Biotechnology.
- Implemented via reputed coaching institutions in Haryana and across India.
Funding & Financial Pattern
- Financial assistance is released directly to the coaching institutions in two installments:
- 30% upon joining the coaching course.
- 70% after satisfactory completion of the course.
- Fee Structure: Decided by the State Committee based on market rates annually.
Benefits
Free coaching for IAS and higher services competitive exams.
Coaching for civil services exams like IFS, IAS, Allied Services, and others conducted by UPSC, HPSC, LIC, GIC, RRB, BRB, etc.
Pre-Entrance exam coaching (PMT/PET) and interview coaching from private institutions.
Maximum two-time benefit for a candidate, irrespective of attempts in exams.
Eligibility
Domicile of Haryana and belonging to Scheduled Caste or Backward Class.
Annual income of parents/guardians should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh.
Candidate must possess the required qualification for the competitive exam.
A candidate can avail benefits only twice for a particular exam.
Exclusions:
- Students absent for more than 5 days at a time or 15 days in total during the course without a valid reason will have their benefits discontinued.
- This scheme does not cover courses already covered by other schemes for SC/BC students.
Selection Process
The Director, Welfare of SC/BC Department, Haryana, will invite proposals from coaching institutions.
Selection of institutions is done by a State-Level Committee consisting of:
- Chairman: Secretary, Welfare of SC & BC Department.
- Member-Secretary: Director, Welfare of SC & BC Department.
- Members: Deputy Director & District Welfare Officer.
Selection of students: Candidates will be selected at the state level by a committee of academic experts.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Director, Welfare of SC/BC Haryana will invite applications from time to time.
- Eligible candidates can download the form from the official website or collect it from District Welfare Offices (DWO/TWO).
- Fill out the form with accurate details.
- Submit the filled form along with necessary documents to the respective institution.
- Selection of students will be done at the state level by an expert committee.
Documents Required
Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, etc.).
Educational Certificates (mark sheets, passing certificates).
Passport-size Photograph.
Residence Proof (Domicile Certificate).
Income Certificate (Issued by a competent authority).
Caste Certificate (Issued by an officer of appropriate authority).
Affidavit stating the candidate has not availed the benefit more than twice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the main objective of this scheme?
A: To provide free coaching to SC/BC students for IAS, IFS, and other competitive exams.
Q: Who launched this scheme?
A: Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes, Government of Haryana.
Q: What are the benefits provided?
A: Free coaching for civil services, entrance exams (PMT/PET), and interview coaching.
Q: Who is eligible?
A: SC/BC students from Haryana with a family income of less than ₹2.50 lakh per annum.
Q: Can general category students apply?
A: No, this scheme is only for SC/BC students.
Q: How many times can a student avail this benefit?
A: Twice for any competitive exam.
Q: When will a student’s benefits be discontinued?
A: If absent for more than 15 days without a valid reason.
Q: How are students selected for the scheme?
A: By a State-Level Committee consisting of academic experts.
Q: Where can I get the application form?
A: From the official website or District Welfare Office (DWO/TWO).