Merit-cum-means Scholarships for Undergraduate Studies in Agriculture and Animal Science is a highly competitive scheme by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE). The aim of this scholarship is to encourage meritorious students to do undergraduate studies in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Home Science, Dairy and Animal Science.
The scholarship is awarded yearly following the merit-cum-mean criteria. Students must fulfill the ‘Means Test’ criteria and score 60% or equivalent grade points in qualifying examination to be eligible. It amounts to ₹1000 per month to each selected student and the scholarship would be held valid for the lifetime of the degree course in the relevant discipline.
Benefits:
- The scholarship offers ₹1,000 per month to each selected student.
- The scholarship is tenable for the entire duration of the degree course in the relevant field (Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Home Science, Dairy, or Animal Husbandry).
Eligibility:
- Domicile: The applicant must be a resident of India.
- Means Test: The family’s annual income should not exceed ₹1,00,000.
- Merit: The student must have secured at least 60% marks or equivalent grade points in the qualifying examination.
- Preferred Subjects: The scholarship is applicable to students pursuing Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Home Science, Dairy, or Animal Husbandry subjects.
- Tie-breaker: In case of a tie, preference will be given to those with higher marks in science subjects.
Means Test:
- The applicant’s family income must not exceed ₹1,00,000 annually.
- If the family income exceeds ₹1,00,000, the student may not be eligible for the scholarship but will be awarded a national prize of ₹500 and a certificate of merit.
Application Process:
Offline Process:
- The interested applicant should visit the University/College during office hours and request the hard copy of the prescribed application form from the concerned authority.
- Complete the application form with all mandatory details, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach the necessary documents (self-attested, if required).
- Submit the completed application form to the concerned authority within the prescribed time frame.
- Ensure to request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority, which contains essential details such as the submission date and unique identification number (if applicable).
Proforma for Submission of Demand: Click here to view.
Documents Required:
- Proof of Identity (e.g., Aadhaar card).
- Marksheets of previous educational qualifications.
- Aadhar Number.
- Income Certificate issued by the designated State/UT Authority.
- Bank Account Details (in the student’s name or a joint account with parent/guardian).
- Proof of Admission into an ICAR-recognized Agricultural University.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A1: What shall be the course of action if an examinee cannot appear for examinations due to some medical ailment?
The student should go through the medical procedure and communicate with the concerned authorities, providing sufficing medical proof as evidence of inability to take the examination.
A2: Will absence from the school due to maternity affect receiving a scholarship?
Absence from the school through maternity doesn’t qualify generally for continuation of scholarship, except for individual cases on condition for such an intercession.
A3: How will scholarship disbursement be handled in the event of leave?
Disbursement shall depend on both performance and attendance of the study with scholarship.
A4: What is the actual amount of the scholarship under graduation?
In a nutshell, this amounts to about ₹1,000 a month for the entire duration of the degree course.
A5: What programs would qualify under this scheme?
Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Home Science, Dairy, and Animal Husbandry at the graduation level may have students qualifying for scholarships.
A6: Is it a monthly or annual payment of the endowment?
It is a monthly endowed program, thereby paying amounting to ₹1000 per month.
A7: Is there any minimum percentage of marks in the qualifying examination?
The candidate should have a minimum of 60% or grade equivalent.
A8: How does inter-se merit between candidates with equal marks get determined?
Preference shall be given to those candidates securing higher marks in science subjects.
A9: Are foreigners permitted to apply under this scheme?
Simply put, the scheme may be applicable only to Indian nationals.
A10: Are transgenders allowed to apply under this scheme?
Yes, a transgender student can apply.