The Scheme “OEC Pre-matric Educational Assistance” was started by the Backward Classes Development Department, Government of Kerala. In the state, the most backward communities from among the Other Backward Communities are grouped as Other Eligible Communities (OEC). The scheme is intended to provide educational assistance to pre-matric students belonging to these communities who are studying in Government/Aided/Unaided schools from Classes 1st to 10th. This scheme is being fully implemented with the state fund.
Benefits
The financial assistance provided under the scheme is as follows:
| Sl. No. | Classes/Standards | Educational Assistance Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Class I to IV | ₹320/- |
| 2 | Class V to VII | ₹630/- |
| 3 | Class VIII to X | ₹940/- |
Eligibility
To be eligible for the OEC Pre-matric Educational Assistance, the student must:
- Belong to the Other Eligible Communities (OEC) or Other Equivalent Communities of Kerala State.
- Be studying in Government, Aided, Recognized Un-Aided, CBSE, ICSE-affiliated schools, or Kendriya Vidyalayas within Kerala.
- Be enrolled in Class 1 to 10.
- Have no annual family income limit if belonging to OEC Communities.
- Have an annual family income limit of ₹6,00,000/- for students from Other Equivalent Communities.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
- No separate application submission is required from students.
- School authorities must enter student details online through the scholarship portal within the prescribed time.
- Educational Officers must verify the data entered by Un-aided/Affiliated Institutions.
- The school authorities will submit applications online, and the financial assistance will be transferred directly to the eligible students’ bank accounts via Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT).
Documents Required
The following documents must be provided:
- Identity proof of the student.
- Copy of Aadhaar Card.
- Recent passport-size photo of the student.
- Copy of ration card (if applicable).
- Caste Certificate.
- Income Certificate (if applicable).
- Residence proof.
- Physical Disability Certificate (if applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the “OEC Pre-matric Educational Assistance” scheme?
It is a financial assistance scheme for pre-matric students from the Other Eligible Communities (OEC) and Other Equivalent Communities in Kerala.
Q: Which department implements this scheme?
The Backward Classes Development Department, Government of Kerala.
Q: Is this scheme fully funded by the Kerala government?
Yes, the scheme is fully funded by the state government.
Q: Who is eligible for the scheme benefits?
Students from OEC and Other Equivalent Communities studying in Classes 1 to 10 in recognized schools in Kerala.
Q: What is the amount of financial assistance provided?
Depending on the class, students receive ₹320/- to ₹940/- per year.
Q: Can students from private (un-aided) schools apply for this assistance?
Yes, students from Government, Aided, and Recognized Un-aided schools are eligible.
Q: Is this scheme only for students from OEC and Other Equivalent Communities in Kerala?
Yes, only students belonging to OEC and Other Equivalent Communities of Kerala can apply.
Q: What is the income limit for eligibility?
- No income limit for students from OEC Communities.
- ₹6,00,000/- annual income limit for students from Other Equivalent Communities.
Q: How can a student apply for this scheme?
Students do not need to submit applications. Schools apply on their behalf through the scholarship portal.
Q: How will students receive the financial assistance?
The amount will be directly transferred to the student’s bank account via DBT (Direct Beneficiary Transfer).