New Delhi — The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Government of India, has officially announced the “Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs & Others” for the 2025-26 academic year. The initiative aims to provide financial support to students from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and other disadvantaged groups, enabling them to pursue their school education without financial burden. The scheme is divided into two main components, each addressing a specific group of students.
Component 1: Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
Eligibility and Scope
This component is designed for students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. To be eligible, the annual income of their parents or guardians must not exceed ₹2.50 Lakh. The scholarship covers students enrolled in classes IX and X at recognized schools. The application process is managed and verified by the respective State Government or Union Territory, with a focus on reaching the poorest households.
Financial Entitlement
Eligible students will receive an academic allowance to cover educational expenses.
- Day Scholars will receive ₹3,500 per annum.
- Hostellers will receive a higher amount of ₹7,000 per annum.
Additionally, a 10% extra allowance is provided for Divyang (specially abled) students to support their specific needs.
Component 2: Pre-Matric Scholarship for Children of Parents in Unclean and Hazardous Occupations
Eligibility and Scope
This component specifically targets students whose parents or guardians are engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations. A significant feature of this component is that there are no income limit criteria, making the scholarship accessible regardless of the family’s financial standing. The scholarship is available for students studying in classes I to X at recognized schools. Similar to the first component, applications are accepted and verified by the State Government or Union Territory, with a priority on covering the poorest households.
Financial Entitlement
The financial assistance provided under this component is as follows:
- Day Scholars are entitled to ₹3,500 per annum.
- Hostellers will receive ₹8,000 per annum.
An additional 10% extra allowance is also provided for Divyang (specially abled) students under this component.
Application Requirements and Guidelines
To successfully apply for the scholarship, students must have a valid Mobile Number, Aadhaar Number (UID), and an Aadhaar-seeded Bank Account. Other essential documents required include a valid Income Certificate, Previous Year’s Marksheet, and a Caste Certificate.
For detailed guidelines and a comprehensive breakdown of the eligibility criteria, applicants are advised to visit the official link: https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/23. The ministry has also provided a QR code for easy access to the scheme guidelines, ensuring a user-friendly application process.1
Reference and Notification Links
Disclaimer
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