OBC Additional Scholarship Scheme

The Scheme for Grant of Additional Scholarship to the Students of Other Backward Classes (OBC) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands provides monthly financial support to OBC students from the non-creamy layer pursuing higher education anywhere in India. Launched by the Department of Social Welfare, this scheme supplements the cost of education for deserving students who have completed their secondary education and are now enrolled in diploma, degree, or professional programs. It plays a vital role in making education accessible and inclusive for underprivileged students of the islands.

Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)

• Launched by: Department of Social Welfare, A&N Islands
• Target Group: Non-creamy layer OBC students
• Applicable for: Post-secondary education (after Class X or XII)
• Monthly Scholarship Amount: ₹1000
• Duration: 10 months per academic year
• Mode of Application: Online via NSP Portal

Benefits

The scholarship is renewable each year upon successful promotion to the next level and will be credited directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Eligible Courses

The scheme covers a wide range of full-time government-recognized courses:

• Graduate/Postgraduate Degrees
• M.Phil., Ph.D., Post-Doctoral programs
• Courses in Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Computer Science
• Polytechnic/ITI/3-year diploma courses
• Professional certifications (CA, CS, ICWA, etc.)
• Allied areas like Hotel Management, Travel, Interior Design, Mass Communication, Banking, etc.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, a student must:

• Belong to the non-creamy layer OBC category as notified for A&N Islands
• Be a domicile/permanent resident of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Have passed Class X or XII and be enrolled in a recognized full-time post-secondary program
• Be pursuing higher education anywhere in India
• Have no more than two children in the family applying under this scheme
• Maintain good conduct and regular attendance
• Not be enrolled in government-funded courses like Defence Academies, Pre-Exam Training, Distance Education, etc.

Exclusions

• Repeating the same level in another subject (e.g., B.Com after B.Sc.)
• Pursuing another professional course after already completing one (e.g., LLB after B.Ed.)
• Distance learning, open university, or government fully funded programs
• Receiving scholarships under any Central/State/UT fully funded schemes for the same course
• Failing in the same class more than once
• Providing false information or discontinuing mid-course may lead to cancellation and recovery of funds

Application Process (Online via NSP)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Visit https://scholarships.gov.in

2. Click on “New Registration” and complete the Aadhaar-based verification

3. Create your Student Registration ID

4. Log in via “Fresh Application”

5. Fill out the application form and upload documents

6. Submit the application and note down the system-generated reference number

The scholarship is announced via public notice every year in May–June.

Documents Required

• Passport-size photograph
• Aadhaar Card
• Class X/XII/Diploma/Degree Certificate
• Non-creamy layer certificate (signed by Tehsildar or higher)
• OBC certificate (as per A&N Islands notification)
• Income Certificate
• Previous year’s scholarship acknowledgment (for renewals)
• Bank account passbook (first page)
• Latest marksheet (attested by Head of Institution)
• Any other relevant certificate (e.g., research enrollment)

Renewal of Scholarship

• Students must pass and be promoted to the next year/semester
• In case of illness or valid reasons, scholarship may be renewed with medical proof
• If a student changes courses mid-way, benefits continue only for the new duration (excluding already funded years)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the objective of the scheme?
  The objective of the scheme is to provide additional financial assistance (Scholarship) to the OBC students belonging to the non-creamy layer of Andaman & Nicobar Islands for pursuing higher education after Secondary (X)/Senior Secondary (XII), in Government-recognized Polytechnic/ITI/College/University anywhere in India, as an incentive to supplement to the cost of their education.
• Which is the implementing department of this scheme?
  The scheme shall be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare, Andaman and Nicobar Administration through the funds made available under the Union Territory Plan.
• Who is eligible to apply under the scheme?
  The students who belong to OBCs so specified and notified in relation to Andaman and Nicobar Islands and are domicile of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and who have passed Secondary (Class X)/Senior Secondary (Class XII) from a recognized Board of School Education and pursuing higher education in a recognized Institution/University shall be eligible for award of this scholarship.
• What is the benefit of the scheme?
  Under this scheme, an amount of ₹1000/- per month shall be sanctioned to the eligible students belonging to the OBC category.
• Is this scheme only for the students of Other Backward Classes Category?
  Yes, the student should belong to Other Backward Classes Category.
• Is a student pursuing Post-graduate courses in Medicine eligible for this scholarship?
  Yes, the student who is pursuing Post-graduate courses in Medicine shall be eligible for this scholarship provided he/she is not allowed to practice during the period of his/her course.
• What is the duration of scholarship?
  The scholarship shall be payable for a duration of ten months in an academic session.
• How many children of a parent/guardian are eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
  Only two children of the same parent/guardian shall be entitled to receive this scholarship.
• How to apply for this scholarship?
  Online submission of the application form can be done through the website of the National Scholarship Portal. https://scholarships.gov.in/
• Do I need to get my Aadhaar Card to apply for Scholarship?
  Aadhaar Card Number/enrolment number is mandatory for the students in order to fill up the application form online. The students can also apply for scholarship entering the Aadhaar Number.
• What should I do, if I do not find my institute name in this drop-down menu?
  Student will contact to their respective institute.
• What happens, if I detect mistakes after forwarding the application to the institute?
  Students should separately inform the mistakes detected by them to the Officer of your Institute. The institute has to back the application as an incomplete application and then the application will be available to the students for editing.
• How Can I apply for scholarship, if I am a student of Institute, located outside the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands?
  Fill up your application online on the NSP portal and submit the filled-up application along with all the documents mentioned.
• Can I Secure scholarship for previous year?
  No, the scholarship can be claimed only for the current year. Scholarships for the previous years cannot be claimed on the online portal.

Sources and References

• Guidelines
• National Scholarship Portal