The OEC Pre-Matric Educational Assistance Scheme is an initiative by the Backward Classes Development Department, Government of Kerala. It is aimed at supporting school students (Class 1 to 10) from the Other Eligible Communities (OEC) and Other Equivalent Communities. This scheme, fully funded by the Kerala State Government, helps students studying in Government, Aided, and Recognized Unaided Schools, including CBSE, ICSE, and Kendriya Vidyalayas, by providing annual financial support.
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: OEC Pre-Matric Educational Assistance
• Launched By: Backward Classes Development Department, Kerala
• Beneficiaries: Students from OEC & Other Equivalent Communities
• Class Coverage: Class 1 to Class 10
• Funded By: Government of Kerala
• Mode of Disbursement: Direct Bank Transfer (DBT)
• Application Mode: No direct application by student; schools apply on their behalf
Benefits
| Class/Standard | Educational Assistance (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Classes 1 to 4 | ₹320 |
| Classes 5 to 7 | ₹630 |
| Classes 8 to 10 | ₹940 |
Note: The assistance is disbursed annually via DBT to the student’s bank account.
Eligibility Criteria
• The student must belong to Other Eligible Communities (OEC) or Other Equivalent Communities in Kerala
• Must be studying in Class 1 to 10
• Must be enrolled in a Government, Aided, Recognized Un-aided, CBSE, ICSE school, or Kendriya Vidyalaya within Kerala
• For OEC students: No income limit
• For Other Equivalent Community students: Annual income should not exceed ₹6,00,000
Application Process
School-Level Online Entry
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No separate application is required from the student or parent
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School authorities register eligible students online through the Kerala Scholarship Portal
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The Educational Officer verifies applications submitted by unaided/affiliated schools
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Upon approval, financial assistance is credited via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s account
Documents Required
• Aadhaar Card of the student
• Passport-size photograph
• Caste Certificate
• Residence Proof (ration card, utility bill, etc.)
• Income Certificate (only for Other Equivalent Communities)
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)
• Identity Proof (School ID/Any other valid ID)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is “OEC Pre-matric Educational Assistance”?
The scheme is intended to provide educational assistance to pre-matric students belonging to Other Eligible Communities (OEC) & Other Equivalent Communities who are studying in Government/Aided/Unaided schools from Classes 1st to 10th. - Which is the implementing department of this scheme?
Backward Communities Development Department, Government of Kerala - Is this scheme fully funded by the state Government of Kerala?
Yes, this scheme is being fully implemented with the state fund. - Who is eligible to get the benefits of the scheme?
The students who belong to the Other Eligible Communities & Other Equivalent Communities of Kerala State can take benefit of the scheme. - What is the benefit of the scheme?
Under the scheme, the educational assistance of ₹320/-, ₹630/- & ₹940/- will be given to the students of Classes I to IV, V to VII & VIII to X respectively. - Can a student be eligible for assistance who is studying in a private school?
The student who is studying in Government/Aided/Recognized Un-Aided/C.B.S.E/I.C.S.E Affiliated Schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas in Kerala state will be eligible for assistance. - Is this scheme only for the Other Eligible Communities & the Other Equivalent Communities of Kerala State?
Yes, the applicant should belong to the Other Eligible Communities & Other Equivalent Communities of Kerala State. - Which class of students is eligible for educational assistance?
The students must be studying in Class 1st to 10th. - What is the criterion for the annual family income of the students who belong to OEC Communities?
There is no annual family income limit for the students who belong to OEC Communities. - What is the criterion for annual family income of the students who belong to Other Equivalent Communities?
The annual family income should be ₹6,00,000/- for the students who belong to Other Equivalent Communities. - How can a student apply under the scheme?
To get the benefits of the scheme, the students do not have to submit separate applications. The School authorities should make an online entry through the scholarship portal within the prescribed time. - How will the students receive the financial assistance?
The financial assistance reaches the eligible students’ bank accounts through Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT).