The Centrally-Sponsored Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is designed to support Scheduled Caste (SC) students studying in Classes 9 and 10. This scheme aims to reduce dropout rates and support socially disadvantaged students by providing financial assistance, book grants, and additional allowances for persons with disabilities.
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Classes 9 & 10)
• Launched By: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
• Beneficiaries: Scheduled Caste (SC) students in 9th and 10th standard
• Family Income Limit: ₹2.5 lakh per annum
• Mode of Application: Offline (Through School/Institution)
• Scholarship Validity: 1 year per class
• Applicable Areas: Government/Recognized Schools in India
Benefits
Scholarship Amount
| Category | Day Scholars (₹/month) | Hostellers (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarship | ₹225 | ₹525 |
| Book Grant | ₹750/year | ₹1000/year |
♿ Additional Monthly Allowances for PwD Students (Private Unaided Schools Only)
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Reader Allowance (Blind Students): ₹160/month
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Transport Allowance (Non-hostel residents): ₹160/month
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Escort Allowance (Severely disabled): ₹160/month
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Helper Allowance (Orthopedically handicapped in hostel): ₹160/month
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Coaching Allowance (Mentally Retarded/Ill): ₹240/month
Note: Allowances apply only when certified and verified by the school/institution.
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a Scheduled Caste (SC) student
• Must be studying in Class 9 or 10
• Must be a regular, full-time student in a government or government-recognized school (including CBSE/State Board institutions)
• Annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh
• Must be domiciled in the same State/UT where the application is submitted
Exclusions
• Students repeating the same class are not eligible for scholarship in the repeated year
• Students furnishing false details will be disqualified
• Cannot combine with any other centrally-funded scholarship
Application Process (Offline)
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Obtain application form from the state’s official scholarship website or school
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Fill in the application with complete details and attach required documents
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Submit to the Head of the Institution before 30th November of the academic year
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Head of Institution forwards to the Block/District authorities
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State/UT authorities will verify, approve, and disburse scholarship to eligible students
Documents Required
• Aadhaar Number
• Duly filled application form
• Passport-size photograph with student signature
• Caste Certificate (SC), signed by a Tehsildar or higher rank officer
• Income Certificate:
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For employed: from employer and self-declaration of other income
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For self-employed: affidavit signed on non-judicial stamp paper
• Marksheet/certificate of last passed exam
• PwD students: relevant disability certificate (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are there any allowances for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)?
Yes, there are monthly allowances depending on the type and extent of disability. There is Reader Allowance, Transport Allowance, Escort Allowance, Helper Allowance and Coaching Allowance. - By when shall the scholarship become payable?
The scholarship will become payable from 1st April or from the month of admission, whichever is later, and will paid for for 10 months of the academic year. - Is there a limit to the number of scholarships?
No. All eligible students from Scheduled Castes will be given scholarships as prescribed in this scheme. - Is there a validity to the scheme benefits?
The scholarship will be provided for ten months of the academic year. - Will I be eligible for the scholarship if I have to repeat a class?
No. The scholarship will be terminated in that case. - I am already availing the benefits of a Centrally-funded Scholarship scheme. Am I eligible for this scheme?
The applicant availing the benefits of National Means-cum-Merit scholarship scheme (Ministry of Education) can also avail the benefits of this scheme. - Is there any application fee?
No. The entire application process is completely free of cost. - In what condition would the income of the guardian needs to be mentioned?
The income of the guardian needs to be mentioned in a case where both the parents of the student are dead. - Do I need to attached a copy of my Aadhaar Card while submitting the application to the Head of the Institution/School?
Yes, you are required to submit the same with your application. - How do I know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
The mandatory fields have a red asterisk (*) mark at the end.