Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC and Disadvantaged Students

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes and Other Disadvantaged Groups is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. This scheme aims to promote education among students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and children of parents engaged in unclean or hazardous occupations by offering financial assistance to pursue studies from Class I to X. Launched with the goal of reducing school dropouts and ensuring equitable access to education, this scholarship plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable families.

Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)

• Scheme Name: Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC & Others
• Implemented By: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Target Group: SC students (Class IX & X) and children of hazardous occupation workers (Class I–X)
• Financial Support: ₹3,500 to ₹8,000 annually, depending on category and hostel status
• Special Benefit: 10% additional allowance for Divyang (disabled) students
• Mode of Payment: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

Component 1: SC Students (Class IX & X)

• Must be an Indian national
• Belong to Scheduled Caste (SC)
• Studying in Class IX or X full-time
• Annual family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh

Component 2: Children of Hazardous Occupation Workers (Class I–X)

• No income limit
• Must be children of parents/guardians engaged in:

• Manual scavenging

• Tanning or flaying

• Waste picking

• Hazardous cleaning
  • Applicable to students of any caste/religion

Exclusions

• Student can only receive one scholarship for classes I to X at a time
• If awarded another scholarship, the awarding body must be informed
• Benefits are withdrawn if a student discontinues the course

Application Process

Online via National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

Step-by-Step Guide:

New Applicants

1. Visit NSP Portal

2. Click “New Registration” under Applicant Corner

3. Accept terms → Enter Aadhaar & Bank Details → Register using Mobile OTP

Registered Applicants

1. Go to “Fresh Application” on the NSP Portal

2. Login with Application ID & Password

3. Select the scheme

4. Fill in the application form

5. Upload documents → Submit the form

Documents Required

• Student Photograph
• Aadhaar Card
• Caste Certificate (for SC)
• Income Proof (for Component 1)
• Academic Certificate / Marksheet
• Domicile Certificate
• Bank Passbook (student account details)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is this scheme ?
  The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes & others is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
• What are the main objective of the scheme?
  This program provides financial aid to parents of children from Scheduled Castes and other disadvantaged groups to help them afford their children’s education at the Pre-Matric level.
• What benefits are provided under the scheme?
  1. Day Scholar- Rs. 3,500/- per annum
  2. Hosteller –
  Component 1- ₹ 7,000/- per annum
  Component 2- ₹ 8,000/- per annum (For Class III-X)
• What benefits are provided to the Disabled students ?
  Along with the common benefits, in addition, a 10% extra allowance shall be given to Divyang (Disabled) students.
• Who can get the benefits under Component ?
  1. The scholarships are open to Nationals of India only.
  2. Applicant students should be studying in class IX and X on a full time basis
  3. Applicant students should belong to a Scheduled Caste.
  4. Parent/Guardian of applicant students income should not exceed Rs. 2.50 lakh per annum
• Which categories are fall under Component ?
  1. Persons who are Manual Scavengers.
  2. Tanners & Flayers.
  3. Waste pickers.
  4. Persons engaged in hazardous cleaning.
• Is there any relaxation for the component ?
  There is no family income ceiling under component .
• What is the procedure to apply ?
  1. Applicant must register them self on NSP portal.
  2. Login with their credentials and apply.
• What documents are required ?
  1. Aadhaar Card.
  2. Link mobile no. with Aadhaar.
  3. Seed bank A/C with Aadhaar.
  4. Academic Documents.
• What is the NSP URL ?
  URL :https://scholarships.gov.in/