The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme is a vital component of educational empowerment in India. Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students and Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for children whose parents are engaged in hazardous jobs are the initiatives designed to provide critical support to students at the pre-matriculation level, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme aims to break down financial barriers that often hinder access to quality education. This enables students to focus on their studies while offering them the opportunity to realise their full potential. Through the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, India is nurturing the next generation of scholars and leaders, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge and learning.
To advance literacy and ensure continuous education for the underprivileged children in India, the government has introduced two key initiatives. They are as follows:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students
- Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for children whose parents are engaged in hazardous jobs
These programs provide financial support to parents, particularly those from the Scheduled Caste and other disadvantaged groups, to enable their children to receive education at the pre-matric level. The government aims to meet the following primary goals:
- Enhance student participation
- Reduce dropout rates in the transition period from primary to secondary school
- Improve academic performance
- Progressing towards higher education after completing the pre-matric stage
This article aims to provide valuable information about the Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship for Class 9th and 10th students from the SC community. It covers essential details such as the application process, eligibility criteria, required documentation, and other pertinent information to inform and educate prospective applicants.
Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students – Overview
| Name of the Scholarship Scheme | Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students of Assam |
| Launched by | The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Beneficiaries | Class 9th & 10th SC Students |
| Objective | To promote higher education |
| Benefits | To reduce the dropouts rate of students |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Official Website | https://scholarships.gov.in/ |
Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students – Scope
- This scholarship is only available to students pursuing their studies in India, and it is offered by the respective governments of the states and administrations of the union territories.
- Students can avail the benefits under this scholarship programme if they are studying in a school recognized by the government.
- Governments have an added responsibility to find and support the poorest and needy students from all the eligible groups.
Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students – Eligibility
- The scholarship is open to Indian nationals only.
- The students should be studying in classes IX and X on a full-time basis.
- They should belong to a scheduled caste community.
- Annual income of the parents or guardian should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh per annum.
- Pre-Matric scholarship for children of parents or guardians engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations are also eligible under the scheme.
- Scholarship programme is available to the children/wards of parents/guardians who, irrespective of their caste or religion, belong to one of the following categories:
- Persons who are manual scavengers as defined under Section 2(I)(g) of the Manual Scavengers Act 2013
- Tanners and Flayers
- Waste pickers
- Persons engaged in hazardous cleaning as defined in Section 2(I)(d) of the Manual Scavengers Act 2013
Note:- For the purpose of classification under this category, the eligible candidates will be required to submit a certificate from a District Social Welfare Officer, an identified officer of a local body, a civic agency, or any other authority as designated by the State Government.
- If a student avails the benefit under this scholarship programme, they are not entitled for any other scholarship programme meant for the students of Class 1 to 10. If they get selected for another scholarship programme meant for these classes, they have the option to choose by informing the school or institution about their choice.
- Students need to follow the rules mentioned in a government notification released on February 16, 2017, about Aadhaar (an identity document). If, for some reason, a person’s Aadhaar can’t be verified, they should be able to prove their identity. But it’s a good idea for the parents of the students to have Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for online transfer.
Also Read: Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students, Assam
Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students – Awards
With effect from 2022–23 academic session, students will receive yearly academic allowance on the following basis:
- Day scholar students will get ₹3,500 per year.
- Hostellers will receive the benefits in two parts:
- Component 1 – ₹7,000 per year
- Component 2 – ₹8,000 per year (for students in Class 3 to 10).
- Divyang (Disabled) students will get a 10% extra allowance. Type of disability will be determined on the basis of criteria outlined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and certified by qualified authorities designated by the government.
Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students – Payment Mechanism
Monetary support available under the scholarship programme by the State or Central Government along with the academic and disability allowances, if the candidates qualify for these, will be deposited into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of the students or their parents using Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method.
Starting with 2022–23 session, government will give release the scholarship amount at once, according to the following schedule:
Also Read: Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Class 9 & 10), Assam
Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students – Terms and Conditions
- If a student avails the scholarship benefits by lying or providing false information, this will lead to cancellation of scholarship assistance. Applicants may have to pay back the money they received. They could also be prevented from getting scholarship assistance in the future.
- If a student quits their studies mid-way after getting the scholarship assistance, they might have to return the scholarship amount, depending on the decision of the State Government.
- The government can change the rules of this programme whenever they want.
Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students – How to Apply?
Step 1: Registration as New Users
- First-time applicants need to register with the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- To begin, they should navigate to the ‘Applicant Corner’ section and select the ‘New Registration’ tab.
- Candidates must provide all the necessary information in the registration form and click on the ‘Register’ button to complete the process of registration.
- A unique student application ID and password will be generated upon successful registration, and these details will be sent to the registered mobile number.
Step 2: Logging in to NSP
- After registration, applicants must log in to the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) using the newly generated ID and password.
- OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the registered mobile number in order to change the password for added security.
Step 3: Accessing the Application Form
- Once the password is updated, candidates will be directed to the ‘Applicant’s Dashboard’ page.
- On the Applicant’s Dashboard page, applicants should click the ‘Application Form’ tab to begin the process of scholarship application.
Step 4: Providing Details
- Applicants must provide essential information, including registration and academic details, basic personal information, and contact details, along with any scheme-specific information as stipulated.
Step 5: Document Upload
- Applicants should ensure that all the required supporting documents, such as those verifying their identity and academic eligibility, are uploaded as part of the application process.
Step 6: Saving as Draft
- Applicants are advised to save the partially filled application form as a draft at various stages of completion.
- This allows them to ensure accuracy before final submission.
Step 7: Final Submission
- Candidates should carefully review all the information entered in order to complete the process of scholarship application.
- Applicants may finally proceed by clicking the ‘Submit’ button.
In a nutshell, the Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students is a critical initiative to empower disadvantaged students, providing them with the necessary financial aid to pursue education, improve their lives, and contribute positively to society. By adhering to the scholarship’s rules and requirements, students can make the most of this opportunity available for a brighter future.
Also Read: Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students, Assam
Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme – FAQs
What happens if a student quits their studies midway after receiving the scholarship benefits?
Depending on the decision of the State Government, the scholarship beneficiary may be required to repay the scholarship amount.
What happens if a student receives more than one scholarship meant for the students of Class 1 to 10?
If a student is offered another scholarship assistance meant for these classes, they can choose one of the two. At the same time they must inform the school or institution about their decision.
Can students from private schools apply under the scholarship programme Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students?
Yes, students from private schools can apply under this scholarship programme as long as it is recognised by the relevant government authorities and has a valid Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) code.
What is the scholarship amount available under the scholarship programme, and how is it distributed?
The scholarship amount available under the Assam Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students varies based on whether a student is a day scholar or hosteller. With effect from 2022–23 academic session, students will receive yearly academic allowance on the following basis:
- Day scholar students will get ₹3,500 per year.
- Hostellers will receive the benefits in two parts:
- Component 1 – ₹7,000 per year
- Component 2 – ₹8,000 per year (for students in Class 3 to 10).
- Divyang (Disabled) students will get a 10% extra allowance. Type of disability will be determined on the basis of criteria outlined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and certified by qualified authorities designated by the government.
Also Read: Assam Scholarship 2023 – Complete List, Eligibility, Awards