OBC Scholarships 2025–26: Eligibility, Application Process & Top Opportunities

The Other Backward Classes (OBC) represent a vital segment of India’s social fabric, and the government has taken significant strides to ensure their full inclusion in the nation’s educational advancement. To bridge the gap in access to quality education, a wide array of scholarships has been introduced specifically for OBC students. These initiatives not only provide financial relief but also serve as a powerful tool for social and academic empowerment, helping students overcome economic hurdles that may otherwise obstruct their aspirations.

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These scholarships are more than just monetary aid—they are catalysts for change. By reducing dropout rates, promoting academic retention, and expanding access to higher education, the government aims to foster a generation of skilled and confident OBC scholars ready to contribute meaningfully to society.

In the academic year 2024–25 alone, the government allocated a remarkable ₹2,475 crore towards scholarships and fee reimbursements, positively impacting over 30 lakh OBC students. This substantial investment ensures that deserving students can seamlessly transition from school to postgraduate and even doctoral levels, unlocking long-term academic and professional success.

A Strong and Inclusive Framework for Educational Upliftment

India’s OBC scholarship ecosystem is thoughtfully designed to support learners at every stage—from foundational education to advanced research. By addressing both academic merit and financial need, these schemes offer a comprehensive safety net for students from underprivileged backgrounds.

This robust, inclusive system is more than a collection of financial aids; it is a national commitment to educational justice and upward mobility. Through sustained investment in OBC scholarships, the government is not only transforming individual lives but also laying the groundwork for a more equitable, educated, and progressive India.

List of Scholarships for OBC Students

Scholarship Name Provider Number of Scholarships Tentative Application Period
National Fellowship for OBC Government of India 1,000 October-December
Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Fellowship Government of India 25 July-October
Merit Scholarship for OBC Students Pursuing Professional and Technical Courses Delhi Government Varies March-April
Dr B.R. Ambedkar State Award to SC/ST/OBC/Minorities Students Delhi Government Varies March-April
ONGC Scholarship Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) 1,000 September-October
Pre-Matric Scholarship State Governments Varies September-October
Post-Matric Scholarship State Governments Varies September-October
PM-YASASVI: Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students Government of India Varies August

Key OBC Scholarships Programs Overview

National Fellowship for OBC Students (NF‑OBC)

  • Provider: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India
  • Eligibility: OBC students pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs in UGC-recognized universities.
  • Benefits: ₹31,000/month for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for the first two years; ₹35,000/month for Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) for the subsequent three years. Additional allowances include HRA, medical, and contingency grants.
  • Slots: Approximately 1,000 scholarships annually.
  • Application Period: October–December

Central Sector Scheme – National Overseas Fellowship

  • Provider: Government of India
  • Eligibility: OBC students pursuing master’s or Ph.D. degrees abroad. Applicants must have secured at least 60% marks in their previous degree and must have an annual family income not exceeding ₹3 lakh.
  • Benefits: Fellowship covering tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other expenses for studying abroad.
  • Application Period: July–October

Merit Scholarship for OBC Students in Delhi

  • Provider: Delhi Government
  • Eligibility: OBC students pursuing professional and technical courses in Delhi.
  • Benefits: Financial assistance based on merit.
  • Application Period: March–April

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Award

  • Provider: Delhi Government
  • Eligibility: OBC students pursuing professional and technical courses in Delhi.
  • Benefits: Financial assistance based on merit.
  • Application Period: March–April

ONGC Scholarships

  • Provider: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
  • Eligibility: OBC students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in engineering, medical, or master’s in Geology/Geophysics. Applicants must have secured at least 60% marks in their 12th-grade examinations and have an annual family income not exceeding ₹2 lakh.
  • Benefits: ₹4,000/month as a maintenance allowance.
  • Slots: About 500–1,000 scholarships annually.
  • Application Period: September–October

Pre‑Matric OBC Scholarships

  • Provider: State Governments
  • Eligibility: OBC students studying in Classes 1 to 10 in government or recognized private schools.
  • Benefits: Monthly stipend up to ₹500 and an annual ad-hoc grant of ₹500.
  • Application Period: September–December

Post‑Matric OBC Scholarships

  • Provider: State Governments
  • Eligibility: OBC students studying in Classes 11 and above, including undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
  • Benefits: Maintenance allowance up to ₹750/month, reimbursement of tuition and exam fees, and other educational expenses.
  • Application Period: September–December

PM-YASASVI: Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students

  • Provider: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India
  • Eligibility: OBC students studying in Classes 9 and above.
  • Benefits: Maximum of ₹75,000/- per annum per student of Class 9 and 10 and ₹1,25,000/- per annum per student of Class 11 and 12.
  • Application Period: August

Also read: Fully Funded Scholarships

OBC Scholarships – Eligibility Criteria

  • Category: Must belong to the OBC category.
  • Income: Annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5–3 lakh, depending on the scheme.
  • Academic Performance: Minimum of 50–60% marks in the previous qualifying examination.
  • Age Limit: Varies by scheme; typically under 30 years.
  • Institution: Must be enrolled in a recognized institution.
  • Other: Some schemes may require Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

OBC Scholarships – Required Documents

  • Caste Certificate: Issued by a competent authority
  • Income Certificate: To verify family income
  • Academic Transcripts: Mark sheets of previous examinations
  • Admission Proof: Bonafide certificate from the institution
  • Passport-Size Photograph: Recent
  • Aadhaar Card: Linked to a bank account for DBT
  • Bank Account Details: Passbook copy or bank statement
  • Others: Disability certificate (if applicable)/national test scorecards, and university admission letter

OBC Scholarships – Application Process

  • Registration: Create an account on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in.
  • Application: Fill out the online application form for the desired scholarship scheme.
  • Document Upload: Upload the required documents in the specified format.
  • Submission: Submit the application before the deadline.
  • Verification: Institutions verify the applications, and the respective authorities process the scholarships.

OBC Scholarships – State-Specific Scholarships

  • Maharashtra: Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC students with an annual income limit of ₹1.5 lakh.
  • Kerala: OBC Post-Matric Scholarship for students in +1, +2, CA, ICWA, and Company Secretary courses, with an income limit of ₹2.5 lakh.
  • Assam: Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC students offering up to ₹20,000 annually.
  • Uttar Pradesh: Post-Matric Scholarship schemes with financial aid ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000.

Also read: National Scholarship Portal 2025

OBC Scholarships – Tips for Applicants

  • Early Application: Apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues.
  • Document Accuracy: Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date.
  • Follow Instructions: Carefully read and follow the instructions provided in the application guidelines.
  • Track Application: Regularly check the status of your application on the NSP portal.
  • Renewal: Some scholarships require annual renewal; keep track of renewal dates.

OBC Scholarships – Additional Resources

  • National Scholarship Portal: scholarships.gov.in
  • Buddy4Study OBC Scholarships: Buddy4Study OBC Scholarships

OBC Scholarships – FAQs

What are OBC scholarships?

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OBC (Other Backward Classes) scholarships are financial assistance programs provided by the Government of India and various state governments to support students from the OBC category. These scholarships aim to promote higher education and reduce dropout rates among OBC students.

Who is eligible for OBC scholarships?

Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific scholarship scheme. Generally, applicants must belong to the OBC category, have a minimum percentage in the qualifying examination (e.g., 50% or above), meet the family income criteria set by the respective scholarship provider, and be enrolled in a recognized educational institution.

What are the types of OBC scholarships available?

There are several OBC scholarship schemes available, including: National Fellowship for OBC Students (for M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs), Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Fellowship (for higher studies abroad), ONGC Scholarships (for engineering, medical, and other professional courses), Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships (for classes 1 to 12 and above), and Merit Scholarships for OBC Students in Delhi (for professional and technical courses in Delhi).

How can I apply for OBC scholarships?

Applications for OBC scholarships can be made through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the respective state scholarship portals. The process involves registering on the portal, filling out the application form with personal and academic details, uploading necessary documents (such as caste certificate, income certificate, and academic transcripts), and submitting the form before the deadline.

What documents are required to apply for OBC scholarships?

Commonly required documents include: caste certificate issued by a competent authority, income certificate to verify family income, academic transcripts and certificates, bank account details for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), passport-sized photographs, and Aadhaar card (if applicable).

Can I apply for multiple OBC scholarships?

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Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships. However, check the terms and conditions of each scholarship to ensure that receiving one does not disqualify you from others.

What is the selection process for OBC scholarships?

The selection process varies by scholarship scheme but generally includes screening of applications based on eligibility criteria, shortlisting of candidates, verification of documents, interviews (if applicable), and final selection based on merit and other factors.

How is the scholarship amount disbursed?

Scholarship amounts are typically disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student's bank account. The process may take several weeks after the selection process is completed.

What should I do if I face issues during the application process?

If you encounter difficulties during the application process, you can contact the scholarship provider's helpline or support center. Additionally, Buddy4Study offers assistance and guidance for scholarship applications.

Disclaimer

  1. Source of Information: Buddy4Study app compiles details on scholarships/fellowships from government websites and private scholarship sources. Links to the official sources accompany each listing detail pages.
  2. Non-affiliation: The Buddy4Study app is not associated with any government entity in India or elsewhere. When featuring government scholarships, we rely on publicly accessible information from central and state government websites in India.

Scholarships For

Upto Class 8 Class 1 to10 (Pre-Matric) Class 9 to 10 (Pre-Matric) Post-Matric(Class 11-12) Class 11 & 12 Class 12 passed Polytechnic/Diploma/ITI ITI Diploma/Polytechnic Graduation Post-Graduation Medical Engineering Girls NSP Portal Income Based SC/ST/OBC Law

Scholarship by State

NSP Scholarships Andhra Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Assam Bihar Chandigarh Chhattisgarh Delhi Goa Gujarat Haryana Himachal Pradesh Jammu & Kashmir Jharkhand Karnataka Kerala Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Manipur Meghalaya Mizoram Nagaland Odisha Punjab Rajasthan Sikkim Tamil Nadu Telangana Tripura Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand West Bengal