Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – Education is a fundamental right of every child, and it should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. Acknowledging this fact, the Government of India provides a number of scholarships aimed at aiding students with special-abilities throughout their academic pursuits. Among these scholarships, the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities stands out as a vital aid for students who face physical, intellectual, or sensory challenges.
The Pre-Matric scholarship for students with disabilities is a government-sponsored initiative designed to provide assistance to students with disabilities during their pre-matriculation studies. This represents a significant stride in ensuring that no student is disadvantaged due to their special-ability. The scholarship includes a range of specially-abled categories with visual and hearing impairment, locomotor disability, and more.
This article underlines the aim and objective of the Government of India behind the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities. It also gives an account of various other details on eligibility criteria, awards, duration of the scholarship and application processes.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – Aim
Education plays a crucial role in enhancing the socio-economic empowerment of individuals with special abilities. This pivotal role has been duly recognized within the constitutional framework of India, particularly through the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Additionally, Section 31(I) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, guarantees the right to free education in a nearby or specialised school of their choice for every child with a benchmark disability between six to eighteen years, overriding any conflicting provisions in the Rights of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. Section 32(2) of the same Act mandates that the relevant government bodies and local authorities ensure free education in an appropriate setting for every child with a benchmark disability until they reach the age of eighteen.
In compliance with these legal imperatives, the Government of India, through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, is actively implementing the “Pre-Matric Scholarships for Students with Disabilities” program.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Name | Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities |
| Provider Name | Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Government of India |
| Awards | Maintenance Allowance, Book grant, Disability Allowance |
| Help Desk Phone Number | (0120)-6619540 |
| Help Desk Email Id | helpdesk@nsp.gov.in |
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities General – Eligibility Criteria
- This scholarship is available to Indian nationals only.
- This scholarship is open to students with a benchmark disability, defined as 40% or more according to the ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.’
- To qualify, students must possess a valid disability certificate issued by the authorised body as specified in the relevant rules.
- A maximum of two children with disabilities from the same parents can avail benefits from this scheme. In cases where the second child is part of a twin, the scholarship will be applicable to both twins.
- Scholarships for each academic level are awarded for one year only. If a student needs to repeat a grade, they will not receive a scholarship for that grade in the subsequent year.
- Scholarship recipients under this program are ineligible to receive any other scholarships or stipends concurrently. The disbursement of scholarships under this scheme will cease from the moment a student accepts another scholarship or stipend.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – Mandatory Requirements
- The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) has officially recognised Aadhaar as a valid identity document under section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016. Applicants may be required to undergo Aadhaar-based biometric authentication in order to access the scholarship.
- To be eligible for the benefits of the scholarship scheme, it is mandatory for applicants to possess a Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) or undergo UDID enrollment.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Benchmark Disabilities
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- The candidate must be a full-time, regular student enrolled in either class IX or X.
- Enrollment should be in a government school or a school officially recognised by the government or accredited by a Central/State Board of Secondary Education.
Scholarship Amount
The Pre-matric scholarship covers the following components for the entire duration of the course:
- Maintenance Allowance
- Book Grant
- Disability Allowance
| Allowance/Grant | Day Scholar (₹) | Hosteller (₹) |
| Maintenance Allowance Per Month | ₹500 | ₹800 |
| Book Grant Per Annum | ₹1000 | ₹1000 |
Disability Allowance
| Disability Allowance Per Annum | Day Scholar (₹) | Hosteller (₹) |
| Visually Impairment/Intellectual Disabilities | ₹4000 | ₹4000 |
| Other Types of Disabilities | ₹2000 | ₹2000 |
Application and Selection Process for Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- Applications for these scholarships can be submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
- Candidates are required to submit their applications through the online system before the specified deadline. All necessary documents must be uploaded in the prescribed format. They are as follows:
- Photograph
- Proof of Age
- Disability Certificate
- Parent’s Income Certificate
- Tuition Fee Receipt
- Certificates of Last Academic Qualification
- The educational institutions where the candidates are enrolled must also register on the portal and verify the details provided by the applicants.
- The State Government’s nominated nodal officer will oversee all applications and process them on behalf of the State Government. The final list will be digitally signed in the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) to disburse the scholarship amounts to the beneficiaries.
- If a candidate is a permanent resident of one state but pursuing their studies in another state, his/her application should be recommended by the Education/Welfare Department of the home state.
- The allocation for available slots for each scholarship at the state level will be determined based on online verification by the concerned Department/Nodal officer of the State Government. This allocation will consider the number of eligible applications received from each State, as well as the percentage of the state’s population with disabilities.
- The primary selection criteria will be the percentage of disability, as specified in the disability certificate. For cases of specific learning disability, where the disability percentage is not indicated in the certificate and is mentioned as 40% or above, this percentage will be used as the basis for selection.
- In the event of a tie in the selection process, the age of the candidates will be considered, and preference will be given to the older candidate.
- Following the above-mentioned merit criteria, the final selection will be executed through the National Scholarship Portal, in accordance with the state-wise slot allocation.
Note:- To apply for the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities through Buddy4study portal, please click here.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – Duration and Renewal of Scholarship
- The scholarship or award granted will remain in effect from the point it is awarded until the completion of the course, provided the recipient maintains good conduct and regular attendance. It will be renewed annually as long as the scholar advances to the next higher class within the continuous duration of the course, regardless of whether these examinations are
- conducted by a university or educational institution.
- In situations where a student with benchmark disabilities fails in any class, they will be responsible for their own expenses until they achieve promotion to the next higher class.
- If students are unable to take the annual examination due to illness or any unforeseen event, the scholarship may be renewed for the following academic year upon submission of a medical certificate or other necessary evidence to the satisfaction of the Head of the Institution.
- Students must also provide certification that they would have successfully passed the examination had they been able to take it.
- University or institution regulations might allow students to advance to a higher class even if they haven’t technically passed the lower class. If such students are later required to retake the examination for the lower class, they can still receive the scholarship for the higher class they’ve been promoted to. This is possible as long as they meet all the other eligibility criteria for the scholarship.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – Other Conditions
- If a student is found to have obtained a scholarship through false statements, their scholarship will be promptly revoked, and the awarded amount may be reclaimed at the discretion of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India. The student in question will also be blacklisted and permanently barred from receiving any scholarships under any scheme.
- If a scholar decides to change their course or subject from the one for which the scholarship was initially awarded, the scholarship may be cancelled.
- If, during the course of the academic year, a selected scholar discontinues the studies for which the scholarship was granted, they may be required to refund the scholarship amount, subject to the decision of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India.
- Maintenance allowance is disbursed from the 1st of April or from the month of admission, whichever is later, up to the month of conclusion of the examinations, marking the end of the academic year.
- In the case of renewal of scholarship from previous years, the maintenance allowance will be paid from the month following up to the duration for which the scholarship was disbursed in the previous year, provided that the course of study remains continuous.
- The scholarship is conditional upon satisfactory progress and conduct of the scholars. If the head of the Institution reports otherwise due to inappropriate actions or misconduct of the scholars , like participating in strikes or irregular attendance without permission, grant of scholarship may be withdrawn. Authorities might also choose to withhold further payments for a specific period, as they see fit.
Mode of Scholarship Disbursal
The pre-matric scholarship components will be administered via the National Scholarship Portal, with the scholarship funds directly deposited into the bank accounts of the recipients. These bank accounts must be linked to Aadhaar cards. Funds will be transferred through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method.
Monitoring of Application
- The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities will oversee the monitoring of the scheme, utilising the National Scholarship Portal as a key tool.
- It is the responsibility of the state government to maintain comprehensive beneficiary lists district and category-wise to facilitate effective implementation.
- To ensure accountability, physical verification will be conducted at multiple levels, including blocks, districts, and states. This verification process will cover a minimum of 10% of the units, selected randomly using an algorithm as per the scheme’s design.
Note:- For more details about the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities, kindly refer to this official notification.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – (FAQs)
Who is eligible for the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?
Eligibility criteria for Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is restricted to Indian nationals. This scholarship is open to students with a benchmark disability, which is defined as a disability of 40% or more according to the 'Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.' To qualify, a student must possess a valid disability certificate issued by the authorised body as specified in the relevant rules. Additionally, a maximum of two children with disabilities from the same parents can avail benefits from this scheme. In cases where the second child is one of the twins, the scholarship will be applicable to both twins. However, it's important to note that scholarship recipients under this program are ineligible to receive any other scholarships or stipends concurrently. The disbursement of scholarships under this scheme will cease from the moment a student accepts another scholarship or stipend.
Are Aadhaar and Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) mandatory requirements for the Pre-Matric Scholarship?
Yes, both Aadhaar and Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) are mandatory requirements for this scholarship scheme. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) has officially recognized Aadhaar as a valid identity document under section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, for all Scholarship Schemes. Applicants may be required to undergo Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to avail the benefits of this scholarship program. Additionally, to be eligible for the benefits of the Scholarship scheme, it is mandatory for applicants to possess a Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) or undergo UDID enrollment.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?
To be eligible for the Pre-matric scholarship, applicants must meet several criteria.They must be full-time, regular students enrolled in either class IX or X. Enrollment should be in a Government school or a school officially recognized by the Government or accredited by a Central/State Board of Secondary Education.
What components does the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities cover?
The Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities covers several components for the entire duration of the course. This includes maintenance allowance, book grant, and disability allowance. The maintenance allowance varies for day scholars and hostellers, while the book grant remains the same for both categories.
How can students apply for the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?
Applications for Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities can be submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (www.scholarships.gov.in). Applicants are required to submit their applications through the online system before the specified deadline. All necessary documents, such as photographs, proof of age, disability certificate, parent's income certificate, tuition fee receipt, and the last academic qualification certificate, must be uploaded online in the prescribed format.
How is the selection process carried out for the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?
The selection process for the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is primarily based on the percentage of disability specified in the disability certificate. In cases of Specific Learning Disability, where the disability percentage is not indicated in the certificate and is mentioned as 40% or above, this percentage is used as the basis for selection. In the event of a tie in the selection process, the age of the candidates will be considered, with preference given to the older candidate. Following these criteria, the final selection is executed through the National Scholarship Portal, in accordance with the state-wise slot allocation.
How is the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities amount disbursed?
The Pre-Matric scholarship components are disbursed through the National Scholarship Portal. The scholarship amount is directly credited to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, which should be linked with Aadhaar, using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
What is the duration and renewal process for the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?
The scholarship or award granted remains in effect from the point it is awarded until the completion of the course, provided the recipient maintains good conduct and regular attendance. It is renewed annually as long as the scholar advances to the next higher class within the continuous duration of the course. However, for Group I courses, the scholarship may be renewed after a first-time failure. Subsequent failures may require the student to bear their own expenses. If a scholar is unable to take the annual examination due to illness or unforeseen events, the scholarship may be renewed for the following academic year upon submission of medical evidence.
What are the other conditions associated with Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?
The Pre-Matric Scholarships for Students with Disabilities may be cancelled if the scholar changes the subject in their course of study. Additionally, if a scholar discontinues their studies during the academic year, they may be required to refund the scholarship amount. The scholarship is contingent upon the scholar's satisfactory progress and conduct, and it may be cancelled or withheld for a specified period at the discretion of the scholarship-granting authority.
How is the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities scheme monitored?
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities oversees the monitoring of the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities scheme, utilising the National Scholarship Portal as a key tool. The State Government is responsible for maintaining comprehensive beneficiary lists categorised by district and category to facilitate effective implementation. Physical verification is conducted at multiple levels, including Blocks, Districts, and States. This is to ensure accountability and compliance with the scheme's guidelines. This verification process covers a minimum of 10% of the units, selected randomly using an algorithm as per the scheme's design.