- Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students in Class 9 and 10
- Scheme for children in Class 1 to 10 whose parents/guardians are engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations
The following sections of this article delve deeply into various details of this impactful scholarship programme. It sheds light on its background, components, objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the Scholarship | Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others |
| Name of the Provider | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Awarded to | Students from Scheduled Caste (SC) Category & Others |
| Category | Pre-Matric |
| Awards | Up to ₹8,000 |
| Portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – Background
The Government of India has implemented two centrally sponsored schemes in order to promote literacy and ensure continuous pre-matric education for children from Scheduled Castes community and those students whose parents or guardians work in unclean and hazardous occupations. They are as follows:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students: This scheme has been in operation since July 1, 2012, to support the educational aspirations of students from the Scheduled Caste community.
- Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Children of Parents or Guardians Engaged in Unclean and Hazardous Occupations: This scheme has been in effect since April 1, 1977, to provide aid to the children whose parents or guardians work in such occupations.
Recognising a significant overlap in the target beneficiary groups of these initiatives, and to enhance efficiency and optimising resource allocation, a decision was made to merge them into a unified scheme known as the ‘Pre-matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others.’ This has been made effective from the academic year 2021-22.
To enhance comprehensive data management for policy formulation and strategic planning, this integrated program consists of two distinct components:
- Component 1: This component is designed for students from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community in Class 9 and 10.
- Component 2: The second component of the program aims to provide support to children enrolled in Class I to 10, those students in particular, whose parents or guardians are engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – Objective
The scholarship scheme seeks to provide financial aid to parents from marginalised backgrounds, particularly those hailing from the Scheduled Caste community and other disadvantaged groups.
The ultimate goal is to enhance the participation of these students, reduce dropout rates, especially during the critical period of their transition from primary to secondary levels, and ensure an improved academic performance.
This, in turn, increases their chances of advancing to the post-matric stage of education.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – Scope of the Scholarship Programme
- Geographic Limitation: The scholarship assistance provided under this scheme are exclusively applicable for students pursuing their academic journey within the Indian territory. These scholarships will be awarded by the State Governments or the Administration of Union Territories respectively in correspondence to the place of domicile of the applicants.
- Eligible Educational Institutions: The scholarship scheme will be extended to students pursuing their studies in both government schools and private schools that have received official recognition from the relevant State Governments, Union Territory Administration, or the Central Board, possessing a valid UDISE code. UDISE code stands for Unified District Information System for Education.
- Inclusivity for the Poorest Households: In order to ensure participation of the most economically disadvantaged households, State Governments must identify and encourage enrollment of the most financially challenged students from all eligible categories qualified under this scheme.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – Eligibility Criteria
Conditions for Eligibility of Students
- Scholarship scheme is exclusively available to Indian nationals.
- The detailed eligibility criteria are outlined as follows:
Component 1: Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
- The students must be enrolled in Class 9 and 10 on a full-time basis.
- Applicants should belong to the Scheduled Caste community.
- Annual income of the parent/guardian of the applicants should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh.
- The students should be enrolled in Class 1 to 10 on a full-time basis.
- Scholarships will be granted to children/wards of parents/guardians who, regardless of their caste or religion, fall under the following categories:
- Manual Scavengers as defined under section 2(I)(g) of the Manual Scavengers Act 2013
- Tanners & Flayers
- Waste Pickers
- Persons engaged in hazardous cleaning as defined in Section 2(I)(d) of the Manual Scavengers Act 2013
- For consideration of classification under this category, eligible candidates will need to provide a certificate from the District Social Welfare Officer or an identified officer of the Local body/Civic Agency or any such authority designated by the State Government.
- There is no income ceiling applicable to this component of the scheme.
- A student cannot simultaneously hold any other educational scholarship for pursuing their studies in Class 1 to 10. If offered another scholarship meant for these classes, the student can choose to avail of either scholarship and must inform the Head of the Institution about their choice.
- Applicants must follow the provisions of Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act 2016, with a provision for alternative identity verification if Aadhaar authentication fails. Parents of students are encouraged to link their Aadhaar with their bank accounts for efficient payments through the Aadhaar Payment Bridge.
Also Read: Pre Matric Scholarship – Last Date, Eligibility, Application and Rewards.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – Awards & Benefits
The student allowances are structured as follows:
- Day Scholar: ₹3,500 per annum
- Hosteller – Component 1: ₹7,000 per annum
- Hosteller – Component 2 (for Class 3-10): ₹8,000 per annum
Other Benefits
In addition:
- A 10% supplemental allowance will be granted to students under Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category.
- The definition of disability follows the relevant section of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- Certifying authorities with necessary qualifications and experience will be designated by the appropriate government to issue disability certificates.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – Application and Verification
- Application at the Time of Admission: Institutions and schools must ensure that all students admitted to their institutions apply for the scholarship scheme on the same day they are admitted through the designated IT portal.
- Admission Day Verification: On the day of admission, the institution is responsible for verifying on the scholarship portal that the student has successfully enrolled and is now officially a bona fide student.
- Automatic Renewal for Returning Students: For students seeking renewal of scholarship, the process will be automatic, contingent upon satisfactory attendance and confirmation from the institution that the student has been promoted to the next academic level and has re-enrolled in the school or institution.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – Duration & Renewal of Awards
- Duration of Award and Attendance Requirements: The scholarship scheme will remain valid until the student completes Class 10, contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic performance and a minimum attendance of 75% each academic year. Attendance will be verified using the Aadhaar-based attendance system.
- Renewal for Illness-related Absence: If a scholar cannot participate in the annual examination due to illness, the scholarship may be extended upon submission of a medical certificate from the designated authority, subject to acceptance by the institution.
- One-Year Scholarship Per Class: Scholarship eligibility for any specific class is limited to a single academic year. If a student is required to repeat a class, they will not be eligible for scholarship support for that class in subsequent years.
Also Read: Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – Mechanism for Redressal of Grievances
- Online Grievance Redressal System: A comprehensive online grievance redressal mechanism will be established, linking all the authorities responsible for implementing the scholarship program on the scholarship portal.
- Multiple Avenues for Grievance Submission: Students can file their grievances either through the scholarship portal itself or by using a dedicated mobile app designed for this purpose.
- Institution-Level Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO): Each educational institution will designate a Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) responsible for receiving and addressing grievances. The GRO will coordinate with the appropriate authorities to facilitate resolution.
- Escalation Process for Unresolved Grievances: In cases where grievances are not resolved at the institution level within the stipulated time frame, an automatic escalation process will be triggered. The grievance will be escalated initially to the district level and subsequently to the state level for resolution.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – Other Conditions
- Consequences of False Information: If it is determined that a student has acquired the scholarship award through fraudulent means or false statements, the scholarship will be immediately revoked. The concerned State Government may also recover the disbursed scholarship amount. Furthermore, the student involved will be permanently blacklisted.
- Scholarship Refund for Discontinuation: If a scholarship recipient quits pursuing their studies for which they received the scholarship during the academic year, they must repay the scholarship amount as per the decision of the State Government.
- Scheme Amendments at Government’s Discretion: The Government of India retains the authority to modify the provisions of this scheme at any given time, on the basis of its discretion.
Note:- To read the official notification of the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others, please click here.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – 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 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.
- An 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.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others – FAQs
What is the objective of the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others?
The scholarship scheme seeks to provide financial aid to parents from marginalised backgrounds, particularly those belonging to the Scheduled Caste community and other disadvantaged groups.
This assistance is aimed at facilitating their children’s education during the pre-matric stage. The ultimate goal is to enhance the participation of these students, reduce dropout rates, especially during critical transitions from primary to secondary levels, and ensure an improved academic performance.
This facilitates their advance to the post-matric stage of education.
What are the criteria associated with regard to geographic limitations and eligible educational institutions under the scholarship programme ‘Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others’?
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others is applicable only for students pursuing their studies within the geographical boundary of Indian territory. It is granted by the State or Union Territory Government respectively in correspondence to the applicant’s domicile. Eligible educational institutions include government and private schools officially recognised by the relevant State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, or the Central Board, with a valid UDISE code.
Who is eligible under the Components 1 and 2 of the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others program, and what are the income limits?
Component 1 includes Pre-Matric Scholarship meant for the SC Students. It comprises:
- Students enrolled in Class 9 and 10
- Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Caste category
- Annual income of the parent/guardian of the applicants should be less than ₹2.50 lakh.
Component 2 includes Pre-Matric Scholarship meant for the Children of Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Engaged in Unclean and Hazardous Occupations
- Students enrolled in Class 1 to 10
- There are no income restrictions
- The scholarship is available to children whose parents/guardians are engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations
Can a student hold multiple educational scholarships simultaneously under this scheme?
Students enrolled in Class 1 to 10 cannot hold multiple educational scholarships concurrently. In the event of being offered another scholarship for these classes, students can select either of these scholarships available. However, they must notify the Head of the Institution about their choice.
Which awards and benefits are available under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others program?
Student allowances are structured as follows:
- Day Scholar: ₹3,500 per year
- Hosteller – Component 1: ₹7,000 per year
- Hosteller – Component 2 (for Class 3-10): ₹8,000 per year
Furthermore, there is a 10% supplementary allowance meant for the PwD students.
What is the mechanism for application and verification for the applicants under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others?
Institutions and schools are responsible for ensuring that all newly admitted students apply for the scholarship on the day of their admission.
During the admission process, the institution must use the scholarship portal to verify the successful enrollment of the student. For students seeking renewal of the scholarship programme, the process is automated, taking into account their attendance records and academic performance.
How long does the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others last, and what are the conditions for renewal?
The scholarship is available until the students complete their studies in Class 10, subject to the condition that they maintain a satisfactory academic record and an attendance rate of at least 75% in each academic year.
If a student cannot take the annual examination due to illness, the scholarship may be extended upon submission of a medical certificate.
What is the grievance redressal mechanism under the scholarship programme the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others?
A comprehensive online grievance redressal system has been established, connecting all relevant authorities responsible for implementing the scholarship programme.
Students have the option to file grievances either through the scholarship portal or a dedicated mobile application.
To facilitate grievance redressal, each institution appoints a Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) responsible for addressing and, if necessary, escalating unresolved issues to higher levels for resolution.
How can applicants apply under the scholarship programme the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others?
To apply under the scholarship scheme, first-time applicants must initiate the process by registering on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Following successful registration, they should log in to NSP using the newly generated ID and password. The scholarship application form can be accessed on the Applicant’s Dashboard page.
Applicants should provide all necessary information, including registration and academic details, personal information, contact information, and specific scheme-related information. They must ensure that all the requisite supporting documents are uploaded in the process of their application.
It is recommended to save the partially filled application form as a draft at different stages for periodic review. Applicants can submit the application form after having finally reviewed it.
What happens if an applicant secures the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Others through false statements?
If it is found that the applicant has acquired scholarship assistance through fraudulent means or false statements, it will be immediately revoked. The concerned State Government may also recover the disbursed scholarship amount. Furthermore, the student involved will be permanently blacklisted.