Top Scholarships for DNT, EWS, and BC Students in India: List of Scholarships
Government scholarships for the DNT, EWS, and BC students play a crucial role in ensuring inclusive education by easing financial burdens and empowering talented individuals from underserved backgrounds. These scholarships provide necessary support for pursuing higher education without financial constraints, fostering equal opportunities for academic and professional success. Here’s an overview of the top scholarships available for the DNT, EWS, and BC students in India, including their eligibility criteria, benefits, and application procedures.
Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship
The Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship intends to support Indian graduate students from the marginalised communities, who are willing to pursue Master’s and PhD programmes in top universities abroad. The financial assistance covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs of meritorious students. The application portal remains open from 15th February to 31st March every year.
Who can apply?
- This is a scholarship meant for the students from the EWS, DNT, SC, and OBC categories.
- Applicants should have at least 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying exam.
- Applicant’s total annual family income should not exceed ₹8,00,000.
- Age of the applicants must be equal to 35 years or less as on 1st April of the selection year.
- The students must have secured admission in the top 500 institutions as per the QS World Rankings.
Benefits:
This scholarship financially supports candidates pursuing their 3 years Master’s programme and those pursuing their 4 years PhD programme. It covers the following expenses:
- Annual Maintenance Allowance: USD $15,400/£9,900 (GBP)
- Annual Contingency Allowance: USD $1500
- Cost incurred on total tuition and visa fee
- Medical Insurance Premium
- Incidental Journey Allowance and Equipment Allowance: USD $20 or Indian rupee equivalent
- Economy class air tickets to and from the institute on the shortest route bought only from a) IRCTC b) BLCL c) Ashok Travels and Tourism
- Please click here to know more.
Free Coaching for DNT Students under SEED Scheme
The Free Coaching for DNT Students under SEED Scheme is the initiative of the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It provides financial support to students from DNT, NT, and SNDT communities for pursuing quality coaching meant for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CLAT, and NDA etc. Eligible students can receive coaching support of up to ₹1,20,000, along with additional benefits, to enhance their chances of securing employment in public or private sectors.
Who can apply?
- This scholarship is exclusively meant for students from DNT/NT/SNDT communities.
- The applicants should be either in Class 12th or must have passed Class 12.
- They must be willing to pursue coaching for competitive examinations.
- The applicants must meet the following minimum qualifying marks criteria. It is as follows:
- For students having passed Class 12: They must have scored the minimum marks in the exam required to appear for the test. For example, for JEE, the students are required to score 75% in Class 12 Board Exams.
- For students currently pursuing Class 12: They must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in Class 10.
- Annual family income of the applicants must be less than or equal to ₹2,50,000.
- Applicants should not be availing similar benefits (waiver for coaching classes) under any other Central Government or State Government Scheme.
Benefits:
The successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
- Coaching fee assistance ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹1,20,000 for a maximum of 9 months.
- Stipend of up to ₹3000 for the duration of the course or up to one year, whichever is less.
- Special allowance of ₹2000 for PwD candidates for the duration of the course or up to one year, whichever is less.
- Please click here for more details on eligibility and benefits this scholarship offers.
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students
Who can apply?
- The applicants who are above 80th percentile of successful candidates in their Class 12 examination.
- They must be pursuing a regular degree course only (not correspondence/distant mode/diploma courses) from a college/institution recognised by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and respective regulatory bodies concerned.
- Students with gross parental/family income up to ₹4.5 lakh per annum are eligible to apply.
(Note: Refer to the official government guidelines for more details on eligibility and application process.)
Benefits:
The scholarship benefits range from ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 per annum.
Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students aims to provide financial assistance to students from the marginalised communities for pursuing education beyond Class 12. It covers tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other expenses to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their academic aspirations.
Who can apply?
- Indian nationals belonging to OBCs, EBCs and DNTs, as notified by the Central Govt./State Govt./ UT Admin.
- These scholarships will be provided for pursuing all recognised post-matriculation or post-secondary courses in recognised institutions.
- The candidates who are pursuing studies at the same level of education in a different subjects, like switching from B.A. to B.Sc., or from M.A. in one subject to M.A. in another subject, will not be eligible.
- Students who, after having completed their educational career, switch to another professional line, e.g., LLB after B.T./B. Ed will not be eligible.
- Students pursuing their studies through correspondence/online courses in Central/State Universities, are also eligible.
- Only two boys from the same family can receive the scholarship. But this rule doesn’t apply to girls.
- The applicant’s annual family income from all sources combined must be less than or equal to ₹2,50,000.
- A scholarship holder under this scheme will not hold any other scholarship/stipend.
- Applicants pursuing recognised post-matric courses in any of the following recognised institutions/universities/colleges:
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- Institutions of National Importance (INIs)
- Central University/State University/Autonomous colleges recognised by UGC
- Deemed Universities
- Private professional institutions affiliated to a recognised Central/State University and covered by a Fee Fixation Committee as mandated by Supreme Court
- Recognised schools/colleges for Class XI and XII
- Diploma granting institutions as recognised by State/UT Governments
- Vocational Training Institutes affiliated to National Council of Vocational Training (NCVT)
- Institutions affiliated/approved by the appropriate bodies like NMC/AICTE etc. or any regulatory body established by State/UT/Centre.
- Institutions/Colleges with the AISHE Code/UDISE Code
(Note: All eligible students shall be entitled to take admission in the institutions without prepayment of tuition fees and hostel fees as per the scheme guidelines. To enable this, a ‘Freeship Card’ will be issued by the State Government to the eligible students, as per procedure detailed here).
Benefits:
The scholarship includes the following components for the complete duration of the course:
| Courses | Yearly (₹) | ||
| Academic Allowance | Tuition Fee | Total | |
| Group 1: Degree and Postgraduation Level Professional Courses | ₹10000 | ₹10000 | ₹20000 |
| Group 2: Other Professional Courses leading to Degree, Diploma, Certificate | ₹8000 | ₹5000 | ₹13000 |
| Group 3: Graduate and Postgraduation Courses not covered under Group I & Group II | ₹6000 | ₹2000 | ₹8000 |
| Group 4: All Post-Matriculation (Post Class X level) Non-degree Courses | ₹5000 | NA | ₹5000 |
Application and Renewal Procedure:
- The institutions shall ensure that all students admitted to their institution have Freeship Cards. They should be able to apply on the IT portal for the scholarship, along with documents needed to be uploaded as notified by the prescribed authority, on the same day as the date of admission into the institution.
- On the day of admission itself, the institution shall verify on the scholarship portal that the student has taken admission in the institution with the same course as mentioned on the Freeship card and is now a bonafide student of the institution.
- In case of renewal, the scholarships meant for an applicant shall be auto-renewed based on the attendance and confirmation of promotion to the next class and having joined back the same course as hosteller/day scholar, as the case may be.
(Note: After the selection, the award benefits will be payable during the period of completion of the course subject to satisfactory academic performance and 75% attendance in every academic year.)
Selection of Candidates
- All the eligible OBC/EBC/DNT candidates will be given scholarships subject to the condition of eligibility.
- The candidates belonging to one state, but pursuing studies in another state, will be awarded scholarships by their home state. They will have to submit their applications to the competent authorities in their own state.
- In the matter of exemption from fee or other concessions also, they will be treated as students pursuing their studies in their state of domicile.
Application Link: The eligible students can apply for this scholarship on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students aims to provide financial aid at the pre-matriculation or secondary stage to DNT applicants not covered under the SC, ST, or OBC categories.
Who can apply?
- This scholarship is meant for students from DNT/OBC/EBC categories.
- Only the Indian students pursuing studies in government schools can apply for this scholarship.
- The applicant’s annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹ 2,50,000.
- Students should be pursuing studies in Class 9 and 10.
Mode of Application and Renewal:
- The schools/institutions shall ensure that all admitted students apply on the IT portal for the scholarship on the same day as the date of admission into the school. On the same day the school/institution shall verify on the scholarship portal that the student has taken admission in the institution and is now a bonafide student of the institution.
- In case of renewal students, the student shall be eligible for auto-renewal on the basis of attendance and receiving confirmation from the institution of the student having been promoted to the next class and joined back the school/institution.
Terms and Conditions:
- After the selection, the award benefits will be payable until the student passes Class X, subject to satisfactory academic performance and attendance of 75% in every academic year.
- If a scholar is unable to appear in the annual examination owing to illness, the award may be renewed subject to production of medical certificate from a prescribed authority and acceptance of the same by the institution.
- Scholarships for pursuing studies in any class will be available for only one year. If a student has to repeat a class, she/he will not get a scholarship for that class for a second (or subsequent) year.
Benefits:
A cumulative academic allowance of ₹4,000 would be provided to the students annually.
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS), launched by the Ministry of Education, supports students from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in India pursuing their studies in Class 9 to 12. It aims to reduce dropout rates by providing financial assistance to meritorious students, encouraging them to complete their secondary education and build a better future.
Who can apply?
- Students whose parental income from all sources is not more than ₹3,50,000 per annum.
- The applicants must have secured a minimum of 55 % marks or equivalent grade in Class 7 examination for appearing in the selection test meant for award of scholarship. It is relaxable by 5% for SC/ST students.
- They should be pursuing studies as a regular student in a government, government-aided and local body school.
(Note: Students of NVS, KVS and residential schools are not entitled for the scholarship. There is a provision of reservation as per the State Government norms.)
Benefits:
The scholars will receive an amount of ₹12,000 per annum.
Application Link: The eligible students can apply for this scholarship on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Selection of Candidates:
The eligible students enrolled in Class 8 must pass the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) under NMMSS exam with at least 40 % marks (32% for SC/ST students). Interested applicants are advised to visit the official website for more details.
Vocational Training Fee Reimbursement Scholarship for SEBC and EWS Students, Maharashtra 2024-25
The Vocational Training Fee Reimbursement Scholarship for Socially and Economically Backward Category (SEBC) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Students, Maharashtra 2024-25 is an initiative of the Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department, Government of Maharashtra. This scholarship offers financial assistance to eligible SEBC and EWS students, covering up to 100% of their course fees.
Who can apply?
- This scholarship is meant for the EWS and SEBC students of Maharashtra.
- Applicants must have been admitted through the Central Online Admission Process to a course approved by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), New Delhi or the Maharashtra State Council for Vocational Training (MSCVT).
- Applicants should have an annual family income of not more than ₹8,00,000.
Benefits:
The scholarship scheme covers 100% course fee for those with an annual family income less than ₹2,50,000 and covers 80% of course fee for those whose annual family income ranges from ₹2,50,000 to ₹8,00,000.
How to apply?
- Applicants should first register and create a profile on the MahaDBT Portal.
- They should login into the MahaDBT Portal and apply for the scheme.
Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) for SC/ST/BC/Disabled Category, Telangana 2024-25
The Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) for SC/ST/BC/Disabled Category is the initiative of the Telangana Government to extend financial support to meritorious students for pursuing courses of their choice without facing any financial worries.
Who can apply?
- This scholarship is meant for the students residing in Telangana.
- Students from the BC/ST/SC/EBC/Disabled categories pursuing studies at the post-matriculation or post-secondary level in recognised institutions/universities/colleges.
- Annual family income of the applicants from the following sections is as follows:
- Less than ₹2,00,000 for SC/ST students
- Less than ₹1,50,000 for BC/EBC/PWD students residing in the rural areas
- Less than ₹2,00,000 for BC/EBC/PWD students residing in the urban areas
Central Sector Scheme for Top Class Education in School for OBC, EBC, and DNT Students
The objective of the Central Sector Scheme for Top Class Education in School for OBC, EBC, and DNT Students is to provide premium education to the meritorious students belonging to DNT, EBC, and OBC categories by funding their education from Class 9 onwards till they complete Class 12. This is being implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Who can apply?
- This scholarship is meant for the DNT, OBC, and EBC students pursuing studies in the ‘Top Class Schools’ identified as per the scheme.
- The applicant’s household annual income should be less than ₹ 2,50,000.
- The students must have a bank account at the time of application under this scheme.
- Those students availing benefits under this scholarship scheme shall not be eligible for assistance under any other schemes of the government for the items/purpose already covered under this.
Central Sector Scheme for Top Class Education in College for OBC, EBC, and DNT Students
The primary objective of the Central Sector Scheme for Top Class Education in College for OBC, EBC, and DNT Students is to support and promote quality education among students belonging to DNT, OBC, and EBC categories by offering comprehensive financial assistance. The initiative aims to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder these students from pursuing higher education opportunities beyond Class 12. By covering the full cost of education, the scheme seeks to empower students from these communities, enabling them to access quality academic resources, enhance their career prospects, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Who can apply?
- This scholarship is meant for the DNT, OBC, and EBC students who have secured admission in a full-time prescribed course in any of the notified institutions.
- The applicant’s annual family income should not exceed ₹ 2,50,000.
- The scholarship benefits will not be provided to more than 2 siblings in a family.
Application Link: The eligible students can apply for this scholarship on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
(Note: The scholarship benefits will be terminated if the student fails to get promoted to the next semester/class.)
Top Scholarships for DNT, EWS, and BC Students in India – FAQs
What challenges do DNT, EWS, and BC students face in pursuing higher education?
The students hailing from the DNT, EWS, and BC categories often face financial barriers that limit their access to quality education and career opportunities.
How do scholarships help DNT, EWS, and BC students?
Scholarships ease financial burden by covering tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other academic expenses, making higher education more accessible.
What types of scholarships are available for DNT, EWS, and BC students?
The scholarship schemes available for DNT, EWS, and BC students are as under:
- Merit-Based Scholarships rewarding academic excellence
- Need-Based Scholarships supporting students from low-income families
- Scholarships for Professional Courses: Encourage education in fields like engineering, medicine, law, and management.
What is the significance of these scholarships?
They promote inclusive education by empowering underserved students to achieve academic and professional success without facing undue financial constraints.
Where can students find detailed information about these scholarships?
Students can access a list of top scholarships for DNT, EWS, and BC categories, including eligibility, benefits, and application procedures, through government portals or specific scholarship announcements.
What is a Central Sector Scheme?
A Central Sector Scheme is fully funded by the Union Government and executed through its own administrative machinery. These schemes ensure direct implementation and oversight by the Central Government, focusing on nationwide priorities without financial contributions from state governments.
Who is eligible for the National Overseas Scholarship?
The National Overseas Scholarship is meant for the EWS, DNT, SC, or OBC category students under 35 years of age. They should have secured at least 60% marks, and their annual family income must be below ₹8,00,000. Additionally, they should have secured admission in a QS ranked top 500 universities.
What is the objective of the SEED Scheme?
The aim of the SEED Scheme is to facilitate good quality coaching to DNT students so that they can appear for competitive exams and secure public and private employment.
Who can apply for the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre and Post Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students?
The students belonging to the EWS, DNT, or OBC categories and pursuing their studies in Class 9 and 10 in a government school with an annual family income less than ₹2,50,000 are eligible to apply.
Can the students enrolled in Class 10 apply for the NMMS?
Only those students who have passed Class 7 with a minimum of 55% marks and promoted to Class 8 in government or government aided schools can apply for the NMMS.
What is One-Time Registration (OTR) and what are its benefits?
OTR is a unique number that is generated after the applicants register with their mobile number and complete the e-KYC process. It simplifies access to several services by allowing users to log in without repeated registrations. The OTR number remains valid throughout the student’s academic career. The benefits include the following:
- Streamlined Process: A single registration eliminates repetitive steps.
- Convenience: One-time e-KYC generates a lifelong unique number.
- Consistency: The OTR remains valid for the student’s academic journey.
- Enhanced Experience: Simplifies service access and tracking.
Where is OTR used?
OTR is used on the NSP portal and possibly on the state portals to simplify registration and avoid duplication.
Is OTR mandatory for availing services on the NSP?
Yes, OTR is required for logging in and face authentication on NSP.
Who can apply for the Central Sector Scheme for Top Class Education in College for OBC, EBC, and DNT Students?
The students belonging to the DNT, OBC, and EBC categories who have secured admission to a full-time prescribed course in any notified institution can apply. The annual family income should not exceed ₹2,50,000, and benefits are limited to two siblings per family.