Centrally-Sponsored Scheme Of Pre-Matric Scholarship For Scheduled Caste Students Studying In Classes 9th & 10th
Pre-matric scholarship for SC students in Classes 9–10 · ₹225–525/month · India-wide
This central government scholarship supports Scheduled Caste students in Classes 9 and 10 whose family income is below ₹2.5 lakh per year, covering a monthly stipend and annual books grant. Students with disabilities receive additional monthly allowances. Submit the application form to your school's Head by November 30 each academic year.
About This Scheme
This central government scholarship supports Scheduled Caste students in Classes 9 and 10 whose family income is below ₹2.5 lakh per year, covering a monthly stipend and annual books grant. Students with disabilities receive additional monthly allowances. Submit the application form to your school's Head by November 30 each academic year.
Full official description
A scholarship scheme by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for regular, full-time students from Scheduled Castes studying in Class 9th and 10th in a Govt. School / a School recognized by Govt. / CBSE / State Board of Secondary Education.
The Total Annual income of parents/guardians of the applicant (from all sources) must not exceed ₹ 2.50 Lakh per Annum.
The scholarship for studying in any class will be available for only one year. The scholarship will be available for studying in India only. The scholarship will be awarded by the govt. of the state/UT to which the applicant belongs (domiciled).
ALL eligible Scheduled Caste candidates will be given scholarships as prescribed in this Scheme.
Benefits
- ₹225/month for day scholars; ₹525/month for hostellers (paid for 10 months)
- ₹750/year books and ad-hoc grant for day scholars; ₹1,000/year for hostellers
- Students with disabilities receive extra monthly allowances: ₹160 (reader/transport/escort/helper), ₹240 (coaching for mentally retarded/ill students)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
EdTech platforms targeting Class 9–10 students from SC backgrounds can differentiate by integrating scholarship eligibility checks and deadline reminders — a simple feature that creates significant goodwill with a digitally underserved segment.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a Scheduled Caste student
- Must be studying in Class 9 or Class 10 (full-time)
- Must be enrolled in a government or government-recognized school
- Family income from all sources must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per year
- Cannot simultaneously receive another pre-matric scholarship
- Scholarship cannot be claimed for a repeated class (one year per class only)
Exclusions
- Not available if a student has to repeat the same class for a second time
- Not available if the student obtained the scholarship through false statements
How to Apply
- Obtain the prescribed application form from your State Government's website.
- Fill in the form completely and submit it to your school's Head of Institution by 30th November of the academic year.
- The Head of Institution scrutinises the forms and forwards them with recommendations to Block/District level authorities.
- State Governments/UTs delegate sanction powers to appropriate District/Block authorities who process the scholarship.
- Scholarship amount is credited to your Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any allowances for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)?
Yes, there are monthly allowances depending on the type and extent of disability. There is Reader Allowance, Transport Allowance, Escort Allowance, Helper Allowance and Coaching Allowance.
By when shall the scholarship become payable?
The scholarship will become payable from 1st April or from the month of admission, whichever is later, and will paid for for 10 months of the academic year.
Is there a limit to the number of scholarships?
No. All eligible students from Scheduled Castes will be given scholarships as prescribed in this scheme.
Is there a validity to the scheme benefits?
The scholarship will be provided for ten months of the academic year.
Will I be eligible for the scholarship if I have to repeat a class?
No. The scholarship will be terminated in that case.
I am already availing the benefits of a Centrally-funded Scholarship scheme. Am I eligible for this scheme?
The applicant availing the benefits of National Means-cum-Merit scholarship scheme (Ministry of Education) can also avail the benefits of this scheme.
Is there any application fee?
No. The entire application process is completely free of cost.
In what condition would the income of the guardian needs to be mentioned?
The income of the guardian needs to be mentioned in a case where both the parents of the student are dead.
Do I need to attached a copy of my Aadhaar Card while submitting the application to the Head of the Institution/School?
Yes, you are required to submit the same with your application.
How do I know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
The mandatory fields have a red asterisk (*) mark at the end.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar number
- Scholarship application form (prescribed format)
- Passport-size photograph with student's signature (for fresh application)
- Self-attested copies of all examination certificates/marksheets
- Caste certificate (signed by Revenue Officer not below Tehsildar rank)
- Income declaration for self-employed parents (from Revenue Officer)
- Income certificate for employed parents (from employer)