Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-matric Scholarship to Other Backward Classes (OBC) for Studies in India
Pre-matric scholarship for OBC school students · ₹100–500/month · Classes 1–10
This scholarship is for school students from Other Backward Classes (OBC) whose family income is below ₹2.5 lakh per year. It pays a monthly stipend during Class 1–10, plus an annual ad-hoc grant for both day scholars and hostellers. Apply through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) — registration is free and done online.
About This Scheme
This scholarship is for school students from Other Backward Classes (OBC) whose family income is below ₹2.5 lakh per year. It pays a monthly stipend during Class 1–10, plus an annual ad-hoc grant for both day scholars and hostellers. Apply through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) — registration is free and done online.
Full official description
"Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-matric Scholarship to Other Backward Classes (OBC) for Studies in India" is a Scholarship Scheme by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The objective is to award scholarships to school-going children of poorer OBC parents whose annual income is below double the poverty line.
Duration of Scholarship
The scholarships may be given to the students enrolled in class 1st or any subsequent class of the pre-matric stage in the case of day scholars, and class 3rd or any subsequent class of the pre-matric stage in the case of hostlers. The scholarship will terminate at the end of class 10th. The duration of the scholarship in an academic year will be 10 months.
Benefits
- ₹500/month for hostellers (Classes 3–10), paid for 10 months per year
- ₹100/month for day scholars (Classes 1–10), paid for 10 months per year
- ₹500 per year ad-hoc grant for all students (both hostellers and day scholars)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Pre-matric scholarship data is a rich signal for mapping OBC student density by district — EdTech and skilling startups can use published government scholarship disbursement data to prioritise which districts to expand into next.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be an OBC student studying in Class 1st to 10th
- Family income from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000 per year
- Must be enrolled in a government-recognized school
- Must have attended at least 60% classes in the previous year
- Cannot simultaneously receive any other pre-matric scholarship
- 30% of seats reserved for girl students; at least 5% for students with disabilities
How to Apply
- Visit scholarships.gov.in and click "New Registration." Read and accept the terms, then click "Continue."
- Fill in the registration form. Your Application ID and password will appear on screen and be sent by SMS.
- Go to the New Registration page, click "Login to Apply," enter your Application ID, password, and CAPTCHA, then verify with OTP. Reset your password on the next screen.
- Click "Application Form" on the Applicant's Dashboard. Fill in mandatory fields, upload documents, and click "Final Submit" (or "Save as Draft" to complete later).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBCs?
The primary objective of the scheme is to address the low literacy levels, particularly among backward classes, by providing education and economic support to children belonging to OBCs.
How is the income of the parents or guardians calculated for scholarship eligibility?
He income of either of the parents (or husband in the case of a married unemployed girl student) is considered, and no other family members' income is taken into account unless both parents (or husband) have passed away.
What happens if a student's parent's income is affected due to the death of one earning parent?
In such cases, if a student's family income falls within the income ceiling, the student becomes eligible for the scholarship from the month in which the unfortunate death occurred.
Are there any exemptions for specific sources of income in the calculation of scholarship eligibility?
House Rent Allowance received by parents is exempted from income calculations for scholarship eligibility if permitted for Income-Tax purposes.
How often is the income certificate required for scholarship eligibility?
An income certificate is required only once, at the time of admission to courses that last for more than one year.
At which academic levels are the scholarships available, and for how long?
Scholarships are available for students enrolled in pre-matric classes, specifically from class I to class X. The scholarship covers a duration of 10 months in an academic year.
In which institutions is the scholarship tenable?
The scholarship is tenable only in institutions and pre-matriculation courses recognized by the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.
Can scholarship recipients avail benefits from other pre-matric scholarship schemes?
No, scholarship recipients under this scheme are not allowed to avail benefits under any other pre-matric scholarship scheme.
What is the reserved quota for students with disabilities under this scheme?
At least 5% of the beneficiaries should be students with disabilities.
Is Aadhar seeding of bank accounts necessary for beneficiaries?
Yes, to avoid duplication, bank accounts of the target beneficiaries should be Aadhar seeded.
What percentage of the scholarship beneficiaries are reserved for girl students?
30% of the beneficiaries are reserved for girl students.
How is the scholarship renewed for the next academic year?
The scholarship may be renewed for the next academic year by the concerned State Government or Union Territory Administration, unless the competent school authority recommends discontinuation.
Is the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme a 'funds-limited' scheme?
Yes, the scheme is 'funds-limited,' and the budget allocated is apportioned to States on a pro-rata basis.
What is the role of States/UTs in managing the financial aspects of the scheme?
States/UTs are expected to incur expenditure under the scheme to at least the sum total of "Central Assistance or NA and matching State share" and should limit the number of scholarships accordingly.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-sized photograph
- Aadhaar number
- Proof of educational qualification
- Bonafide certificate from a recognized institution
- OBC caste certificate
- Income certificate
- Aadhaar-linked bank account details