Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana (Scholarship For Promotion Of Aptitude & Research In Stamps As A Hobby)
Philately scholarship for school students · ₹6,000/year · Classes 6–9
The Department of Posts awards ₹6,000/year scholarships to Class 6–9 students with good academic records who pursue stamp collecting (philately) as a hobby. The scheme selects 920 students nationwide — 40 per Postal Circle, 10 from each standard — through a philately quiz and project evaluation. Apply offline by submitting an application to your Regional or Divisional Post Office.
About This Scheme
The Department of Posts awards ₹6,000/year scholarships to Class 6–9 students with good academic records who pursue stamp collecting (philately) as a hobby. The scheme selects 920 students nationwide — 40 per Postal Circle, 10 from each standard — through a philately quiz and project evaluation. Apply offline by submitting an application to your Regional or Divisional Post Office.
Full official description
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications has launched a Scholarship Scheme called "Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana" to award children in the class category of Standard 6th to 9th. It is proposed to award annual scholarships to students who have good academic records and are also pursuing 'Philately' as a hobby. The objective of the scholarship is to “Promote Philately among children at a young age in a sustainable manner that can reinforce and supplement the academic curriculum in addition to providing a hobby that can help them relax and de-stress”.
Number of Scholarships
- 920 scholarships will be awarded to students at the PAN India level.
- Every Postal Circle will give a maximum of 40 scholarships to 10 students each from Standard 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th.
Benefits
- Annual scholarship of ₹6,000 (paid quarterly at ₹1,500 per quarter)
- Scholarship renewable each year as long as eligibility criteria are met
- Assigned a Philately Mentor — a renowned philatelist — for personal guidance
- Certificate awarded upon selection
💡 Why Startups Should Care
EdTech or hobby-kit startups targeting school-age children should note this scheme — philately is the government's mechanism to encourage curiosity and research skills, a natural cross-sell opportunity for learning kits or stamp-collecting platforms.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Currently enrolled in Class 6, 7, 8, or 9 in a recognized school in India
- Your school must have a Philately Club and you must be a member (or have your own Philately Deposit Account)
- Minimum 60% marks (or equivalent grade) in the last final exam
- SC/ST students: 5% relaxation in the minimum marks requirement
How to Apply
- Download the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana application form.
- Fill in all mandatory fields and attach required documents (self-attested).
- Send your completed application by registered post, speed post, or in person to your Postal Circle's Regional Head/Divisional Head. Schools may send all student applications together.
- Each Postal Circle conducts a Philately Quiz and evaluates project work.
- Awardees are selected by each Postal Circle and the scholarship is paid quarterly (₹1,500 each quarter) via India Post Payment Bank (IPPB) or Post Office Savings Bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Are The Topics For The Philately Quiz Determined, And Who Provides The List Of Topics To The Participants
The topics for the Philately Quiz are determined by the Postal Circles, and they provide the list of topics to the participants when issuing notifications.
Who Evaluates The Project Work On Philately Submitted By The Candidates, And How Is It Conducted?
The evaluation of the Project work on Philately is conducted by a committee at the circle level, consisting of Postal Officials and renowned Philatelists.
What Role Do Postal Officials And Renowned Philatelists Play In The Evaluation Process Of Philately Projects?
Postal Officials and renowned Philatelists play a crucial role in assessing the quality and relevance of the Philately projects submitted by the candidates.
How Are The Awardees Selected For The Philately Quiz, And What Criteria Are Used For Making The Selection?
Each Postal Circle selects the awardees based on their performance in the Philately Quiz and the evaluation of their Project work.
How Are Scholarships Disbursed To The Awardees, And What Is The Process Involved?
After selecting the awardees, each Postal Circle provides the list of scholarship beneficiaries to IPPB/POSB, and the scholarships are disbursed to them on a quarterly basis.
Why Are The Awardees Asked To Open A Joint Account With Their Parents In India Post Payment Bank Or Post Office Savings Bank?
The awardees are asked to open a Joint account with their parents in India Post Payment Bank or Post Office Savings Bank to ensure a secure and efficient disbursement of scholarships.
What Is The Purpose Of Assigning Philately Mentors To Prospective Schools Participating In The Competition?
Philately Mentors are assigned to prospective schools to provide guidance and support in forming the School level Philately Club and help aspiring Philatelists pursue their hobby effectively.
What Roles Do Philately Mentors Play In The Formation Of The School Level Philately Club?
Philately Mentors assist in forming the School level Philately Club and provide guidance to young and aspiring Philatelists in pursuing the hobby of Philately.
How Do Philately Mentors Guide And Help Aspiring Philatelists With Their Philately Projects?
Philately Mentors offer valuable insights and support to aspiring Philatelists with their Philately Projects, guiding them to create meaningful and well-researched philatelic products.
What Are The Educational Benefits Of Philately As A Hobby?
Philately, as a hobby, offers educational benefits by providing insights into the socio-economic and political realities of the periods in which stamps were issued, enhancing memory skills, and fostering social connections with like-minded individuals.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Marksheets of the previous qualifying examination
- Bonafide certificate from the school
- Philately Club membership certificate or Philately Deposit Account details
- Identity proof
- Bank details
- Caste certificate (if claiming SC/ST relaxation)