Dr. Ambedakar Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarships for the Economically Backward Class (EBC) Students
This central scholarship scheme supports students from the General Category (not SC/ST/OBC) whose family income does not exceed ₹1 lakh/year in completing post-matriculation studies at government institutions. Benefits include monthly maintenance allowances and full reimbursement of compulsory course fees. Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
About This Scheme
This central scholarship scheme supports students from the General Category (not SC/ST/OBC) whose family income does not exceed ₹1 lakh/year in completing post-matriculation studies at government institutions. Benefits include monthly maintenance allowances and full reimbursement of compulsory course fees. Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
Full official description
"Dr. Ambedakar Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarships for the Economically Backward Class (EBC) Students" is a Scholarship Scheme by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the Economically Backward Class (EBC) students studying at the post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. These scholarships shall be available for studies in India only and will be awarded by the Government of State/Union Territory to which the applicant actually belongs, i.e. permanently settled.
Benefits
- Monthly maintenance allowance: ₹160–₹750/month (varies by course level and hosteller vs. day scholar)
- Full reimbursement of all compulsory non-refundable course fees (tuition, library, medical exam, etc.)
- Study tour allowance up to ₹900/year for professional and technical courses
- Thesis typing/printing support up to ₹1,000 for research scholars
- Blind students receive an additional Reader Allowance of ₹90–₹175/month
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Indian national from the General Category (excluding SC/ST/OBC)
- Parental or guardian annual income from all sources must not exceed ₹1,00,000
- Pursuing post-matriculation or post-secondary courses at recognized government institutions
- Maximum two boys from the same family are eligible; no restriction on the number of girls
- Must not hold any other central government scholarship or stipend simultaneously
Exclusions
- Scholarships shall not be awarded for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Courses and other aviation-linked courses.
- Candidates who, after passing one stage of education, are studying in the same stage of education in a different subject e.g. I.Sc. after I.A or B.Com. after a B.A. or M.A. in a subject after an M.A. in another subject will not be eligible.
- Students who, after having completed their educational career in one professional line, e.g., LLB after B.T/B. Ed will not be eligible.
- Students studying in the XI Class of the Higher Secondary School courses or the XII class of the Multipurpose High School will not be eligible for it being a continuous school course. However, in cases, where the tenth class examination of such courses is treated as equivalent to Matriculation and students who after passing the tenth class join other courses, such students will be treated as post-matric students and will be eligible for the award of scholarships.
How to Apply
Step 1: Visit the National Scholarship Portal and click “New Registration”. The guidelines for Registration will appear. Scroll to the bottom. Read carefully the undertaking. Accept the Terms. Click “Continue”.
Step 2: A Registration Form will appear. (The fields marked as * are compulsory). Fill in the details and click “Register”. Your Application ID and password will be displayed. The same will also be sent as an SMS to your registered mobile number.
Step 3: Go to https://scholarships.gov.in/fresh/newstdRegfrmInstruction. Click on “Login to Apply”. Enter your Application ID and password. Type the Captcha and click “Login”. On the next screen, provide the OTP received on your registered mobile number. You will be directed to the Password Reset screen. Create a new password and confirm. Click “Submit”. You will be directed to the “Applicant’s Dashboard”.
Step 4: On the left pane, click “Application Form”. The fields marked as * are compulsory. Fill in the details and upload the documents. You can either click on “Save as Draft” to complete the application later. Else, click “Final Submit” to submit the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the scholarship paid during the internship or practical training in certain courses?
No, scholarships are not paid during internships in MBBS courses or during practical training in other courses if the student receives remuneration or an allowance.
Are students expected to purchase textbooks with their maintenance allowance?
Yes, students are expected to purchase textbooks, stationery, etc., out of their maintenance allowance.
What if a student secures admission after the 20th day of a month?
If a student secures admission after the 20th day of a month, the scholarship amount will be paid from the following month.
What is the payment schedule for maintenance charges?
Maintenance charges are payable from 1st April or the month of admission, whichever is later, to the month when examinations are completed.
Can students switch courses and still receive the scholarship?
If a student is promoted to the next higher class, they will be entitled to the scholarship for the promoted class, provided they are otherwise eligible.
Is there any provision for scholars who can't appear in an annual exam due to illness or unforeseen events?
Yes, if a scholar cannot appear in an annual exam due to illness or unforeseen events, the scholarship may be renewed for the next academic year with the submission of required proofs.
How is the scholarship duration determined?
Scholarships are tenable from the stage at which they are awarded until the completion of the course, provided the scholar maintains good conduct and regular attendance.
Are students studying in another state eligible for scholarships?
Yes, students belonging to one state but studying in another state are eligible and will receive scholarships from the state to which they belong.
How much are thesis typing/printing charges covered by the scholarship?
Thesis typing/printing charges are covered up to a maximum of Rs. 1000, based on the recommendation of the Head of the Institution.
What expenses are covered by the study tour charges?
Study tour charges cover transportation expenses, up to a maximum of Rs. 900 per annum.
Are refundable deposits like caution money included in the scholarship?
No, refundable deposits like caution money are excluded from the scholarship coverage.
What fees are covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship covers enrolment/registration, tuition, games, union, library, magazine, and medical examination fees.
Is there any additional allowance for blind students?
Yes, blind scholars receive reader charges in addition to their maintenance allowance.
Is house rent allowance included in the calculation of income?
House rent allowance received by the parents of a student is exempt from income calculation if allowed for Income Tax purposes.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- One copy of the application for the scholarship in the prescribed form (a separate application form may be prescribed by the concerned State Government/UT for a 'fresh' and 'renewal' scholarship).
- One copy of the passport-size photograph with signatures of the student thereon (for fresh scholarship)
- One attested copy of each of the certificates/diplomas/degrees etc., with respect of all examinations passed
- A certificate (in original) of income issued by an authorized Revenue Officer, not below the rank of Tehsildar.
- A receipt in acknowledgement of the scholarship in the previous year on the form attached to the application only duly countersigned by the Head of the Institution concerned, if the applicant was in receipt of a scholarship under this Scheme in the preceding year.