Free Coaching for SCs, OBCs and beneficiaries of PM CARES Children Scheme
Free coaching + ₹4,000/month stipend for SC/OBC students · competitive exams · DBT
The Free Coaching Scheme for SCs, OBCs, and PM CARES Children provides fully-funded coaching to economically weaker Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) students, along with eligible PM CARES beneficiaries, to help them crack competitive exams for government jobs and professional course admissions. Students also receive a monthly stipend and an incentive if they clear the main exam stage. All payments are made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account.
About This Scheme
The Free Coaching Scheme for SCs, OBCs, and PM CARES Children provides fully-funded coaching to economically weaker Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) students, along with eligible PM CARES beneficiaries, to help them crack competitive exams for government jobs and professional course admissions. Students also receive a monthly stipend and an incentive if they clear the main exam stage. All payments are made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Full official description
The scheme named "Scheme of Free Coaching for SCs, OBCs and beneficiaries of PM CARES Children Scheme" is an Education Scheme by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The objective of the Scheme is to provide coaching of good quality for economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates to enable them to appear in competitive examinations for obtaining appropriate jobs in the Public/Private Sector and/or for securing admission in reputed technical and professional higher education institutions. The Scheme will be implemented by the Ministry with the assistance of Dr Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) through Central Universities empanelled under the Scheme.
Category-wise Ratio of Candidates
3500 students will be selected under this scheme annually.
Maximum Limit:
- A total of 100 students per Central University can be admitted (excluding PM CARES beneficiaries).
Category-Wise Ratio:
- The SC:OBC ratio must be maintained at 70:30.
Minimum SC Representation:
- The percentage of SC students must not fall below 70%.
- In case of non-availability of sufficient SC candidates, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) may relax the ratio.
- However, SC representation cannot be reduced below 50% under any circumstances.
Reservation for Female Candidates:
- 30% of the slots under each category (SC and OBC) are reserved for female candidates.
Relaxation for Female Quota:
- If adequate female candidates are not available in any category, male candidates from the same category will be considered to fill the reserved slots
All willing/eligible beneficiaries of PM CARES Children Scheme would be admitted by the Central University irrespective of crossing the 100 slots allotted.
Benefits
- Monthly stipend of ₹4,000 (for up to 12 months)
- Course fees paid directly to empanelled coaching institutes (limits vary by exam type)
- Interview incentive of ₹15,000 for students who clear the mains stage of Central/State Civil Services (Class I & II)
- All financial benefits transferred directly via DBT to Aadhaar-linked bank account
💡 Why Startups Should Care
EdTech platforms offering competitive exam content should explore partnerships with Central Universities running this scheme — you become the supplemental digital layer for students already enrolled in funded coaching, with a warm, motivated, and stipend-supported user base.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must belong to SC, OBC category, or be a beneficiary of PM CARES Children Scheme
- Annual family income from all sources must be ₹8,00,000 or less
- For exams where Class 12 is the qualifier: must have passed Class 12 or be currently studying in Class 12
- Must not be availing similar coaching under any other government scheme
- Open to students preparing for UPSC, SSC, banking, state PSCs, or professional course entrance exams
Exclusions
- Not available to students scoring below 50% in Class 10, for exams where Class 12 is the qualifying standard
- Benefit amount may be adjusted if family income or marks threshold is not met
How to Apply
- Watch for notifications from empanelled Central Universities — applications must be submitted online through the respective university.
- Apply online through the Central University's application portal with all required documents.
- Selection is made by the university based on merit and eligibility criteria.
- Coaching fees are transferred directly to the coaching institute.
- Monthly stipend of ₹4,000 is transferred via DBT to your Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- If you clear the mains stage of a Central/State Civil Services exam (Class I or II), you receive an additional ₹15,000 interview incentive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the scheme monitored and coordinated?
The Ministry, in association with DAF, monitors the scheme by obtaining periodic reports from Central Universities and conducting physical verifications.
An you elaborate on the establishment of the Online Learning Management System?
DAF is responsible for establishing an Online Learning Management System for knowledge sharing and coordination among different Central Universities.
What is the responsibility of Central Universities regarding eligibility of students?
Central Universities should verify the credentials of students and certify their eligibility; they are solely responsible for any ineligible students.
How is the shifting of students from one Central University to another managed?
If the number of students in a particular Central University is insufficient, with the consent of both universities and the student, they can be shifted to other entities.
Can Central Universities enroll students beyond the allocated slots?
Yes, they can enroll additional students beyond the allocated slots, but the Ministry does not provide funds for these extra students.
How are payments made to students under this scheme?
All payments are released through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in the Aadhar-enabled bank accounts of the students.
How is attendance of students monitored during coaching?
Central Universities record Aadhar-based biometric attendance and share it with DAF. Students absenting without valid reasons may have their candidature canceled.
What is the minimum duration of coaching for different courses?
The minimum duration of coaching varies for different courses, as specified in Annexure-A of the guidelines.
How is the selection of students carried out for coaching?
Central Universities issue advertisements inviting eligible students to apply for coaching. Only online applications are considered, and selection is based on a merit list prepared by the institution.
What is the process for renewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Universities?
The MoU with Central Universities is signed for a three-year period and can be renewed subject to performance criteria and willingness of the Central University.
What is the role of the Selection Committee in empaneling Central Universities?
The Selection Committee recommends Central Universities for selection based on their infrastructure and other requirements necessary for implementing the scheme.
How are Central Universities empanelled for this scheme?
Central Universities willing and capable of providing coaching apply online to DAF. The Selection Committee considers their applications based on specific criteria set by the Ministry.
Who is responsible for implementing the 'Free Coaching Scheme'?
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry with the assistance of Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) through Central Universities empanelled under the Scheme.
Why is having a valid Aadhar number important for students applying to this scheme?
A valid Aadhar number is essential as the payment will be disbursed to the Aadhar-seeded bank account of the student.
What is the income limit for students to be eligible for this scheme?
Students belonging to SCs and OBCs with a total family income of Rs. 8.00 lakh or less per annum from all sources are eligible.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar card
- Income certificate (from competent authority)
- Caste certificate
- Residence proof
- Age proof
- Student ID card
- Aadhaar-linked bank account details
- Marksheet of qualifying examination