Free Coaching Scheme
Free competitive exam coaching for De-notified Tribe candidates · actual course fee covered
The Free Coaching Scheme by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment provides free coaching to candidates from De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) communities to help them clear competitive exams and secure jobs in the public or private sector. Coaching fees are paid directly to empanelled institutes up to prescribed limits. Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal.
About This Scheme
The Free Coaching Scheme by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment provides free coaching to candidates from De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) communities to help them clear competitive exams and secure jobs in the public or private sector. Coaching fees are paid directly to empanelled institutes up to prescribed limits. Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal.
Full official description
Launched in 2021-22, the scheme "Free Coaching" by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India aims to provide good coaching quality for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) candidates to enable them to appear in competitive examinations and succeed in obtaining an appropriate job in Public/Private Sector. Through this scheme, free coaching for various competitive examinations with specified maximum fee limits and minimum durations, monthly stipends, and special allowances (for students with disabilities) are provided to the DNT candidates. A minimum physical coaching of 16 hours per week is mandatory for all courses. The scheme is implemented by the Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC). The DWBDNC selects a total of 1,250 students each year, allowing them the liberty to pursue coaching in any institute of their choice.
Objectives:
- To provide good coaching quality for DNT candidates to enable them to appear in competitive examinations.
- To enable DNT candidates to succeed in obtaining an appropriate job in the Public/Private Sector.
Benefits
- Coaching fees paid directly to empanelled institutes (actual fee or scheme limit, whichever is less)
- Maximum course fees vary by exam type (e.g., UPSC Civil Services, SSC, banking, etc.)
- Course duration and fee caps are defined per exam category in scheme guidelines
- All payments made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to avoid intermediaries
💡 Why Startups Should Care
EdTech and coaching startups building platforms for competitive exam aspirants should consider empanelling with DNT-welfare schemes — it's a government-backed distribution channel that can give you a guaranteed student base with fees covered by the government.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must belong to a De-Notified, Nomadic, or Semi-Nomadic (DNT) community
- Total annual family income from all sources must be ₹2,50,000 or less
- Must not be availing similar coaching benefits from any other Central or State Government scheme
- Must have secured the minimum qualifying marks in the prerequisite exam for the competitive exam being targeted
How to Apply
- Visit the official DWBDNC website at dwbdnc.dosje.gov.in.
- Register and create your account with your personal and academic details.
- Select the competitive exam coaching programme of your choice from empanelled institutes.
- Fill in the application form, upload required documents, and submit.
- Selected candidates receive coaching with fees paid directly to the institute by the scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of the Free Coaching Scheme for DNT candidates?
The main objective of this scheme is to provide quality coaching to De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) candidates to help them succeed in competitive examinations and secure jobs in both public and private sectors.
Which government entity is responsible for implementing the Free Coaching Scheme for DNT candidates?
The Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) is responsible for implementing this scheme.
What specific competitive examinations are covered under this Free Coaching Scheme?
The scheme covers Group A and B examinations by UPSC, SSC, RRBs, State Public Service Commissions, Officers’ Grade exams by Banks/Insurance/PSUs, Premier Entrance Exams (Engineering, Medical, Management, Law), eligibility tests like SAT/GRE/GMAT/TOFEL, and entrance exams for CPL courses/NDA/CDS.
What is the maximum total course fee covered for the Civil Services Exam by UPSC/SPSCs under the scheme?
The maximum total course fee covered for the Civil Services Exam by UPSC/SPSCs is ₹1,20,000.
What is the minimum duration of coaching provided for SSC/RRB examinations?
The minimum duration of coaching provided for SSC/RRB examinations is 6 months.
Are there specific coaching duration limits for JEE/NEET under this scheme?
Yes, the minimum duration for JEE/NEET coaching is 9 months, but it should not exceed 12 months.
What is the maximum total course fee covered for JEE/NEET under this scheme?
The maximum total course fee covered for JEE/NEET is ₹1,20,000.
What is the maximum total course fee for Banking, Insurance, PSU, and CLAT examinations?
The maximum total course fee for Banking, Insurance, PSU, and CLAT examinations is ₹50,000.
Is a minimum physical coaching attendance mandatory for the courses, and if so, how many hours per week?
Yes, a minimum physical coaching of 16 hours per week will be mandatory for all the courses covered under the scheme.
What is the annual family income limit for a DNT student to be eligible for benefits under the scheme?
Only DNT students having a total family income from all sources of ₹2,50,000 or less per annum are eligible.
What is the eligibility condition for students applying for coaching for Class 12th level competitive exams?
For competitive exams where the qualifying exam is Class 12th, benefits are available only if the candidate has passed Class 12th or is studying in Class 12th as on the date of receiving the benefit.
What is the eligibility condition for students seeking coaching for bachelor-level competitive exams?
Only students/candidates who have completed their bachelor's level course or are studying in the final year of the bachelor's degree course at the time of receiving benefits are eligible.
How many students will the Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) select each year?
The DWBDNC will select a total of 1,250 students each year.
What is the distribution of slots for coaching based on the qualifying examination level?
60% of the total available slots are allotted to courses where the qualifying exam is graduation (Bachelor’s level), and 40% are for courses where the qualifying exam is Class 12.
What is the process for submitting applications for the Free Coaching Scheme?
Applicants are required to apply online on the department's portal, along with details of the course they intend to join.
When does the online application portal for the scheme remain open for receiving applications?
The portal remains open for one month, twice a year, specifically during the months of July and January, for receiving applications.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Family income certificate
- 10th marksheet certificate
- 12th marksheet certificate
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Admission confirmation or assurance from coaching institute
- Proof of DNT community membership