AI SummaryChhattisgarh government is once again giving free cycles to Class 9 girl students under Saraswati Cycle Yojana. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai restarted the scheme after it was paused for a few years, and cycles are being handed out through government and aided schools across the state.
Around a lakh girls from SC, ST and BPL families get a free bicycle every year so they can travel to school without depending on anyone. Application is offline and goes through the school headmaster or the local District Education Officer (DEO). Full details on how to apply, who can apply, and what documents you need are given below.
Saraswati Cycle Yojana Application Process
Application for this scheme is completely offline. Girls do not need to fill any form online or visit any portal. School itself submits the list of eligible girls to the education department, and cycles are given during a distribution event held at school or block level.
STEP 1 - Go to your school and meet the headmaster or the class teacher. Tell them you want to apply for Saraswati Cycle Yojana. School staff will share the details and also confirm if your name is in the eligible list.
STEP 2 - Collect the application form from the school office or from the District Education Officer (DEO) office in your block. If the school is preparing a common list, you may only need to sign a declaration and submit your documents.
STEP 3 - Fill the form with your name, father's name, class, roll number, address, caste category and BPL card number. Write clearly and check the spelling of your name matches your school records.
STEP 4 - Attach photocopies of your residence certificate, BPL card, caste certificate, school enrolment certificate and Aadhaar card. Get each copy signed by the headmaster for verification.
STEP 5 - Submit the filled form along with documents to the school headmaster. School will forward the list to the DEO for approval.
STEP 6 - Once approved, the school informs the date of the cycle distribution event. Girls are called with their parents on that date to receive the cycle.
Apply Link: Access official portal here
Saraswati Cycle Yojana Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Saraswati Cycle Yojana |
| Launched By | Chhattisgarh Government (School Education Department) |
| Restarted By | CM Vishnu Deo Sai (2024) |
| Beneficiaries | Class 9 girl students of SC, ST and BPL families |
| Benefit | One free bicycle per eligible girl |
| State | Chhattisgarh |
| Application Mode | Offline (through school / DEO office) |
| Official Website | eduportal.cg.nic.in |
Who Can Apply
Saraswati Cycle Yojana is only for girl students of Chhattisgarh who are studying in Class 9 in a government or government-aided school. Girls studying in private schools are not covered. Below is the basic eligibility that a girl must meet to get a free cycle.
- Must be a permanent resident of Chhattisgarh.
- Must be a girl student currently enrolled in Class 9.
- Must be studying in a government school or a government-aided non-government school.
- Must belong to SC or ST community, or family should have a valid BPL card.
For example, if Seeta lives in a village in Bastar and has taken admission in Class 9 at the government higher secondary school there, and her family has a BPL card, she is eligible for a free cycle under this scheme.
Benefits Girls Get Under the Scheme
Main benefit is a brand new bicycle given free of cost, directly to the student. Cycle is standard size and comes with a carrier, bell and stand. Girls do not have to pay anything, and there is no hidden charge for delivery or paperwork.
Bigger idea behind the scheme is to stop girls from leaving school. Many villages in Chhattisgarh have upper primary schools nearby but the high school is 3 to 5 km away. A cycle removes that daily travel problem and helps girls continue their studies at least up to Class 10.
Documents Required for Saraswati Cycle Yojana
Keep the following documents ready before you submit the application at your school. Missing documents are the most common reason applications get delayed.
- Permanent residence certificate of Chhattisgarh
- Valid BPL ration card (for BPL category applicants)
- Caste certificate (for SC or ST applicants)
- School enrolment certificate or bonafide certificate from the headmaster
- Aadhaar card of the student
- Passport size photo of the student
Restart of Saraswati Cycle Yojana in Chhattisgarh
Saraswati Cycle Yojana was first started in 2004 in Chhattisgarh. Distribution slowed down over the last few years. In August 2024, CM Vishnu Deo Sai announced at a public event in Jagdalpur that both Saraswati Cycle Yojana and Charan Paduka Yojana will be started again for the benefit of poor students. Cycle distribution has since been picked up by the School Education Department and is now running every academic session.
Girls who joined Class 9 in the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic session are covered under the current round. Schools have been asked to prepare fresh eligible lists each year so that no eligible girl is left out.
Related schemes for girl students
Chhattisgarh government also runs Kaushalya Matritva Yojana for mothers on the birth of a second girl child. Girl students planning higher studies can also check the AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme for degree and diploma courses. A full list of central and state women welfare schemes is also available on the site.
References
Click here for more official details
FAQ's
Is Saraswati Cycle Yojana still running in 2026?
Yes. Chhattisgarh government restarted the scheme in 2024 and cycles are being given every academic session to eligible Class 9 girls through their schools.
Who launched Saraswati Cycle Yojana?
Scheme was first launched by Chhattisgarh government in 2004 under the School Education Department. It was restarted by CM Vishnu Deo Sai in 2024.
Can girls from Class 10 or Class 12 apply?
No. Only girls enrolled in Class 9 in government or aided schools are eligible. Once you are promoted to Class 10, you cannot claim a cycle under this scheme.
Can girls studying in private schools apply?
No. Only girls studying in government schools and government-aided non-government schools are covered. Private school students are not eligible.
Are boys eligible for a free cycle?
No. Saraswati Cycle Yojana is only for girl students. Boys do not get any benefit under this scheme.
Does the applicant have to pay anything for the cycle?
No. Cycle is fully free. There is no fee for the application or for delivery of the cycle.
What is the official website of the scheme?
Official information page is at eduportal.cg.nic.in under the schemes section. Application itself is offline through the school or DEO office.
Whom to contact if the cycle is not received on time?
Contact your school headmaster first. If the issue is not solved, meet the Block Education Officer (BEO) or District Education Officer (DEO) of your area.