Special Financial Assistance Scheme for Meritorious Students of the State for Preparation of Competitive Examinations gives a one-time grant of ₹50,000 to deserving students in Uttarakhand. It supports meritorious candidates who clear the preliminary examination for Group A and B services or the written examination for the Armed Forces, so they can prepare for the main exams without money worries.
Higher Education Department, Government of Uttarakhand runs this scheme. As of August 2026, the scheme is active and applications are now accepted online through the Samarth portal, apart from the offline process.
Special Financial Assistance Scheme for Meritorious Students of the State for Preparation of Competitive Examinations - Introduction
This scheme helps talented candidates who have cleared the preliminary examination conducted by the State or Union Public Service Commission for Group A and B services, or the written examination for the Armed Forces such as NDA, CDS, OTA, Indian Naval Academy, or Indian Air Force Academy. The grant helps them continue their preparation for the main examination.
Higher Education Department launched this scheme to help bright minds reach their potential. By giving a financial grant, the government encourages students to focus fully on their goal without worrying about money problems.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Special Financial Assistance Scheme for Meritorious Students of the State for Preparation of Competitive Examinations |
| Level | State |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Beneficiary | Individual |
| Category | Education and Learning |
| Benefit Type | Cash Grant |
| Benefit Amount | ₹50,000 (one time) |
| Department | Department of Higher Education |
| Application Mode | Online (Samarth portal) and Offline |
Benefits
Eligible students receive a one-time financial grant of ₹50,000 to support their preparation for high-level competitive examinations. This is a single payment meant to cover preparation expenses such as coaching, study material, and other related costs.
The grant is given only once in a lifetime. It is not a monthly or yearly payment, and it is not a loan, so there is no need to repay the amount.
Eligibility
To benefit from this scheme, you should meet the following requirements:
- Examination criteria: You should have cleared the preliminary examination for Group A and B services conducted by the State Public Service Commission. Alternatively, you should have passed the written examination for the Armed Forces (such as NDA, CDS, OTA, Indian Naval Academy, or Indian Air Force Academy) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
- Residency: You must be a native or permanent resident of Uttarakhand.
- Education: You should have completed your graduation or postgraduate studies, or met the minimum qualification required for the service, at a recognized institution located within Uttarakhand.
- Income limit: Your total annual family income should not exceed ₹5 lakh. For example, if a family earns ₹4.5 lakh annually, the student is eligible provided other rules are met.
- Additional conditions: You must not have availed of the benefit of any other similar state or central government scheme. Also, if you or your spouse are currently employed or run a business, you will not qualify for this support.
Application Process
Applications for this grant are now accepted online through the Samarth portal. The offline process is also available for those who prefer it. Follow these steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Visit the official website at Higher Education Department Uttarakhand and open the scholarship portal section.
STEP 2 - Go to the online application link at Uttarakhand Scholarship Samarth Portal and register with your basic details.
STEP 3 - Fill in the application form carefully and upload the required documents mentioned in the documents section.
STEP 4 - Submit the form online. For the offline route, submit the completed form to the Directorate of Higher Education, Haldwani within three months of the result declaration for civil services, or during the training period for Armed Forces candidates.
STEP 5 - After submission, a designated committee verifies your details and releases the ₹50,000 grant to successful applicants.
Documents
Keep these documents ready while applying:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Aadhaar-linked bank account passbook
- Permanent residence certificate
- Income certificate
- Educational certificates (High School, Intermediate, Graduate, Postgraduate, or equivalent)
- Copy of result and admit card for the preliminary examination (UKPSC/UPSC)
- Certificate and admit card of the written examination for Armed Forces
References
Official Government Order (PDF)
Scholarship Portal - Higher Education Uttarakhand
FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Any permanent resident of Uttarakhand who has passed the preliminary exams for Group A or B services (UKPSC/UPSC) or finished the written exams for the Armed Forces is eligible.
What amount will I receive?
You will receive a one-time grant of ₹50,000.
Can I apply if I am not from Uttarakhand?
No, this scheme is strictly for natives or permanent residents of Uttarakhand.
Is this grant provided annually?
No, it is a one-time support grant given only once in a lifetime.
How soon should I apply after results?
You should submit your application within 3 months of the official result declaration for civil services, or during the training period for Armed Forces candidates.
Where do I submit my application?
You can apply online through the Samarth portal, or submit your documents to the Directorate of Higher Education, Haldwani for the offline route.
Is there an online option to apply?
Yes, the online application process is now available through the Uttarakhand Scholarship Samarth Portal.
Can I apply if I am currently working?
No, you are ineligible if you or your spouse are currently engaged in any job, business, or profession.
What is the income cap?
Your total family income from all sources must not exceed ₹5,00,000 per year.
How can I get more help?
You can visit the Directorate of Higher Education in Haldwani or check updates on the official website at Higher Education Department Uttarakhand.