Scheme for Grant of Additional Scholarship to the Students of Other Backward Classes for Pursuing Higher Studies Anywhere in India after Secondary Level

Scheme for Grant of Additional Scholarship to the Students of Other Backward Classes for Pursuing Higher Studies Anywhere in India after Secondary Level gives extra money help to Other Backward Classes (OBC) students from Andaman and Nicobar Islands who want to study further. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year opened on the National Scholarship Portal on July 1, 2026, and the last date to apply online is October 31, 2026.

This scheme supports non-creamy layer OBC students who have passed Class X and are now taking up higher studies in any government-recognized institution across India, except Classes XI and XII. Eligible students receive a monthly scholarship of ₹1000, paid for ten months in each academic session, so they can cover their study costs without much pressure.

Scheme for Grant of Additional Scholarship to the Students of Other Backward Classes for Pursuing Higher Studies Anywhere in India after Secondary Level - Introduction

Run by the Department of Social Welfare, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, this scheme is funded through the Union Territory Plan. It helps OBC students from the islands reach their academic goals by giving steady financial support for the full length of their course, as long as they keep regular attendance and good conduct as certified by their institution head.

The scholarship is open to students studying in any government-recognized Polytechnic, ITI, College, or University anywhere in India. The department sends the money directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the student, which keeps the whole process simple and clear.

For the 2026-27 academic year, the Social Welfare Department has invited fresh and renewal applications through the National Scholarship Portal. Students must apply under the State Scheme - Andaman and Nicobar section and pick the right scholarship category before the closing date.

Key Information

Benefits

Under this scheme, you get a scholarship of ₹1000 per month. Here are the main points about the payment process:

• The scholarship is payable for ten months in each academic session, and it is given only to students who have already passed the previous class. For example, if a student completes Class XII, he or she becomes eligible for this scholarship during the first year of college.
• The department directly credits the funds to your Aadhaar-linked bank account, so the money reaches you without any middle person.
• Granting of the scholarship depends on the availability of funds in the current financial year.

Eligibility

To qualify for this scholarship, you should meet the following criteria:

1. You must belong to the non-creamy layer OBC category of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as per the official notifications of the administration.
2. You must be a permanent resident, or domicile, of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
3. Your parental annual income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
4. You should have passed Secondary (Class X) or Senior Secondary (Class XII) from a recognized board.
5. Only two children of the same parents are entitled to this scholarship. If the second birth results in multiple children, like twins, all of them are eligible.
6. You must be enrolled in a regular, full-time higher education or professional course recognized by the government, after Class X and excluding Classes XI and XII.

The scheme supports different study paths, including:

Important Reminders:

If you fail a class, the scholarship is granted on a year-to-year basis. However, if you fail for more than one year, the scholarship stops. Also, if you provide false information, the administration will cancel your award, recover the paid amount, and blacklist you from future help. You should also know that if you discontinue your studies, you are liable to refund the scholarship amount.

Exclusions

You are not eligible for this scholarship if you repeat the same stage or level of education in a different stream, or if you are already pursuing a second professional course after completing one. The scheme also does not cover courses funded by other Central or State government programs, including distance education, training at Defence Academies, and specific vocational courses like Private Pilot License training.

Application Process

You should apply online to keep the process simple. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are open from July 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026. Follow these steps:

STEP 1 - Go to the official National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in and click on the New Registration icon to create your account.

STEP 2 - Provide your details correctly to finish the registration and receive your Student Registration ID.

STEP 3 - Use this ID to log in and go to the Fresh Application section.

STEP 4 - Choose the State Scheme - Andaman and Nicobar category and select the Grant of Additional Scholarship (UT) to OBC Students scheme.

STEP 5 - Fill out the application form carefully, upload the required documents, and submit it before October 31, 2026.

STEP 6 - Keep the system-generated registration number safe to track your status. Make sure your bank account is active and Aadhaar-seeded so that the payment does not fail.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready for your application:

1. Passport-size photograph.
2. Class X and XII mark sheets or degree/diploma certificates.
3. Caste certificate signed by an officer not below the rank of Tehsildar.
4. Non-creamy layer certificate.
5. Income certificate to show the parental annual income is within ₹8 lakh.
6. Acknowledgment receipt if you received this scholarship last year.
7. Marks statement counter-signed by your Head of Institution, for renewal.
8. Aadhaar card copy.
9. First page of your bank passbook.

References

View Official Press Release and Guidelines

OBC Scholarship Application Details on Andaman Sheekha

FAQ's

What is the objective of the scheme?

The objective is to give financial support to non-creamy layer OBC students from Andaman and Nicobar Islands to cover the cost of higher education after Class X, excluding Classes XI and XII.

Which department manages the scheme?

The Department of Social Welfare, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, runs the scheme under the Union Territory Plan.

Who is eligible to apply?

Students who are domiciles of the islands, belong to the notified OBC category, have a parental annual income up to ₹8 lakh, and are pursuing regular higher education in a recognized institution are eligible.

What is the scholarship benefit amount?

Eligible students receive ₹1000 per month for a duration of ten months in each academic session.

When is the last date to apply for 2026-27?

The online application window opened on July 1, 2026, and the last date to submit applications on the National Scholarship Portal is October 31, 2026.

Are medical students eligible?

Yes, students pursuing postgraduate medical courses are eligible, provided they do not practice during the course duration.

What if I find a mistake after submitting my application to the institute?

You should contact your institute immediately. The institute can revert the application to you as incomplete, allowing you to make the required edits before the defect verification deadline of November 15, 2026.

Can I apply if my institute is outside the islands?

Yes, you can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal regardless of whether your institution is located within or outside the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Can I claim a scholarship for the previous year?

No, you can only claim the scholarship for the current academic year.