National Scholarship Portal has opened applications for Pre Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2026-27 for Class 9th and Class 10th students. Students with benchmark disability of 40 percent or more can apply online from 1st June 2026 and the last date to submit the application is 31st August 2026. This central sector scheme by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwD) gives a monthly maintenance allowance, an annual book grant and a disability allowance to help students continue their school education.
Students studying in a government school or a school recognized by the government, CBSE, or the State Board can apply. Around 25,000 students get this scholarship every year and the amount is sent directly to the bank account of the student through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Pre Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities - Introduction
Pre Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is a central scheme run by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is made for students with disabilities who are studying in Class 9th and Class 10th. The main aim is to reduce the dropout rate at the secondary stage so that students can complete their education and move ahead in life.
Students with disabilities as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 are eligible for this support. This includes students with visual, hearing, speech, locomotor, intellectual and other specified disabilities. With this money help, students can cover their study expenses and focus on their classes.
For the academic year 2026-27, the family income limit has been kept at ₹2.5 lakh per year. Half of the total slots are reserved for girl students. Students need a UDID card or a valid disability certificate and an Aadhaar card to apply. Only two children with disabilities from the same parents can get the benefit, unless the second child is a twin.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pre Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education and Learning, Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | Yes |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Application Portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Application Dates | 1st June 2026 to 31st August 2026 |
| Official Website | scholarships.gov.in |
Benefits
This scholarship gives direct cash support to help students manage their study costs. The benefits include:
| Benefit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Allowance (Day Scholars) | ₹500 per month |
| Maintenance Allowance (Hostellers) | ₹800 per month |
| Book Grant | ₹1,000 per annum |
Disability-specific allowances are also paid every year as per the category of disability:
| Category | Amount (per Annum) |
|---|---|
| Visually Impaired | ₹4,000 |
| Hearing Impaired | ₹2,000 |
| Physically Disabled (OH) | ₹2,000 |
| Intellectual Disabilities | ₹4,000 |
| Other Disabilities | ₹2,000 |
Note: Maintenance allowance is given for 12 months in an academic year.
Eligibility
Students should meet the following conditions to apply for this scholarship:
- Student should be studying in Class 9th or Class 10th in a government school or a school recognized by the government, CBSE, or the State Board.
- Disability percentage should be 40 percent or more and the student should have a UDID card or a valid disability certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Total annual income of parents or guardians from all sources should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
- Student should not be getting any other government scholarship or stipend.
- Only two children with disabilities from the same parents can get the benefit. If the second child is a twin, both twins are covered.
Exclusions
Some rules decide when a student cannot get this scholarship. They are given below:
- This scholarship is limited to a maximum of two students per family. However, if the second sibling is a twin, both may receive the benefit.
- A student cannot get any other scholarship or stipend while getting benefit under this scheme.
- If a student gives false information or fake documents, the paid amount is recovered with 15 percent compound interest and the student is blacklisted for future applications.
- Students do not get the scholarship for repeating a class.
Application Process
Applications are accepted only online on the National Scholarship Portal. First-time students need to complete the One Time Registration (OTR) on the portal. OTR is a unique number given to the student and it stays valid for the whole academic career. Follow the steps given below:
STEP 1 - Go to the official National Scholarship Portal and complete the One Time Registration (OTR) using your Aadhaar details and mobile number.
STEP 2 - Log in with the OTR number and password, then click on the option for the Pre Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities application form.
STEP 3 - Fill in all mandatory details in the form and upload the required documents in the given format.
STEP 4 - Check all the details once and click on Final Submit before the last date of 31st August 2026.
Students can save the application as a draft and complete it later. The school or institute must also register on the NSP portal and verify the details of the student.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for the application:
- UDID card or disability certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Aadhaar card.
- Passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of age.
- Valid income certificate.
- Previous year's mark sheet.
- Bank account details of the student or parent or guardian.
Documents should be in .pdf or .jpeg format and should not exceed 200 KB in size.
Definitions
Person with Disability (PwD)
A person with disability is someone with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments that stop them from taking part fully in society. For more details, read the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Students who are looking for similar help for higher studies can check the Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities and the Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities schemes on this website.
References
Official Scheme Page - Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
FAQ's
Am I eligible for this scholarship if two of my siblings are already getting the benefits?
No, you will not be eligible as the limit is two students per family.
What is the last date to apply for 2026-27?
The last date to submit the online application on the National Scholarship Portal is 31st August 2026.
What is the family income limit for this scholarship?
The total annual income of parents or guardians should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
When do I receive the scholarship payment?
The payment process starts after you secure admission and begin attending classes.
What is the mode of payment?
The scholarship is sent directly to your bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
What happens if there is a tie between two candidates for the last slot?
The candidate with a higher percentage of disability is given preference. If the tie continues, the older candidate is given preference.
Will I continue to receive the scholarship if I fail?
No, the scholarship stops if you do not get promoted to the next class.
Is there a reservation for girl students?
Yes, 50 percent of the total slots are reserved for girl students.
Is the application process free?
Yes, the whole online application process is free.
How can I track my application status?
Log in to your Applicant Dashboard on the NSP portal and click on Track Status.
What are the document size requirements?
Documents should be in .pdf or .jpeg format and should not exceed 200 KB in size.