Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-matric Scholarship to Other Backward Classes for Studies in India

Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-matric Scholarship to Other Backward Classes (OBC) for Studies in India helps students from financially weaker OBC families cover their school education costs through monthly support and an annual grant. The scheme runs through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and the 2026-27 application cycle is now open.

Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-matric Scholarship to Other Backward Classes (OBC) for Studies in India - Overview

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs this centrally sponsored scholarship to support school-going children from economically weaker OBC households. Financial constraints should not force a student to drop out before Class 10, and this scheme directly addresses that gap. The scholarship is available for students in Classes 1 to 10, with hostseller coverage starting from Class 3. The award is valid for up to 10 months in each academic year.

The scheme works through State Governments and Union Territory administrations. Every State and UT receives a budget allocation and processes applications independently on the National Scholarship Portal. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are now being accepted on scholarships.gov.in. Students should complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) before submitting their application.

Benefits

This scheme offers two types of financial help. First, a monthly maintenance allowance to cover day-to-day schooling expenses like books, stationery, and uniforms. Second, an annual ad-hoc grant that both hostellers and day scholars receive equally. The payment runs from the date of joining until the end of the academic year, normally 10 months. Payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Hostellers in Classes 3 to 10 receive ₹500 per month, which adds up to ₹5,000 across 10 months. Day scholars in Classes 1 to 10 receive ₹100 per month, totaling ₹1,000 over 10 months. On top of that, every eligible student gets a flat ₹500 ad-hoc grant every year regardless of hosteller or day scholar status. So a hosteller's total annual support comes to ₹5,500, and a day scholar's comes to ₹1,500.

Eligibility

To apply for this scholarship, you need to meet all of these conditions:

Your family's total annual income from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000. Only the income of your parents (or husband, if you are a married student) is counted. Income of other family members is not included unless both parents have passed away. House Rent Allowance (HRA) received by parents is exempt from this calculation if it is permitted under income-tax rules. You should be studying in a school or institution that is recognized by your State Government or Union Territory Administration. You must have maintained at least 60% attendance during the previous academic year. You must not already be receiving benefits from any other pre-matric scholarship scheme. Only one pre-matric scholarship can be availed at the same time.

The scheme also sets specific reservations. 30% of scholarships are reserved for girl students. At least 5% of awards are allocated for students with disabilities (Divyang students). Applicants must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account for DBT payment.

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before you start your online application:

You will need a passport-sized photograph, your Aadhaar number, proof of your last completed class (marksheet or school certificate), a bonafide certificate from your current institution, a valid OBC caste certificate issued by a competent authority, an income certificate confirming your family income is within the ₹2,50,000 limit, and details of your Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Application Process

The entire application is online through the National Scholarship Portal at https://www.scholarships.gov.in/. The 2026-27 academic year applications are now open. Complete your One-Time Registration (OTR) on the portal before applying for the scholarship scheme.

STEP 1 - Go to https://www.scholarships.gov.in/ and click on the New Registration option. You will see the guidelines and undertaking on the next screen. Read through them carefully, accept the terms, and click Continue.

STEP 2 - Fill in all mandatory fields in the registration form marked with an asterisk (*). After submitting, your Application ID and password will appear on screen and also be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS. Save both safely.

STEP 3 - Return to the portal, select Login to Apply, and enter your Application ID and password along with the CAPTCHA. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to verify your identity, then set a new password for your account and submit.

STEP 4 - You will land on the Applicant Dashboard. Click on Application Form, fill in all required personal and academic details, upload your documents in the specified format, and click Final Submit to complete your application.

2026 Updates and Changes

Domicile certificate is no longer required for OBC students applying under the pre-matric and post-matric scholarship schemes. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced this change in June 2026. Students who are pursuing education outside their home state can now apply without providing a domicile certificate, making the process simpler and more accessible. This reform is expected to benefit lakhs of eligible students across India.

The Ministry has also launched the SETU (Scholarship for Educational Transformation and Upliftment) platform on the UMANG app in June 2026. SETU acts as a single-window interface for students, institutional nodal officers, district nodal officers, and State officials to register, track applications, and complete validation steps. You can access these services through the UMANG app without needing to visit multiple portals.

Highlights

FAQ's

What is the main aim of this scheme?

The main aim is to reduce dropout rates among OBC students at the school level by providing monthly financial support and an annual grant to students from economically weaker OBC families.

What is the family income limit?

Your parents' combined annual income from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000. Only your parents' income is counted. Other family members' income is excluded unless both parents have passed away. House Rent Allowance is also excluded if it is allowed under income-tax rules.

Is domicile certificate now required?

No. As of June 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has removed the domicile certificate requirement for OBC students applying for pre-matric scholarships. Students studying outside their home state can now apply without this document.

What is the SETU platform?

SETU (Scholarship for Educational Transformation and Upliftment) is a new platform launched on the UMANG app in June 2026. It lets students track their applications, register, and complete validation steps in one place. Institutional nodal officers and district officers also use it to process applications faster.

Has the scheme amount changed in 2026?

The monthly allowance and ad-hoc grant amounts under the Centrally Sponsored Pre-matric OBC Scholarship remain the same as before. Hostellers still receive ₹500 per month and day scholars receive ₹100 per month, with a ₹500 annual ad-hoc grant for all students. However, a separate scheme called PM-YASASVI now also provides a consolidated academic allowance of ₹4,000 per year for OBC, EBC, and DNT students in Classes 9 to 10. Check the NSP to see which scheme applies to you.

How long does the scholarship last?

The scholarship is available for up to 10 months per academic year, from the date of joining the school to the date of leaving, excluding vacation periods. Support runs from Class 1 through Class 10 for day scholars, and from Class 3 through Class 10 for hostellers.

Can I use this scholarship along with another pre-matric scholarship?

No. You cannot receive benefits from this scheme and any other pre-matric scholarship at the same time. If you are awarded another pre-matric scholarship for Classes 1 to 10, you must choose one and inform the relevant authority.

Is there a separate reservation for girls or students with disabilities?

Yes. 30% of the total awards are reserved for girl students. At least 5% of awards are allocated for students with disabilities.

How do I renew my scholarship next year?

Reapply through the National Scholarship Portal before the deadline for the next academic year. You must still meet the attendance requirement and income criteria. There is no automatic renewal.

Where can I get help if my application has an issue?

Contact your school's nodal officer first for application-related issues. For general queries, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment helpline is available through the National Scholarship Portal help section. You can also use the SETU platform on the UMANG app to track and resolve application queries.