Oasis Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC, ST and OBC Students

The Oasis Pre-Matric Scholarship is a state-funded financial assistance scheme administered by the Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of West Bengal, for students from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Classes communities studying in Class 9 and Class 10. The scheme is disbursed through the integrated OASIS online portal, which handles applications, verification, and direct benefit transfer to beneficiary bank accounts.

The scholarship targets students who are domiciled in West Bengal and enrolled in recognised schools within the state. Eligibility is anchored on caste category, family income, and continuous academic enrolment. For SC and ST applicants, family income must typically not exceed two lakh fifty thousand rupees per annum, while OBC applicants generally face an income ceiling of one lakh rupees per annum, subject to the prevailing notification each academic session. Applicants must hold a valid SC, ST, or OBC certificate verified through the West Bengal OSCAR portal and an Aadhaar-linked, DBT-enabled bank account.

Financial support covers a maintenance allowance disbursed across ten months of the academic year along with an annual ad hoc grant intended to assist with books and stationery. Day scholars and hostellers receive different rates, with hostellers getting higher monthly maintenance. The exact rates are notified each session and follow the framework set by the central pre-matric scholarship guidelines for the respective caste category.

Applications are submitted online through the OASIS portal during the announced window, after which schools and district welfare offices verify the information. Selection is eligibility-based rather than competitive, and renewal is permitted on continued enrolment with satisfactory academic progress. The scheme aims to reduce dropout rates at the secondary stage for students from historically disadvantaged communities.