Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students (Classes 9 & 10)
by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
Up to Rs. 7,000 per year
7,38,000 participants
Centrally sponsored scholarship for Scheduled Caste students in Classes IX and X with annual family income up to Rs. 2,50,000.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Annual scholarship for the academic year, available across Class IX and Class X
Time needed
Online application only
Eligibility
Open to Indian Scheduled Caste students studying full-time in Class IX or Class X in a recognised school. Parental annual income from all sources must not exceed Rs. 2,50,000. Available across all States and Union Territories with awards routed through the State or UT of permanent domicile.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 10
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be studying full-time in Class IX or Class X in a recognised government, government-aided or recognised private school.
- Prerequisites
- Indian nationality
- Belonging to Scheduled Caste category with valid caste certificate
- Studying full-time in Class IX or Class X in a recognised school
- Parental annual income from all sources not exceeding Rs. 2,50,000
- Aadhaar-seeded bank account in the student's name
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Rs. 3,500 / Rs. 7,000 per year
Consolidated academic allowance of Rs. 3,500 per annum for day scholars and Rs. 7,000 per annum for hostellers, with an additional 10 per cent allowance for Divyang students.
Opens doors to
Continued financial support through Class IX and Class X helps SC students complete secondary schooling and progress to post-matric education.
Recognition
National scholarship recognition
What it covers
- Consolidated academic allowance for day scholars
- Consolidated academic allowance for hostellers
- Additional 10 per cent allowance for Divyang students
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Jun 2026
- Registration closed
- 31 Aug 2026
- Dates
- 1 Aug 2026
How to apply
- 1Register on the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in during the active scholarship cycle
- 2Complete One-Time Registration using Aadhaar and mobile number
- 3Select the Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students Studying in Classes IX and X under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- 4Fill in academic, caste, income and bank account details and upload supporting documents
- 5Submit the consolidated application through the school head and Departmental Nodal Officer in the prescribed proforma
- 6Track institution and state-level verification status on the National Scholarship Portal dashboard
Rules and guidelines
- Awardees are selected by the State or UT to which the applicant is permanently domiciled
- Scholarship is available for studies in India only
- Applications are processed through the school nodal officer; individual standalone applications are not accepted
- Bank account must be Aadhaar-seeded for Direct Benefit Transfer
- A student can avail only one Pre-Matric scholarship at a time
Technology requirements
- Internet access
- Computer or mobile device for online application
About this opportunity
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste Students Studying in Classes IX and X is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The scheme is implemented through State Governments and Union Territory administrations and provides financial assistance to Scheduled Caste students at the secondary stage of school education. The objective is to reduce the dropout rate among SC students at the transition between elementary and secondary education and to support continuation through Class X.
The scheme is open to Indian Scheduled Caste students studying in Class IX or Class X on a full-time basis in a recognised government, government-aided or recognised private school. The combined annual income of the parents or guardians from all sources must not exceed Rs. 2,50,000. The scheme was restructured from the academic year 2022-23 to focus exclusively on Classes IX and X, having earlier covered Classes I to X under the broader Pre-Matric scholarship for SC and Other Communities.
From 2022-23 onwards, eligible students receive a consolidated academic allowance of Rs. 3,500 per annum as day scholars and Rs. 7,000 per annum as hostellers. An additional 10 per cent allowance is provided to Divyang students with disabilities. Funds are released through the National Scholarship Portal as Direct Benefit Transfer to the student's Aadhaar-seeded bank account, with State and Union Territory nodal departments handling verification and disbursement.
Frequently asked questions
How can students maximize their chances of scholarship selection?
Students can enhance their selection chances by ensuring all application details are accurate and complete, submitting all required documents before the deadline, and verifying that their Aadhaar is correctly seeded with their bank account. Timely submission and adherence to all guidelines are crucial.
What is the long-term impact of receiving this scholarship on a student's academic journey?
Receiving this scholarship provides essential financial support, reducing the burden of educational expenses. This enables students to focus on their studies, complete secondary education, and pursue higher education opportunities without financial constraints, fostering academic continuity and success.
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