The Central Government’s Pre-Matric Scholarship is for Scheduled Caste (SC) students studying in Class 9 or Class 10. It is run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Its purpose is that children from poor SC families should not drop out of school for lack of money and should complete their education up to Class 10. The selected student gets a yearly academic allowance in a lump sum — the money is meant for books, stationery, uniform and other study needs.
How much allowance is given
The allowance depends on whether the student stays at home or in a hostel. A day scholar (a student who studies from home) gets ₹3,500 a year and a hosteller (a student living in a hostel) gets ₹7,000 a year. Divyang students get a 10% extra allowance. The amount is paid once a year, in a lump sum. The allowance continues only if the student’s academic performance is satisfactory and his or her attendance is at least 75% every year.
Who can apply
The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category and be a full-time student of Class 9 or Class 10 in a recognised school. The family’s annual income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh — counting income from all sources. The student must attend school regularly and show satisfactory academic performance. This scheme is only for Classes 9–10; for Class 11–12, SC students have the separate Post-Matric Scholarship scheme.
Know about the second component too
The same scheme has a second component for children whose parents are engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations. This component covers children from Class 1 to Class 10 and has no income limit. In it, a day scholar gets ₹3,500 a year and a hosteller gets up to ₹8,000 a year. If your parents do such work, you can apply under this component too — the application process is the same.
How to apply
Applications are made online on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), scholarships.gov.in. The student must first complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) on the NSP — Aadhaar face authentication is required for this — then fill the scheme form and submit the caste certificate, income certificate, school proof and bank account details. The last date differs from state to state, so check your state’s date only on the NSP. Do not pay anyone for applying — this facility is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money does the Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC students give?
A: ₹3,500 a year for a day scholar and ₹7,000 a year for a hosteller; Divyang students get a 10% extra allowance.
Q2: Who can apply?
A: An SC student of Class 9 or 10, with family income up to ₹2.5 lakh a year and attendance of at least 75%.
Q3: Is this different from the Post-Matric Scholarship?
A: Yes — this one is only for Classes 9–10; the Post-Matric Scholarship is a separate scheme for Class 11 onwards.
Q4: Where do I apply?
A: On the National Scholarship Portal, scholarships.gov.in — complete the OTR, fill the form, and check your state’s last date on the portal.
Leave a Reply