The Central Government’s Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC students is for students of Other Backward Classes (OBC) studying in Classes 9 and 10 in government schools. It is now given under PM YASASVI (PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India), run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Selected students receive a consolidated academic allowance of ₹4,000 per year. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme — the money comes from the Centre and it is implemented through the State Governments. According to the Ministry, about 20 lakh students are covered under this pre-matric scheme.
How much scholarship is given
Students receive a consolidated academic allowance of ₹4,000 per year. The entire amount is paid directly into the bank account of the student or parent through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), preferably through the Aadhaar-based payment system. The scholarship runs from Class 9 through Class 10 — that is, for both years.
Who can apply
The eligibility conditions are — the student must belong to the OBC, EBC or DNT (De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes) category; must be studying full-time in Class 9 or 10 in a Government school; and the parents’ or guardian’s income from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000 per year. The student must be an Indian national and hold a valid OBC/EBC/DNT category certificate. Students studying in private schools are not eligible for this pre-matric scholarship — it is only for government schools.
How to apply
Applications are made online on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). First, complete One Time Registration (OTR) on the NSP, which is linked to Aadhaar. Then choose your scheme, fill the form and upload the required documents — caste certificate, income certificate, Aadhaar-linked bank account and school certificate. After the form is submitted, the school (institute) verifies the application before the scholarship moves forward. Applications open for a fixed window every academic year — check the current dates on the NSP, as the last date can differ from state to state.
Points to remember
Applying for the scholarship is completely free — there is no fee for applying on the NSP. If any agent or middleman asks for money promising to get you the scholarship, do not pay. A student cannot take another educational scholarship for Classes 9 and 10 at the same time — this condition is in the guidelines. Keep your caste and income certificates correct and current while filling the form, as wrong information can lead to rejection. Students from Haryana also apply under this same central scheme — the application goes through the state on the NSP itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money is given under the OBC Pre-Matric Scholarship?
A: A consolidated academic allowance of ₹4,000 per year — paid directly into the bank account through DBT.
Q2: Who is eligible for this scholarship?
A: OBC, EBC or DNT students studying in Class 9 or 10 in a government school, with family income not exceeding ₹2.5 lakh a year.
Q3: Can students of private schools apply?
A: No — this pre-matric scholarship is only for students studying in government schools.
Q4: Where and how do I apply?
A: On the National Scholarship Portal, scholarships.gov.in, after One Time Registration — the school verifies the application before the scholarship is given.
Useful links
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in/
- OBC Pre-Matric Scholarship on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/csspremsobcsi
- List of all 726 Central Government schemes: /english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
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