The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched the Pre Matric Scholarship for SC Students and Other Disadvantaged Groups to support children studying at the pre-matric level (Classes I to X).
The main objective of the scheme is to reduce school dropouts, especially during transitions from primary to upper primary and elementary to secondary stages. It provides financial assistance to parents from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community and other vulnerable groups so their children can continue their education without financial barriers.
This initiative helps students improve academic performance and increases their chances of progressing to the post-matric stage.
Pre Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pre Matric Scholarship for SC Students & Other Disadvantaged Groups |
| Implemented By | Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India |
| Applicable For | SC Students (Class IX–X) & Children of parents in hazardous occupations (Class I–X) |
| Registration Mode | Online |
| Portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – scholarships.gov.in |
| Income Limit | ₹2.5 lakh (Component 1), No income limit (Component 2) |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹3,500 (Day Scholar), ₹7,000–₹8,000 (Hosteller) |
| Extra Allowance | 10% for Divyang students |
| Application Start | April (every year) |
| Benefit Type | Annual scholarship allowance |
| Objective | Reduce dropouts & support pre-matric education |
Pre Matric Scholarship for SC Students – Eligibility Criteria
Only Indian nationals can apply for the scholarship. Eligibility is divided into two components:
Component 1: Pre Matric Scholarship for SC Students
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Students of Classes IX and X |
| Category | Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) |
| Study Type | Full-time schooling |
| Family Income | Annual income of parents/guardian must be below ₹2.50 lakh |
Component 2: Pre Matric Scholarship for Children of Parents Engaged in Unclean or Hazardous Occupations
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Students of Classes I to X |
| Eligible Categories (regardless of caste/religion) | – Manual Scavengers (as per the 2013 Act) – Tanners & Flayers – Waste Pickers – Persons engaged in hazardous cleaning (as per the 2013 Act) |
| Income Limit | No income ceiling |
Benefits of the Pre Matric Scholarship for SC Students
Students receive a consolidated academic allowance. The scholarship amount varies for day scholars and hostellers.
| Category of Student | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| Day Scholar | ₹3,500 per annum |
| Hosteller (Component 1) | ₹7,000 per annum |
| Hosteller (Component 2) | ₹8,000 per annum (Class III–X) |
| Divyang (Specially-Abled) Students | Additional 10% allowance |
How to Apply for Pre Matric Scholarship for SC Students (NSP)
The application process begins every year in April on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Follow these steps:
- Visit the NSP portal: scholarships.gov.in
- Click on “New Registration” and register using valid personal details.
- Log in to your NSP dashboard.
- Fill out the complete pre-matric scholarship form.
- Upload the required certificates/documents.
- Submit the application and keep a printout for future reference.
Once registered, your details are shared with the respective State/UT, and you must complete verification through the state portal if required.
Details Required for Pre Matric Scholarship Application
Before applying, keep the following documents and details ready:
- Valid Mobile Number
- Aadhaar Number
- Aadhaar-linked Bank Account
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Previous Year’s Marksheet
Related: AISSEE 2026 – Sainik School Admission Notification
FAQs — Pre Matric Scholarship for SC Students
1. Who can apply for the Pre Matric Scholarship for SC Students?
Students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category studying in Classes IX and X, with a family income below ₹2.5 lakh, are eligible.
2. Is there any scheme for children of parents engaged in hazardous occupations?
Yes. Students of Classes I to X, whose parents are manual scavengers, tanners, waste pickers, or engaged in hazardous cleaning, can apply regardless of caste or income.
3. How much scholarship amount will a student receive?
- Day Scholar: ₹3,500 per year
- Hosteller: ₹7,000 (Component 1) / ₹8,000 (Component 2)
- Divyang Students: Extra 10% allowance
4. Where can I apply for the Pre Matric Scholarship?
Applications must be submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in.
5. When does the application process start?
The application process typically begins in April every year.
6. Is Aadhaar compulsory?
Yes, you must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account to receive the scholarship amount.
7. What documents are required for the scholarship?
- Aadhaar Number
- Aadhaar-seeded Bank Account
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Previous Year’s Marksheet
- Mobile Number