Free Coaching Scheme 2026: Up to ₹1.2 Lakh Fee & ₹3,000 Monthly Stipend for DNT Students
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Quick answer
The Free Coaching Scheme supports students from De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) communities by covering competitive examination fees up to ₹1,20,000 along with monthly stipends. Candidates with an annual family income of up to ₹2,50,000 can receive assistance to prepare for public and private sector exams. Applications must be submitted online on the official DWBDNC portal during the application windows in July and January.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Up to ₹1,20,000 fee and monthly stipend |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Level | Central Government |
| Income limit | ₹2.5 lakh |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
Introduced by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and implemented by the Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC), the Free Coaching Scheme enables 1,250 DNT students each year to access premier coaching for major competitive examinations. The scheme covers fee caps for programmes like Civil Services, SSC, RRB, Banking, JEE, NEET, and GATE, while also providing a regular stipend and disability allowances directly to students via Direct Benefit Transfer.
Benefits
- Coaching fee assistance up to ₹1,20,000 for UPSC Civil Services, State PSCs, JEE, and NEET.
- Coaching fee assistance up to ₹40,000 for SSC and Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) exams.
- Coaching fee assistance up to ₹50,000 for Banking, Insurance, PSU, and CLAT exams.
- Coaching fee assistance of ₹80,000 for IES, ₹75,000 for CA-CPT/GATE, ₹60,000 for CAT/CMAT, ₹35,000 for GRE/GMAT/SAT/TOEFL, ₹30,000 for CPL, and ₹20,000 for NDA/CDS.
- Monthly stipend of ₹1,500 for local students and ₹3,000 for outstation students for course duration or up to one year.
- Special allowance of ₹2,000 per month for students with 40% or more disability for escort, reader, or helper support.
- Disbursement directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account in two instalments (50% upfront on admission proof, 50% on joining proof).
- Assistance permitted up to two times for Preliminary and Main exams, with unlimited chances for interview coaching.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- The applicant must belong to De-Notified, Nomadic, or Semi-Nomadic (DNT/NT/SNT) communities.
- Total family income from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000 per annum.
- The applicant must not be receiving similar coaching benefits under any other Central or State Government scheme.
- Must have secured the minimum qualifying marks specified for the chosen competitive examination.
- For Class 12th-level exams, the student must have passed or be studying in Class 12th at the time of receiving the benefit.
- For graduate-level exams, the student must have completed or be studying in the final year of a bachelor's degree programme.
- The student must enroll in an institute empanelled under the Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC students.
- A mandatory physical coaching attendance of at least 16 hours per week is required.
- The applicant must submit an affidavit stating they have not received scheme benefits more than twice.
Who cannot apply
- Candidates with an annual family income exceeding ₹2,50,000.
- Applicants who have already availed the scheme benefit two times.
- Candidates currently receiving assistance from a similar scheme of the Central or State Government.
- Applications submitted through offline channels.
Documents required
- Family Income Certificate
- 10th Marksheet Certificate
- 12th Marksheet Certificate
- DNT Certificate or Caste Certificate
- Government ID Proof
- Recent Self Photograph
- Disability Certificate (valid certificate showing 40% or more disability, if applicable)
- Admission Confirmation or Assurance letter from the empanelled coaching institute
- Proof of joining the coaching institute
- Proof of fee deposition of the first instalment to the institute
How to apply
- 1Visit the official website of the DWBDNC at dwbdnc.dosje.gov.in during the open window in July or January.
- 2Go to the registration section on the homepage and select 'Free Coaching Registration'.
- 3Enter personal details including name, guardian name, date of birth, contact details, and Aadhaar number.
- 4Create a secure password complying with the stated upper case, lower case, number, and special character criteria.
- 5Provide residential address information comprising State, District, Village, and Pincode.
- 6Select your social category (DNT, NT, or SNT), community, and specific caste.
- 7Upload scanned copies of ID proof, caste/DNT certificate, and photograph in PDF or image format under 200KB.
- 8Accept the declaration and submit the registration form to obtain login credentials.
- 9Log in using your registered ID and password to complete the scheme form, select the course, and upload admission details.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the Free Coaching Scheme?+
Students from De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) communities with an annual family income of ₹2,50,000 or less, who meet the qualifying exam criteria and are not taking similar government benefits, are eligible.
How much coaching fee is paid under the scheme?+
The scheme pays the actual fee or the ministry ceiling, whichever is less. Ceilings include ₹1,20,000 for UPSC Civil Services, State PSCs, JEE, and NEET; ₹40,000 for SSC/RRB; and ₹50,000 for Banking, Insurance, and CLAT.
How much stipend do students receive?+
Local students receive ₹1,500 per month, while outstation students receive ₹3,000 per month. The stipend is paid for the course duration or up to one year, whichever is less.
How many students are selected each year?+
The Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities selects 1,250 students each year.
How many times can a student avail this scheme?+
A student can receive benefits under the scheme at most twice for written examinations, but there is no restriction on chances for interview coaching.
When does the application portal open?+
The portal opens twice a year for one month each, specifically during the months of July and January.
What is the mandatory attendance requirement?+
A minimum physical coaching attendance of 16 hours per week is mandatory across all courses.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)