Pre-matric Scholarship for OBC Students 2026: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

At a glance

About the scheme

Implemented by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this centrally sponsored scheme supports OBC students in pre-matriculation stages. It aims to lower school dropout rates and promote education among economically disadvantaged backward classes by providing monthly stipends and an ad-hoc grant to cover basic educational expenses.

Benefits

• Hostellers (Class 3rd to 10th): ₹500 per month for a duration of 10 months in an academic year.
• Day Scholars (Class 1st to 10th): ₹100 per month for a duration of 10 months in an academic year.
• Ad-hoc grant: ₹500 per student per annum provided to both hostellers and day scholars.
• Scholarship is payable from the date of joining to the date of leaving school (excluding vacations), covering about 10 months.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• The student must belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
• Total annual income of parents or guardians from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000.
• Day scholars must be enrolled in class 1st to 10th, and hostellers in class 3rd to 10th.
• The course and institution must be duly recognised by the concerned State Government or Union Territory Administration.
• The applicant must have maintained at least 60% regular attendance in the previous academic year.
• At least 5% of awards are earmarked for students with disabilities, and 30% are reserved for girl students.

Who cannot apply

• Students availing benefits under any other pre-matric scholarship scheme are not eligible.

Documents required

• Passport-sized photograph
• Aadhaar number
• Proof of educational qualification
• Bonafide certificate issued by a recognised institution
• OBC caste certificate
• Income certificate
• Details of Aadhaar-linked bank account

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in and click on the 'New Registration' option.
2. 2Read the undertakings and guidelines carefully, accept the terms, and click on 'Continue'.
3. 3Fill in the mandatory details marked with an asterisk on the registration form and submit to receive your Application ID and password.
4. 4Log in using the Application ID, password, and CAPTCHA, enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number, and reset your password.
5. 5Open the 'Application Form' from the Applicant's Dashboard, fill in all required educational and personal details, and upload the necessary documents.
6. 6Review your information thoroughly and click 'Final Submit' to complete the online application.

Frequently asked questions