Pre-Matric SC Scholarship 2026: Class 9 & 10 Benefits, Eligibility & Application

At a glance

About the scheme

The Centrally-Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students Studying in Classes 9th & 10th is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to support regular SC students in Government or recognised schools across India. Awarded through the respective State or UT administration of domicile, the scheme covers all eligible candidates to reduce drop-out rates at the secondary stage. It offers monthly maintenance allowances, book grants, and dedicated disability allowances for up to one academic year per class.

Benefits

• Monthly scholarship for Day Scholars: ₹225 per month for 10 months in an academic year
• Monthly scholarship for Hostellers: ₹525 per month for 10 months in an academic year
• Books and ad hoc grant: ₹750 per annum for Day Scholars and ₹1,000 per annum for Hostellers
• Additional Reader Allowance for blind students in private unaided schools: ₹160 per month
• Additional Transport Allowance for students in private unaided schools living outside the hostel premises: ₹160 per month
• Additional Escort Allowance for severely disabled day scholars or students with lower extremity disability: ₹160 per month
• Additional Helper Allowance for hostel students aiding severely orthopaedically handicapped peers: ₹160 per month
• Additional Coaching Allowance for mentally retarded and mentally ill students in private unaided schools: ₹240 per month

Who can apply (eligibility)

• The applicant must be a full-time regular student enrolled in Class 9th or Class 10th
• The student must belong to a Scheduled Caste (SC)
• The student must be studying in a Government school or a school recognised by the Government, CBSE, or State Board of Secondary Education
• Total annual family income of parents or guardians from all sources must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh
• The candidate must be studying within India

Who cannot apply

• Students repeating a class will not receive the scholarship for that class for a second or subsequent year
• Scholarships obtained by providing false statements will be cancelled

Documents required

• Duly filled application form prescribed by the State Government
• Copy of Aadhaar Card
• Income certificate showing total parental/guardian income not exceeding ₹2.50 lakh per annum
• Caste certificate verifying Scheduled Caste status
• Proof of admission or study in Class 9th or 10th in a recognised school
• Disability certificate (if applying for additional PwD allowances)

How to apply

1. 1Download or obtain the prescribed application form from the official website or department of your State Government.
2. 2Fill in all required details accurately, ensuring every mandatory field marked with an asterisk is completed.
3. 3Attach the required documents, including a copy of your Aadhaar card and income certificate.
4. 4Submit the completed application form to the Head of your Institution or School by 30th November of the academic year.
5. 5The Head of the Institution scrutinises the form and forwards it with recommendations to the relevant Block or District authorities for final sanction.

Frequently asked questions