SHRESHTA Mode 2 – NGO Operated Schools 2026: Financial Assistance for Scheduled Caste Students

At a glance

About the scheme

The umbrella scheme "Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA)" was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The sub‑scheme SHRESHTA Mode 2: Non‑Governmental Organization Operated Schools aims to provide quality education and opportunities to students from Scheduled Caste communities through grant‑in‑aid institutions run by NGOs and residential high schools, addressing the gap in service deficient SC‑dominant areas in the education sector.

Benefits

• Primary level residential: ₹44,000 per Scheduled Caste student per year.
• Primary level non‑residential: ₹27,000 per Scheduled Caste student per year.
• Primary level hostel only: ₹30,000 per Scheduled Caste student per year.
• Secondary level residential: ₹55,000 per Scheduled Caste student per year.
• Secondary level non‑residential: ₹35,000 per Scheduled Caste student per year.
• Secondary level hostel only: ₹30,000 per Scheduled Caste student per year.
• Attendance‑based grant: 75% or more attendance – full grant; 50% to less than 75% – 75% of grant; 25% to less than 50% – 50% of grant; less than 25% – no grant (without valid grounds).
• Non‑recurring grant every 5 years for secondary residential school (100 students): ₹3,85,000 fixed plus ₹900 per student.
• Non‑recurring grant every 5 years for secondary non‑residential school (100 students): ₹3,07,500 fixed.
• Non‑recurring grant every 5 years for secondary hostel (100 students): ₹2,30,000 fixed plus ₹900 per student.
• Non‑recurring grant every 5 years for primary residential school (100 students): ₹2,72,500 fixed plus ₹900 per student.
• Non‑recurring grant every 5 years for primary non‑residential school (100 students): ₹1,95,000 fixed.
• Non‑recurring grant every 5 years for hostel for destitute children (100 students): ₹2,30,000 fixed plus ₹900 per student.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Organisation must be a reputed school chain, CSR foundation, or reputed organisation running good quality schools.
• Organisation must be registered and working in quality school education.
• Schools must be recognised by State Government and affiliated to State or Central Boards.
• Organisation must have a properly constituted Managing Committee with powers, duties and responsibilities defined in written Constitution.
• Organisation must have appropriate administrative structure and duly constituted Managing or Executive Committee.
• Organisation must be initiated and governed by its own members on democratic principles.
• Organisation must be a non‑profit entity.
• Organisation should have its own website for proactive disclosure of information.
• Organisation must be registered on the NGO Darpan portal of NITI Aayog.
• Organisation must have been receiving Grant‑in‑aid and showing satisfactory performance.
• Organisation must maintain classes up to at least Class 12th.
• Organisation running primary schools (Classes 1‑8) must upgrade to Secondary or Senior Secondary (up to at least Class 10) before 2027.
• Student must belong to Scheduled Caste community.
• Student must be admitted in schools run by eligible NGOs under the scheme.
• Infrastructure: one classroom per class/section; sufficient benches/desks/chairs/tables; one decent cot and bed per child in residential facilities; light and fans for every classroom and residing room; female service staff, wardens and chowkidars for girls' residential schools with adequate security; one toilet and bathroom for every 10 children kept clean and hygienic; hygienic kitchen and dining room; nutritious sufficient food thrice a day with records; clean safe drinking water facility; regular doctor visits with records, first‑aid boxes and emergency medicines; 4 sets of uniforms including shoes per year with distribution records; games and sports facility, physical education, yoga, playground; CCTV cameras with linkage to website for live streaming; Aadhaar‑based attendance system integrated into central portal.
• School performance: Class 10th and Class 12th pass percentage not less than average Board result of the State or Central Board; qualified and well‑trained teachers as per Board standards; teachers in high schools must be at least graduates with B.Ed; minimum 6 teachers in a school and minimum 2 teachers in a hostel; honorariums paid to teachers and staff on time as per prevailing district minimum rates.

Documents required

• Project Specific Identification given by Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Name and Location of the Project Details.
• Name of the Non‑Governmental Organisation as per Template.
• Budget Estimates for the Financial Year for which Grant‑in‑Aid is required.
• Annual Report with Performance and Statistical Data of Projects during Previous Year.
• Utilisation Certificate of Grant Last Released in General Financial Rules 12A Format.
• Audited or Unaudited Accounts for Previous Year indicating Expenditure Incurred on Each Sanctioned Item vis‑à‑vis Grant Sanctioned.
• Recognition Certificate of Education Department of State Government.
• Affiliation Certificate to State or Central Board of Education (for High Schools).
• Registration Certificate of Organisation.
• NGO Darpan Portal Registration Certificate.
• Managing Committee Constitution Document.
• Non‑Profit Entity Registration Proof.
• Website Link for Pro‑Active Disclosure of Information.
• Bank Account Details under Joint Operation.
• Agreement Bond in Prescribed Proforma (before Fund Receipt).
• State Government or Union Territory Administration Recommendation (if available before 30th June).
• Physical Inspection Report by Programme Management Unit.
• Executed Agreement Bond in Prescribed Proforma.
• Bank Account Details at Project Location (if Headquarters not at Project Site).
• Updated Performance Data on E‑Anudaan Portal.
• Utilisation Certificate as per General Financial Rules Provisions.
• Audited Statement of Accounts with Utilisation Certificate.
• Asset Register in General Financial Rules Prescribed Proforma.
• Statement Showing Equipment, Machinery, Furniture Purchased with Grant‑in‑Aid.
• Attendance Records and Closed Circuit Television Recording Evidence.
• Doctor Visit Records and Medical Facility Maintenance Records.
• Uniform Distribution Records.
• Food Distribution Records.

How to apply

1. 1Register on the NGO Darpan portal and obtain a project ID from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
2. 2Submit the application on the e‑Anudaan portal between 1 April and 30 June, providing organisation, project and student details (new and renewal).
3. 3Prepare and upload required documents such as project details, budget, previous year’s performance reports to the e‑Anudaan portal.
4. 4Undergo physical inspection and verification by the Ministry’s Programme Management Unit, preferably during the first academic quarter.
5. 5Sign the Agreement Bond and set up a joint‑operation bank account; verify account details through the Public Financial Management System.
6. 6Receive grant in three instalments after inspection report submission; maintain separate accounts and submit utilisation certificates for continued funding.

Frequently asked questions