Upgradation of Merit of SC Students Scheme 2026: ₹25,000 Package Grant & Coaching
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Quick answer
The Upgradation of Merit of Scheduled Caste Students scheme provides comprehensive remedial teaching and competitive coaching to SC pupils in classes IX to XII. Selected students receive an annual package grant of ₹25,000 to cover education, books, pocket money, and residential costs. Beneficiaries are selected by State Governments in designated Educationally Backward Districts through participating schools.
At a glance
| Main benefit | ₹25,000 package grant per student annually |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this centrally sponsored programme aims to enhance the academic performance of Scheduled Caste students studying in classes IX to XII. It provides remedial coaching to strengthen foundations in core subjects like Science and Mathematics, alongside special coaching for competitive entrance tests like Engineering and Medical examinations. By combining academic mentoring with financial assistance for boarding, lodging, and study materials, the initiative helps bridge educational deficiencies and ensures SC students can compete effectively for professional course reservations.
Benefits
- Annual package grant of ₹25,000 per student.
- Living support of ₹15,000 per year, covering boarding and lodging charges of ₹900 per month for 10 months (residential students only), pocket money of ₹300 per month for 10 months, and ₹3,000 for books and stationery.
- Institutional support of ₹10,000 per year per student for honorarium to Principals, subject experts, and incidental expenses.
- Remedial coaching in key subjects and special coaching on holidays and vacations for competitive entrance tests.
- Reader allowance of ₹200 per month for visually impaired students in classes IX to XII.
- Transport allowance of ₹100 per month for disabled day scholars not residing in hostels.
- Special pay of ₹200 per month for hostel staff assisting students with severe orthopaedic disabilities.
- Escort allowance of ₹100 per month for severely disabled day scholars with lower extremity impairment.
- Coaching allowance of ₹200 per month for mentally challenged or mentally ill students.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste community.
- The student must be enrolled in classes IX to XII in an institution chosen by the State Government under the scheme.
- Entry into class X or XI is permitted for students who demonstrated outstanding academic performance in prior exams but missed enrolment in class IX.
- Applicants must belong to districts identified as Educationally Backward Districts with a high Scheduled Caste population.
- Awards are distributed in a 50:50 ratio between boys and girls, with transferable unutilised slots.
- At least 3% representation is designated for Scheduled Caste students with disabilities.
Who cannot apply
- Students not belonging to the Scheduled Caste category.
- Students studying in classes other than IX through XII.
- Students enrolled in schools not identified or selected by the State Government under this initiative.
Documents required
- Caste Certificate
- Academic records and marksheets of previous classes
- School enrolment certificate
- Identity proof
- Address proof
- Disability certificate (wherever applicable)
How to apply
- 1State Governments identify educationally backward districts and select schools with adequate residential and academic facilities.
- 2Selected institutions identify and nominate eligible Scheduled Caste students studying in classes IX to XII.
- 3Eligible students submit their caste certificate, marksheets, and school records to the school administration.
- 4The State Government reviews the nominations ensuring a 50:50 gender balance and 3% disability inclusion.
- 5Enrolled beneficiaries have their student database mapped with Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts for Direct Benefit Transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual financial support under this scheme?+
Eligible students receive a total package grant of ₹25,000 per year, covering boarding, pocket money, books, and coaching charges.
Who is eligible to apply for this programme?+
Scheduled Caste students studying in classes IX to XII in schools selected by the State Government within designated districts are eligible.
Can a student join the scheme in class 10 or 11?+
Yes, students with excellent academic records in preceding examinations can join in class X or XI if they missed enrolment in class IX.
What extra allowances are offered to students with disabilities?+
Disabled students can receive a reader allowance of ₹200 per month, transport allowance of ₹100 per month, escort allowance of ₹100 per month, or extra coaching allowance of ₹200 per month based on their specific disability.
How is the scholarship money disbursed?+
The grant is transferred directly into the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer.
What kind of coaching is provided?+
The scheme provides remedial coaching in school subjects as well as special preparation coaching for competitive professional examinations such as Medical and Engineering.
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)