Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs & Others 2025–26: Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Details

Education is the foundation of empowerment, and the Government of India has consistently worked to ensure that no student is deprived of learning opportunities due to financial hardship. Continuing this mission, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has announced the Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for Scheduled Castes (SCs) & Other Disadvantaged Groups for the year 2025–26.

This centrally sponsored scheme aims to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds by offering financial assistance to pursue pre-matric (school-level) education, thus preventing dropouts and promoting inclusive growth.

In this detailed guide, we will discuss everything about the Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025-26, including eligibility, benefits, entitlement, scope, required documents, and the online application process.

Overview of the Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025-26

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme is designed and implemented by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India. It provides financial assistance to students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and to children of parents engaged in unclean or hazardous occupations, to encourage them to continue their school education.

Key Highlights

Objectives of the Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025-26

The scheme’s main objective is to reduce the dropout rate among SC and disadvantaged students at the pre-matric level (Classes I–X). Many children from economically weaker families are forced to discontinue schooling due to financial constraints.

The Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025-26 aims to:

• Encourage students from SCs and marginalized groups to pursue formal education.
• Provide financial assistance for tuition, books, uniforms, and other school-related expenses.
• Promote inclusive education and equal learning opportunities.
• Support Divyang (specially abled) students through additional benefits.
• Reduce child labor and dependence on unclean or hazardous occupations.

Components of the Scheme

The Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025-26 consists of two major components:

Component 1: Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students

This component covers students belonging to the Scheduled Caste category who are studying in classes IX and X in recognized schools.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this component, the applicant must:

1. Belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
2. Be studying in Class IX or X in a recognized school.
3. Have parents’/guardians’ annual income not exceeding ₹2.50 lakh from all sources.
4. Have a valid Aadhaar Number (UID) linked to a bank account.

Scope

• The scholarship covers the poorest households within the SC community.
• Applications are accepted and verified by the State Government/Union Territory concerned.

Entitlements

• Additionally, Divyang (specially abled) students are entitled to a 10% extra allowance.

Component 2: Pre-Matric Scholarship for Children of Parents/Guardians Engaged in Unclean and Hazardous Occupations

This component supports children whose parents/guardians are engaged in unclean or hazardous occupations, such as manual scavenging, waste collection, or similar high-risk jobs.

Eligibility Criteria

1. The applicant’s parents/guardians must be engaged in unclean or hazardous occupations.
2. The student should be studying in classes I to X in a recognized school.
3. No income limit is applicable for this category.

Scope

• Covers students from poorest and most vulnerable households.
• Applications are processed and verified by the State/UT Governments.

Entitlements

• Divyang students are eligible for an additional 10% allowance.

Documents Required for Application

Students must keep the following documents ready before applying online:

1. Aadhaar Number (UID)
2. Aadhaar-linked Bank Account (for direct benefit transfer)
3. Valid Mobile Number
4. Caste Certificate issued by a competent authority
5. Income Certificate (for SC students)
6. Previous Year’s Marksheet
7. Bonafide Certificate from the school
8. Passport-size Photograph
9. Domicile Certificate

Application Process for Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025-26

Students can apply for the Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025-26 through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or directly via the Ministry’s official website.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the official scholarship portal at
👉 https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/23

Step 2: Click on “Apply Now”

Select the link for Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025-26 and click on “Apply Online.”

Step 3: Register as a New User

• Fill in details such as name, date of birth, category, and contact number.
• Verify your mobile number using OTP.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

• Log in with your credentials.
• Fill in details such as academic information, school details, bank account number, etc.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of required documents such as Aadhaar, income certificate, caste certificate, and marksheet.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Review the information and click on “Submit.”

Step 7: Print Confirmation Page

After successful submission, download or print the confirmation page for your records.

Benefits of the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025-26

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme provides multiple benefits for students and families in disadvantaged communities:

1. Financial Support for Education

The scholarship covers academic expenses, helping families reduce the burden of tuition and other school-related costs.

2. Encourages School Retention

By providing financial assistance, the scheme prevents students from dropping out and encourages them to complete their education.

3. Promotes Social Equality

The scheme uplifts marginalized communities by ensuring equal access to educational opportunities.

4. Incentive for Academic Excellence

Students are motivated to perform well academically when their educational needs are supported financially.

5. Special Support for Divyang Students

A 10% additional allowance for specially abled students ensures inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Important Notes for Applicants

• Ensure that the Aadhaar is linked to the student’s bank account for DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
• Applications will be verified by the respective State or Union Territory government.
• Incomplete or false information will lead to rejection of the application.
• Students must renew their scholarship every year to continue receiving benefits.
• The scheme is valid only for recognized schools and institutions.

Impact of the Scheme

The Pre-Matric Scholarship for SCs & Others has a profound impact on educational access across India:

• Increased enrolment of SC students in primary and secondary schools.
• Reduced dropout rates, especially in Classes IX and X.
• Improved literacy rates among underprivileged communities.
• Empowerment of children from families engaged in hazardous occupations.
• Promotion of inclusive education, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who can apply for the Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025-26?

Students belonging to the Scheduled Caste category and children of parents engaged in unclean or hazardous occupations can apply.

Q2: What is the income limit for eligibility?

For SC students, the parental annual income should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh. There is no income limit for students of parents engaged in hazardous occupations.

Q3: Can students studying in private schools apply?

Yes, if the school is recognized by the State or Central Government.

Q4: What is the scholarship amount for hostellers?

Hostellers receive ₹7,000 per annum (for SC students) and ₹8,000 per annum (for children of hazardous occupation workers).

Q5: How is the scholarship amount disbursed?

The amount is directly credited to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Q6: Is renewal required every year?

Yes, students need to renew their scholarship application annually to continue receiving benefits.

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs & Others 2025-26 is a landmark initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to ensure that every child, irrespective of their socio-economic background, can access quality education.

By targeting students from Scheduled Castes and families involved in hazardous occupations, the scheme not only promotes education but also contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty and social exclusion.

If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria, don’t miss the opportunity to apply and secure your educational future.

Visit the official link for more details and to apply online:
🔗 https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/23