Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025-26: Complete Details, Eligibility, Benefits & Apply Online

The Government of India has announced the Pre Matric Scholarships Scheme for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Disadvantaged Groups for the year 2025-26 under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
This scheme aims to support children belonging to economically weaker and socially vulnerable sections in continuing their school education.

Education is one of the strongest tools to break the chain of poverty. However, many children drop out of school due to financial constraints. The Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme works to ensure access to school education for students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and children of families engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations, providing them with financial assistance, study support, and additional aid where required.

In this article, we will cover:

• What is the Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme?
• Who is eligible for the scholarship?
• Scholarship benefits and allowances
• Required documents
• How to apply online (Step-by-step process)
• Important dates
• Frequently asked questions

Use this guide to understand, prepare, and apply successfully for the scholarship.

⭐ Focus Keyword: Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025-26

1. What is the Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025-26?

The Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025-26 is a central government-funded educational assistance program designed to help students studying in Classes 1 to 10 who belong to:

1. Scheduled Caste (SC) communities with low annual family income.
2. Children whose parents are engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations, with no income limit.

The purpose of the scheme is to:

• Reduce dropout rates
• Support students in continuing their studies
• Promote equal educational opportunities
• Improve literacy among disadvantaged groups

Through this scheme, students receive academic allowances, hostel support, and special benefits for Divyang (specially-abled) students.

2. Components of the Scheme

The scheme has two key components:

3. Eligibility Criteria

Component 1: Pre Matric Scholarship for SC Students

To be eligible, the student must:

• Belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) category
• Be studying in Class 9 or Class 10 in a recognized school
• Have a family annual income not exceeding ₹2.50 lakh
• Be from a household verified by State or UT Government

Component 2: Children of Parents Engaged in Unclean & Hazardous Occupations

Eligible Students:

• Students from Class 1 to Class 10
• Parents must be working in occupations such as:
  • Manual scavenging
  • Waste picking
  • Hazardous cleaning
  • Slaughterhouse handling

No income limit applies to this category.

4. Scope of the Scheme

• Applications are accepted through the State/UT education welfare departments
• Students in both government and private recognized schools are eligible
• The scheme aims especially at poorest and socially marginalized families
• Additional incentives are provided to encourage school attendance and academic performance

5. Scholarship Benefits (Entitlements)

For Day Scholars (Non-Hostellers)

For Hostellers

Special Benefits

• 10% extra allowance for Divyang (specially-abled) students

This helps support students with medical, mobility, and learning needs.

6. Documents Required

Students must have:

• Aadhaar Card (UID)
• Aadhaar-linked Bank Account (student or guardian)
• Valid Mobile Number
• Income Certificate
• Caste Certificate
• Previous Year’s Marksheet
• Bonafide Certificate from School
• Passport-size Photograph

Make sure your documents are clear, updated, and uploaded in correct format.

7. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step Guide)

You can apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP):
https://scholarships.gov.in

Step-by-Step Process

1. Visit NSP → Click New Registration
2. Read guidelines and accept declaration
3. Fill Student Registration Form carefully
4. Verify mobile number via OTP
5. Log in using your Application ID & Password
6. Select the scheme: Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025-26
7. Fill academic, personal, and bank details
8. Upload necessary documents
9. Review all entries carefully
10. Submit application and take a printout of the form

Important Tip

Ensure the bank account is Aadhaar-seeded, otherwise payments may fail.

8. Selection Process

• Application is first verified by School authorities
• Then by District Welfare / Education Department
• Final approval by State/UT Government
• Scholarship is transferred Directly to Bank Account (DBT Method)

9. Benefits of the Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025-26

• Supports students who may otherwise leave school due to financial challenges
• Encourages regular attendance
• Helps reduce child labor and exploitation
• Promotes education equality
• Provides support for specially-abled students

This initiative builds a foundation for social upliftment and empowerment.

10. Official Guidelines & Scheme Link

For complete scheme guidelines, visit:
https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/23

A QR Code is also available in the official notice for quick access.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who can apply for the Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025-26?
Students belonging to SC category or children of parents working in hazardous occupations from Class 1 to 10.

Q2: Is there any application fee?
No. Application is completely free.

Q3: Can private school students apply?
Yes, if the school is recognized by the government.

Q4: How is the scholarship amount paid?
Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the student’s bank account.

Conclusion

The Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025-26 is a powerful support system that ensures education remains within reach for disadvantaged students. It not only offers financial help but also encourages academic growth, social dignity, and empowerment. Eligible students should apply early and ensure all documents are correct.

If you or someone you know qualifies, do not miss applying. Education is not only a right but a step toward a brighter future