Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students (2024-25)
Introduction
The Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students is a flagship scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It aims to:
- Reduce dropout rates among SC students at primary and secondary levels
- Provide financial assistance for quality education
- Encourage parents from SC communities to send their children to school
- Support students with necessary educational materials
The scholarship covers students from Class 1 to Class 10 in recognized schools across India. The scheme is particularly important in rural areas where SC families often face financial constraints in educating their children.
Scholarship Benefits & Financial Assistance
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support:
| Component | Day Scholars | Hostellers |
|---|---|---|
| Admission & Tuition Fee | ₹500 per annum | ₹500 per annum |
| Maintenance Allowance | ₹150 per month | ₹350 per month |
| Book Grant | ₹750 per annum | ₹1,000 per annum |
Additional Benefits:
- Special allowance for students with disabilities
- Additional ₹160 per annum for stationery
- Uniform allowance of ₹1,000 per annum
- One-time grant of ₹1,200 for school bags
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
A. Caste Requirements
- Student must belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) category
- Valid caste certificate issued by competent authority required
- Caste must be listed in the SC list of the respective state/UT
B. Educational Requirements
- Must be studying in Class 1 to 10 in a recognized school
- School must be affiliated with state/CBSE/ICSE or other recognized board
- Minimum attendance requirement: 75% (may vary by state)
C. Income Criteria
- Family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per annum
- Income certificate must be issued by Tehsildar/SDM
- Income includes all sources - agricultural, business, salary, etc.
D. Other Conditions
- Only two children per family eligible (exceptions for differently-abled)
- Not applicable for students studying abroad
- Cannot be availed with any other central/state pre-matric scholarship
Complete Document Checklist
Mandatory Documents
- Caste Certificate: Issued by competent authority (not older than 1 year)
- Income Certificate: Issued by Tehsildar/SDM (not older than 1 year)
- Aadhaar Card: Student's Aadhaar linked with bank account
- Bank Account Details: Passbook first page copy (IFSC code visible)
- School Certificate: Current year admission proof with fee receipt
- Previous Year Marksheet: For renewal applications
- Passport Photo: Recent color photograph (white background)
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Disability certificate (for differently-abled students)
- Hostel certificate (for hostellers)
- Domicile certificate (required in some states)
- Ration card (as income proof in some cases)
Note: All documents should be scanned in clear PDF/JPEG format (max 500KB each). Self-attested copies may be required for physical submission in some states.
Complete Application Process (2024-25)
Stage 1: Preparation
- Collect all required documents (see checklist above)
- Ensure bank account is active and linked with Aadhaar
- Scan documents in proper format (PDF/JPEG, max 500KB)
- Have a working email ID and mobile number for registration
Stage 2: Online Registration
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Click on "New Registration" and read guidelines carefully
- Fill in student details:
- Name (as per school records)
- Date of Birth (as per school certificate)
- Mobile number and email ID
- Bank account details (IFSC code required)
- Create login credentials (note down for future reference)
Stage 3: Application Submission
- Login with your credentials
- Select "Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students"
- Fill in all required details:
- Personal information
- Family income details
- Educational details
- Bank account information
- Upload scanned documents
- Review all details carefully before final submission
- Submit application and note application ID
Stage 4: Verification Process
- School verification: Headmaster/Principal verifies details
- District verification: District Social Welfare Officer checks documents
- State verification: Final approval by state nodal agency
- Check application status regularly on NSP portal
Important Notes:
- Application window typically opens in July-August
- Deadline is usually September-October (varies by state)
- Keep printout of submitted application for reference
- Track status using application ID on NSP portal
Scholarship Renewal Process
For continuing students, the scholarship needs to be renewed annually:
- Login to NSP portal using existing credentials
- Select "Renewal Application" option
- Update any changed information (bank details, school, etc.)
- Upload current year documents:
- Fresh income certificate (if expired)
- Previous year marksheet
- Current year admission proof
- Submit renewal application before deadline
Renewal Conditions:
- Minimum 50% marks in previous year (varies by state)
- Regular attendance (minimum 75%)
- No change in eligibility criteria (caste, income limit)
Important Dates & Disbursement Timeline
| Event | Tentative Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 1st July 2024 |
| Last Date for Fresh Applications | 30th September 2024 |
| Last Date for Renewal Applications | 31st October 2024 |
| School Verification Completion | 15th November 2024 |
| District Level Verification | 30th November 2024 |
| State Level Approval | 31st December 2024 |
| First Instalment Disbursement | January-February 2025 |
| Final Instalment Disbursement | March-April 2025 |
Note: These dates are indicative and may vary slightly by state. Students should check their state scholarship portal for exact dates.
Common Problems & Solutions
A. Registration Issues
Problem: Mobile number already registered
Solution: Use 'Forgot Password' option or contact NSP helpdesk
Problem: Aadhaar authentication failure
Solution: Ensure Aadhaar is linked with mobile, or visit Aadhaar center for update
B. Document Upload Problems
Problem: File size too large
Solution: Use online tools to compress PDF/JPEG below 500KB
Problem: Invalid document format
Solution: Convert to required format (PDF/JPEG) using converters
C. Payment Related Issues
Problem: Scholarship amount not received
Solution: Check status on NSP portal, verify bank details are correct
Problem: Incorrect amount credited
Solution: Contact district social welfare officer with proof
When to Contact Helpdesk:
- Application stuck at verification stage for over 2 months
- Technical errors preventing application submission
- Discrepancy in sanctioned amount
- Change in bank account details after submission
Helpline & Support
National Scholarship Portal
Helpline: 0120-6619540
Email: help@nsp.gov.in
Website: scholarships.gov.in
Ministry of Social Justice
Toll-Free: 1800-118-002
Email: scholarship-msje@gov.in
Website: socialjustice.gov.in
State Nodal Officers
Contact details available on respective state scholarship portals
Visit your District Social Welfare Office for local support
Grievance Redressal: Register complaints on NSP portal under 'Grievance' section with application ID
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply if my family income is slightly above ₹2.5 lakh?
Answer: No, the income limit is strict. However, check if your state has any separate scheme with higher income limits.
Q2. Is this scholarship available for private school students?
Answer: Yes, if the school is recognized by state/CBSE/ICSE or other recognized board.
Q3. How many times can I renew the scholarship?
Answer: You can renew annually until you complete Class 10, provided you meet eligibility criteria each year.
Q4. What if my bank account is not linked with Aadhaar?
Answer: You must link your bank account with Aadhaar for DBT payments. Visit your bank branch to complete this process.
Q5. Can I edit my application after submission?
Answer: Limited edits are possible before verification starts. After verification begins, contact district officer for changes.
Q6. When will I receive the scholarship amount?
Answer: Typically within 3-6 months after application deadline, depending on verification speed in your state.
Important Notice
- Beware of scholarship scams - never pay money to anyone promising guaranteed scholarship
- Always apply through official National Scholarship Portal only
- Keep your application ID safe for future reference
- Regularly check application status on NSP portal
- Update changed contact details immediately on the portal
This information is based on the Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme guidelines as of June 2024. For latest updates and state-specific modifications, please refer to the official National Scholarship Portal or contact your school authorities.
