Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Announces Pre-Matric Scholarships for Students (2025–26)
This initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to ensure inclusive education, reduce dropout rates among marginalized students, and empower families through educational opportunities.
🎓 About the Scheme
Education plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of poverty and social inequality. However, many children from disadvantaged families are forced to drop out of school due to financial constraints. The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme aims to address this challenge by offering financial assistance to students from marginalized sections of society.
Through this program, the government intends to encourage school enrollment, improve retention rates, and ensure that no child is denied education due to lack of resources.
🧾 Scheme Components
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme consists of two main components, each targeting specific beneficiary groups:
Component 1: Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste (SC) Students
This component is exclusively designed for Scheduled Caste students studying in Classes IX and X in recognized schools across India.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify under this category:
- The student must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
- The annual income of parents or guardians should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh.
- The applicant must be a regular student in a recognized school.
Scope
The scheme is implemented through the respective State Governments and Union Territories, which are responsible for verification and disbursement of the scholarship amounts. Priority is given to students from the poorest and most disadvantaged households.
Entitlements
The scholarship provides the following benefits to eligible students:
| Type of Student | Annual Scholarship | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Day Scholars | ₹3,500 per year | +10% for specially-abled (Divyang) students |
| Hostellers | ₹7,000 per year | +10% for specially-abled (Divyang) students |
These allowances are intended to cover essential academic expenses, such as textbooks, stationery, uniforms, and other educational needs.
Component 2: Pre-Matric Scholarship for Children of Parents/Guardians Engaged in Unclean and Hazardous Occupations
The second component targets the most socially disadvantaged families — those whose livelihood involves unclean or hazardous occupations.
Eligibility Criteria
- The student’s parents or guardians must be engaged in unclean or hazardous occupations, such as manual scavenging, waste collection, or similar forms of work.
- No income limit is applied under this category, recognizing the severe economic and social challenges faced by these families.
- The student must be studying in Classes I to X in a recognized school.
Scope
Like the first component, this scheme is implemented through the State/UT Governments, which verify applications and ensure that benefits reach the deserving students promptly.
This category places a strong focus on the poorest households, aiming to give their children a fair opportunity to pursue education and move toward safer and more dignified employment in the future.
Entitlements
| Type of Student | Annual Scholarship | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Day Scholars | ₹3,500 per year | +10% for specially-abled (Divyang) students |
| Hostellers | ₹8,000 per year | +10% for specially-abled (Divyang) students |
The slightly higher allowance for hostellers reflects the additional expenses involved in accommodation and living away from home.
📑 Important Requirements
Applicants are required to have the following documents and credentials ready before applying for the scholarship:
- A valid mobile number – for communication and verification.
- Aadhaar number (UID) – mandatory for identification.
- Aadhaar-linked bank account – to receive scholarship funds directly.
- Income certificate – issued by a competent authority.
- Previous year’s mark sheet – as proof of academic progress.
- Caste certificate – issued by the government to verify eligibility for SC students.
Students are advised to ensure that all documents are current, legible, and correctly uploaded during the application process to avoid delays.
🧭 How to Apply
The application process is straightforward and entirely online. Students can visit the official website of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to apply.
Detailed instructions, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step guidelines are available on the portal. The application form can be filled through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or through the State/UT government portals, depending on the respective implementation structure.
Once the application is submitted, it undergoes verification by both the institutional head (school principal) and the concerned state/UT authority before approval and disbursement.
🌍 Objectives of the Scheme
The Pre-Matric Scholarship program aims to:
- Encourage education among SC and disadvantaged students, particularly those at risk of dropping out.
- Reduce child labor and early dropout rates, enabling children to continue their studies at least up to the secondary level.
- Promote social justice and equality by ensuring that every child, irrespective of background, has access to quality education.
- Empower marginalized families by improving educational outcomes and employment prospects for the next generation.
This initiative forms an important part of the government’s broader strategy for inclusive growth and social empowerment.
📘 Implementation and Monitoring
The success of this scheme depends on efficient implementation and timely monitoring. The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment works closely with State and UT administrations to:
- Verify eligibility and maintain transparency.
- Ensure timely transfer of scholarship amounts directly into students’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Monitor progress through periodic reports and audits.
- Evaluate outcomes in terms of school attendance, performance, and dropout reduction.
The government also emphasizes the use of digital platforms to minimize paperwork, prevent fraud, and improve accessibility for rural and remote students.
💬 Voices from the Ground
Educators and social workers have welcomed the scheme, calling it a lifeline for underprivileged students. Teachers report that the financial support has significantly improved attendance and participation among students from disadvantaged families.
Parents, too, have expressed relief, noting that the assistance helps cover essential school costs, allowing their children to continue their education without financial stress. Many see it as a step toward a brighter and more secure future.
📈 Expected Impact
Over the years, the Pre-Matric Scholarship has had a measurable impact on student retention and educational attainment among SC students and children from hazardous-occupation families.
With the new guidelines and increased allowances for 2025–26, the program is expected to benefit lakhs of students across India, ensuring that more children remain in school and complete their education.
Some of the anticipated positive outcomes include:
- Higher enrollment and retention rates in primary and secondary schools.
- Improved learning outcomes due to reduced financial stress.
- Enhanced self-confidence and motivation among students from marginalized groups.
- Breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and exclusion.
🏫 A Step Toward Inclusive Education
Education remains the foundation of empowerment. By supporting children at the pre-matric level, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment aims to bridge the gap between privileged and marginalized communities.
Such initiatives are not merely financial programs—they represent an investment in the future of the nation. When children from all backgrounds are given equal opportunities, society as a whole benefits from their potential, creativity, and contribution.
📅 Key Takeaways
- Scheme Name: Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme (2025–26)
- Launched by: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India
- Beneficiaries: SC students (Classes IX–X) and children of parents in unclean/hazardous occupations (Classes I–X)
- Scholarship Amount:
- ₹3,500 per year (Day Scholars)
- ₹7,000–₹8,000 per year (Hostellers)
- +10% for Divyang (specially-abled) students
- Application Mode: Online through the official government portal
- Income Limit (for SC students): Up to ₹2.50 lakh per annum
🕊️ Final Thoughts
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025–26 is more than just a financial aid initiative—it’s a promise of hope and opportunity for millions of students. By focusing on inclusion, dignity, and empowerment, the government aims to create a more equitable educational landscape where every child, regardless of background, can dream, learn, and succeed.
For thousands of families, this scholarship could be the turning point that enables their children to stay in school, build confidence, and ultimately shape a better future—for themselves and for the country.
Pervaiz Khan
Tech journalist with 3+ years' experience covering AI, jobs & education. Exploring tech's impact on our future.
