PRE-SC

The scheme aims to support the education of Scheduled Caste students at the pre-matric stage, reduce dropouts, and improve educational participation. Through this scheme, annual academic allowances are provided to eligible Scheduled Caste students studying in Classes IX and X.

The scheme "Pre-Matric Scholarships to the Students Belonging to Scheduled Castes & Others with Component 1: Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students" has been launched by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, and aims to support parents of Scheduled Caste children through financial assistance for education at the pre-matric stage, improve participation in education, minimise dropouts, particularly during transition stages, and enhance opportunities for progression to post-matric education. Through this scheme, consolidated academic allowances are provided to Scheduled Caste students studying in Classes IX and X. The scheme is implemented by the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, which award scholarships to eligible domiciled students. Scholarships are available for studies in India in Government schools and recognised private schools having a valid UDISE code. The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary through Direct Benefit Transfer. The scheme also provides additional support to Divyang students through an extra allowance.

> Objective:

• To support, through financial assistance, parents of children belonging to Scheduled Castes for the education of their wards at the pre-matric stage.
• To improve the participation of Scheduled Caste students in education.
• To minimise the incidence of dropouts, especially during transition from primary to higher levels and from elementary to secondary education.
• To improve academic performance and increase opportunities for progression to post-matric education.

• The applicant should pursue studies in India.
• The applicant should be studying in a Government school or a recognized private school having a valid UDISE code.
• The applicant should not hold another educational scholarship for studying in Classes I to X. If awarded another scholarship, the applicant may avail only one scholarship and should inform the concerned authorities about the option chosen.
• The applicant should maintain satisfactory academic performance and at least 75% attendance in every academic year for continuation of the scholarship.
• The applicant should be promoted to the next class for automatic renewal of the scholarship.
• The applicant repeating the same class is not eligible to receive the scholarship for that class for a second or subsequent year.

• Day Scholar: ₹3500 Per Annum1. Hosteller: ₹7000 for Hostellers.

Additional benefits for Person with Disability (PwD) studying in private unaided Schools -

• Divyang (Disabled) students are eligible for an additional allowance equal to 10% of the applicable academic allowance.
• Disability should be certified under the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 by the designated competent authority.