Pre-Matric Scholarships for SC & Other Students
The pre-matric scholarships for SC & other students are merged in 2021-22. This scheme comprises of two parts:
- For SC students studying in standards 9 and 10 (Component-1)
- Children studying in standards 1 to 10, whose parents/guardians are engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations (Component-2)
The details of this financial assistance are explained in this article, including eligibility criteria, the application process, document requirements, financial benefits, and the mode of payment.
Scope for Pre-Matric Scholarships for SC & other Students
The State Government/Union Territory will award the ‘pre-matric scholarships for SC & other students’.
The ‘pre-matric scholarships for SC & other students’ will be provided to students whose schools have valid UDISE codes.
The poorest students from eligible categories will be encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria for Pre-Matric Scholarships for SC & other Students
The pre-matric scholarships for SC & other students are open to Indian nationals only. As this scholarship contains two components, the criteria for each component are explained below:
Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
- Full time students of standard 9 to 10
- Students should belong to Scheduled Castes
- Income of parents/guardians should be under 2.5 lakh per annum. OR
- As per SECC-2011, students with more deprivations are also eligible to apply.
- One or both the parents are illiterate are eligible to apply.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Children of Unclean and Hazardous Occupation
- Full time students of standard 1 to 10
- There is no income limit for this scholarship
- Students whose parents/guardians irrespective of their caste/religion belong to any of the following category:
- Manual Scavengers
- Tanners & Flyers
- Waster pickers
- Engaged in hazardous cleaning
Regarding pre-matric scholarships for SC & other students, a certificate from the District Social Welfare Officer/identified officer of Local Body/Civic Agency/any such authority as designated by State Government will be required to clarify the occupation of parent/guardian falls in a particular category.
Restrictions
Eligible student cannot avail “Pre-Matric Scholarships for SC & Other Students” along with any other educational scholarship.
Scholarship Rate
Component-1 (For SC students studying in standards 1 to 10)
| Standard | Day Scholar | Hosteller |
| 9 to 10 | ₹ 3500 | ₹ 7000 |
Component-2 (For students whose parents/guardians are engaged in unclean/hazardous occupation)
| Standard | Day Scholar | Hosteller |
| 1- to 10 | ₹ 3500 | |
| 3 to 10 | ₹ 8000 |
Additional Allowance
10% Extra allowance for disabled/divyang students, as mentioned in Disability Act, 2016 can be claimed in addition to, pre-matric scholarships for SC & other students, rewards
Application Process
The school administration shall ensure that students admitted in institution apply for ‘pre-matric scholarships for SC & other students’ to Digital Gujarat Portal/ IT portal on the same date of admission.
The school/institution has to verify on the Digital Gujarat Portal/IT portal that the student is admitted as regular student.
On confirmation from the school that the student has been promoted and joined new classes, the scholarship will be renewed automatically.
Students are advised to explore other Digital Gujarat Scholarship to choose the most rewarding scholarship options available.
Documents Required
Expected document requirements for pre-matric scholarships for SC & Other students
Passport size photo
Identity proof / Adhaar Card
Caste Certificate from the competent authority If applicable)
Income certificate from competent authority If applicable)
Occupation certificate from competent authority (If applicable)
First Leave / Page of Bank Passbook / Cancelled Cheque
Educational Certificate / Marksheet
Identity Card (School)
Residence proof
Any other documents as required
Mode of Payment
The students are encouraged to have Aadhaar linked bank accounts to receive payments through the Aadhaar Payment Bridge for both categories of pre-matric scholarships for SC & other students.
The Government has allowed alternate methods if Aadhaar authentication fails for any student. The student will be allowed to prove his identity through any means so that no one can be deprived of their scholarship benefits.
Payments Dates
Applications submitted from 1st April to 31st July will receive
a) 40% or 10% (for NE, Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh states) by 15th August and
b) 60% or 90% (for NE, Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh states and 100% for UTs) by 30th August
In case of late submission of application, within 2 months after submission 1st release will be made and remaining in 1 month after release of state share
If a student does not have a bank account, the amount of pre-matric scholarships for SC & other students will be disbursed to the bank account of the student’s parent or guardian.
Note: Those who did not have provided Aadhaar at the time of admission must compulsorily authenticate their Aadhaar at the time of renewal.
Renewal of Scholarships
The pre-matric scholarships for SC & other students, once awarded, will continue till standard 10, provided the student maintains academic performance and at least 75% attendance each academic year. Additionally, the scholarships cannot be claimed for the same class if the student fails and repeats the year.
Note: If any student receiving this scholarship is unable to appear in the final examination because of medical issues, the award can be renewed upon submission of medical certificate from competent authority and acceptance by the institution.
Implementing Office
The pre-matric scholarships for SC & other students are managed by the District Deputy Director of Schedule Caste Welfare, Government of Gujarat
References
Circular No. -1 | K-11027/1/2021-SCD-V | dated 14-03-2022
