More than 1.44 crore Scheduled Caste students have received ₹12,773 crore under pre- and post-matric scholarship schemes. Separately, over 1.01 crore OBC and EBC students received ₹2,445.05 crore in assistance.
Highlights
- Over 1.44 crore SC students received scholarship assistance
- ₹12,773 crore disbursed under pre- and post-matric schemes
- Over 1.01 crore OBC and EBC students received ₹2,445.05 crore
- SHRESHTA entrance exam schedule advanced from May to December
The Centre has provided scholarship assistance worth ₹12,773 crore to more than 1.44 crore Scheduled Caste students under its Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes, according to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The government has also extended financial assistance to more than 1.01 crore students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs). These students received scholarships worth ₹2,445.05 crore under pre- and post-matric schemes.
The Ministry said the financial support is aimed at reducing barriers to education and expanding learning opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
SHRESHTA Admission Process Changed
Along with expanding scholarship coverage, the government has announced changes to several educational support programmes to improve the admission process and strengthen transparency.
Under the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA), the annual National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) examination schedule has been advanced from May to December.
The change is intended to allow counselling and admissions to be completed in line with the academic calendar and reduce delays and potential student drop-outs.
New Checks for Overseas Scholarships
The government has also strengthened verification under the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme.
From the 2024–25 academic year, a system of on-the-spot verification of income and caste certificates directly from issuing authorities has been introduced.
The government said the measure is intended to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that overseas scholarship assistance reaches genuine and eligible students.
Seven-Day Window for Fellowship Complaints
Another reform has been introduced under the National Fellowship for SC Students Scheme.
Starting from the 2025–26 academic year, students have been given a mandatory seven-day window to submit grievances after the declaration of UGC-NET and Joint CSIR-UGC NET results.
The defined window is designed to allow students to flag discrepancies and enable authorities to resolve complaints in a timely manner.
The Ministry said the combination of expanded financial assistance and process reforms is aimed at creating a more transparent, efficient and student-focused educational support system.
