There is a significant update that you shouldn’t miss if your family works in dirty or dangerous jobs like waste picking, leather work, sanitation work, manual cleaning, etc., or if you are in the SC category and your child is enrolled in Class 1 through Class 10.
The Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme 2025-26, which offers ₹3,500 to ₹8,000 annually to support the education of children from economically disadvantaged families, was introduced by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.
This financial aid guarantees that money will never be a barrier to education and enables students to continue their studies without interruption.
Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme 2025 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students & Children of Unclean/Hazardous Occupations (2025-26) |
| Launched By | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India |
| Eligible Students | • SC students of Class 9–10 • Children of unclean/hazardous workers (Class 1–10) |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹3,500 to ₹8,000 per year + 10% extra for disabled students |
| Mode of Application | Online through NSP (National Scholarship Portal) |
| Official Portal | scholarships.gov.in |
| Helpline | 0120-6619540 |
What Is the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025-26?
This scheme is designed to support children from vulnerable and low-income backgrounds.
SC students studying in Class 9 and 10
Children whose parents work in unclean or hazardous occupations (Class 1–10)
The scheme covers basic educational expenses and provides an annual scholarship amount that is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through DBT.
The scholarship is available for students studying in both government and recognized private schools.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Amount 2025-26
| Category | Day Scholar (Home) | Hosteller (School Hostel) |
|---|---|---|
| SC Students (Class 9–10) | ₹3,500 per year | ₹7,000 per year |
| Children of Unclean/Hazardous Occupations (Class 1–10) | ₹3,500 per year | ₹8,000 per year |
| Extra Support for Disabled Students | +10% additional amount | +10% additional amount |
This amount is released in one annual installment.
Eligibility Criteria for Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025
1. For SC Students (Component 1)
- Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.
- Must be studying in Class 9 or 10.
- Must be enrolled in a government, government-aided, or recognized school.
- Annual family income should be below ₹2.50 lakh.
2. For Children of Unclean & Hazardous Occupations (Component 2)
- Parents must be involved in:
✔ sanitation work
✔ manual scavenging
✔ waste picking
✔ leather work
✔ dangerous cleaning jobs - Students must be in Class 1–10.
- No income limit applies.
For this category, an occupation certificate from municipal authorities or the Social Welfare Department is required.
Documents Required for Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar card of the student
- Bank account (preferably Aadhaar-linked)
- SC caste certificate (for SC students)
- Occupation certificate (for hazardous occupation category)
- Previous year’s mark sheet
- Income certificate (only for SC students)
- School bonafide certificate
- Passport-size photograph
- Active mobile number
Important Dates for Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025-26
- Application Start: April 2025 (every year)
- Last Date: Varies by State (commonly October–November)
- Amount Distribution: One annual installment directly to bank accounts
How to Apply Online for Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025?
The complete application is done through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Before filling the form, students must create an OTR (One-Time Registration) number.
Step 1 – Visit the NSP Portal
Go to scholarships.gov.in.
Step 2 – Create Your OTR
You can generate your OTR through:
A) OTR Process Through NSP Mobile App
- Download the NSP OTR App from Google Play Store.
- Open the app and click on Register.
- Read the instructions → Tick I Agree → Click Next.
- Enter your mobile number → Fill OTP → Enter Captcha → Verify.
- Complete Aadhaar-based eKYC (or use EID/No-Aadhaar option).
- Allow camera access for face authentication.
- After verification, you will receive your Reference Number.
- Log in using this reference number and complete face authentication again.
- Your OTR Number will appear on the screen — save it carefully.
B) OTR Process Through NSP Official Website
- Visit National Scholarship Portal → Get your OTR → Apply Now.
- Enter Aadhaar number and complete verification.
- Use a webcam for face authentication.
- After successful verification, your OTR ID will be generated.
How to Fill the Pre-Matric Scholarship Form 2025
- Visit NSP and click on Student Login.
- Log in using your OTR ID and password.
- Select Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC & Others.
- Choose your State and the applicable Component (1 or 2).
- Fill in student details, school information, income data, and bank details.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents.
- Review the form carefully and click Submit.
- Download the application printout and keep it safe.
Note: Some states also require registration on their state-level scholarship portal. NSP data is shared automatically, but schools may verify details separately.
Conclusion
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme 2025-26 is a powerful initiative for supporting students from disadvantaged families. Whether you belong to the SC community or your family is engaged in hazardous occupations, this scheme ensures that your child receives financial support to continue schooling.
If your child studies between Class 1 and 10, make sure to apply on time through the NSP portal and secure the yearly scholarship amount that is directly credited to the student’s bank account.
This support can genuinely make a positive difference in a child’s educational journey.
Quick Links
- Apply Online Now – NSP Portal
- Official Website – scholarships.gov.in
- Guidelines PDF – Available on Ministry Website
- Telegram Updates – Join for Scholarship Alerts
FAQs – Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025
1. How much scholarship amount is provided?
Students receive ₹3,500 to ₹8,000 per year, depending on category and hostel/day scholar status. Disabled students get an additional 10%.
2. Who can apply for this scheme?
- SC students of Class 9–10
- Children of unclean or hazardous occupations (Class 1–10)
3. Is the scholarship available for private school students?
Yes. As long as the school is recognized, students can apply.
4. How is the scholarship amount paid?
The full year’s amount is transferred directly to the bank account through DBT.
5. When does the application process start?
Applications generally begin in April every year.
