Earning a degree helps you start a great career while also letting you launch a business and participate in the expanding startup economy. However, 22% of students drop out due to the financial demands of post-secondary education, according to the Data for India 2024 report. To mitigate this, scholarships like the yashasvi scholarship can provide much-needed financial support.
Financial empowerment through government scholarships can assist financially challenged youth in pursuing job opportunities, and qualified students can apply for scholarships under the Prime Minister’s Yojanas. Discover more about them and how to apply for PM scholarships for students from low-income families.
Core PM Yojanas: Overview and Benefits
This scholarship is granted to Class 9 (9 to 14 years old) and Class 11 (11 to 16 years old) students whose families have annual incomes below ₹ 2.5 lakh. The target beneficiaries are youth from the OBC (Other Backward Classes), EBC (Economically Backward Classes), and DNT (Denotified Tribes) castes.
Benefits:
⦁ ₹ 75,000/year for Class 9 and 10; ₹ 1,25,000/year for Class 11 and 12
⦁ ₹ 3,000/month for living expenses
⦁ ₹ 5,000/year for books and stationery expenses
⦁ One-time ₹ 45,000 for computer needs (desktop PC/laptop, UPS, printer)
The PMSS is open to widows and wards of deceased and former Armed Forces personnel. The scholarship excludes diploma and post-graduate studies (except Masters in Business Administration or Computer Applications), distance learning programs, and courses requiring class attendance overseas. The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), which manages the PMSS, grants PMSS coverage for only up to two wards of an ESM.
- ₹ 36,000/year per female scholar
- ₹ 30,000/year per male scholar
Pre- and Post-Matric Scholarships for OBC, EBC, and DNT Students
The Pre-Matric Scholarship is open to Class 9 and 10 students enrolled in government schools. Meanwhile, the Post-Matric Scholarship is open to students completing their post-secondary education.
- ₹ 36,000/year per female scholar
- ₹ 30,000/year per male scholar
Pre- and Post-Matric Scholarships for OBC, EBC, and DNT Students
The Pre-Matric Scholarship is open to Class 9 and 10 students enrolled in government schools. Meanwhile, the Post-Matric Scholarship is open to students completing their post-secondary education.
Benefits:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship: ₹ 4,000/year
- Post-Matric Scholarship (includes tuition and academic allowance):
- Group 1: Degree and post-graduate level professional courses – ₹ 20,000/year
- Group 2: Other professional courses leading to degree, diploma, or certificate – ₹ 13,000/year
- Group 3: Graduate and post-graduate courses not covered under Groups 1 and 2 – ₹ 8,000/year
- Group 4: All post-matriculation (Post Class 10 level) non-degree courses – ₹ 5,000/year
How to Qualify and Apply
To apply, register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for a one-time registration (OTR) number.
Source: https://scholarships.gov.in/otrapplication/#/registration-page
Source: https://scholarships.gov.in/otrapplication/#/registration-page
After completing registration, select your desired scholarship and fill out the form. Check the eligibility criteria and required documents for each scholarship:
PM YASASVI Scholarship
- Academic standing of 60% or above in Classes 8 and 10
- Scored at least 35% in the National Testing Agency-administered entrance exam (YASASVI entrance test or YET)
- Family income level: below ₹ 2.5 lakh
- Institutions covered: NAAC-accredited (A++ or A+) institutions, top 100 institutions based on NIRF ranking, Ministry of Education-designated institutions of national importance, Central Government Institutions, technical/vocational institute
- Present required documents.
PMSS
- Minimum entry qualification of 60% and higher
- Institutions covered: Engineering, medical, dental, veterinary, MBA, MCA, and other technical institutions recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education or the University Grants Commission
- Present required documents.
Pre- and Post-Matric Scholarship
- Not less than 50% in the last qualifying exam at the higher secondary or graduation level
- Family income level: ₹ 2,50,000 and below (for Pre-Matric Scholarship) and ₹ 2.50 lakhs and below (for Post-Matric Scholarship; employed applicants should include their income in computing family income)
- Institutions covered:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship: Government and private schools, including eligible residential institutes, recognized by the state government and the Union Territory Administration;
- Post-Matric Scholarship: Government and private schools, including vocational and diploma institutes.
- Ensure the eligibility of the institution.
- Present required documents.
Beneficiary Stories, Statistics, and Tips
Neha Patel and Rajesh Kumar are just two of the thousands of students who were able to focus on environmental science and engineering courses, thanks to the financial assistance from the PM YASASVI Scholarship.
These tables show the number of students granted PMSS and Pre-/Post-Matric Scholarships.
Source: https://www.desw.gov.in/en/prime-ministers-scholarship-scheme-pmss
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1844993
Steps for Improving Your Chances of Application Success
- Note the application period for collecting and submitting required documents early.
- Ensure all details entered in the form are updated and complete. Uploaded documents should be readable and match application details.
- Check Aadhaar linking with bank accounts.
- Contact your state nodal agency/⦁ officer and the school you plan to enroll in for help with your scholarship status.
FAQs
Can I apply for more than two scholarships?
Yes, but check individual scholarship rules to avoid conflicts.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
Contact the NSP help desk for guidance on resolving issues.