Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students for studying in India 2026

This award recognizes the best placement agency dedicated to employing Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans), excluding government bodies. Read More... Awarded annually by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwD). Read less

Details

The government of India, through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, annually celebrates the achievements in empowering Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans). Since 1969, these National Awards have been a way to honor the exceptional contributions of individuals and institutions working towards the empowerment of Divyangjans.

What Is This Scheme About?

The National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities system includes various award categories. One such prestigious award is the "Divyangjano Ke Liye Sarvshrestha Placement Agency". This specific award is presented to a placement agency that has shown outstanding performance in providing employment opportunities to Persons with Disabilities, excluding those run by government or local bodies.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The "Divyangjano Ke Liye Sarvshrestha Placement Agency" award is designed to honor and recognize placement agencies. These agencies play a crucial role in connecting Divyangjans with suitable job opportunities and fostering their inclusion in the workforce.

Why This Scheme Is Important

These awards are a testament to the government's commitment to recognizing and encouraging efforts that lead to the full inclusion and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. By highlighting the success stories of placement agencies, the scheme aims to motivate others and create more pathways for employment for Divyangjans across the country.

Objective

This award recognizes the best placement agency dedicated to employing Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans), excluding government bodies. Awarded annually by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwD).

Benefits

Maintenance AllowanceGroup A

Degree and Post Graduate level courses including M.Phil., PhD and Post Doctoral research in Medicine (Allopathic, Indian and other recognized systems of medicines), Engineering, Technology, Planning, Architecture, Design, Fashion Technology, Agriculture, Veterinary and Allied Sciences, Management, Business Finance/Administration, Computer Science/Applications.

Post Graduate Diploma courses in various branches of management & medicine.

C.A./ I.C.W.A./ C.S./ I.C.F.A. etc.

M. Phil., Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral Programmes (D.Litt., D.Sc. etc.).

L.L.M

Rate of Maintenance Allowance (₹ per month):Hostellers: 750; Day Scholars: 350.Group B

Graduate/Post/Graduate courses leading to Degree, Diploma, Certificate in areas like Pharmacy (B. Pharma), Nursing (B Nursing), LLB, BFS, other para-medial branches like rehabilitation diagnostics etc., Mass Communication, Hotel Management & Catering, Travel/Tourism/Hospitality Management, Interior Decoration, Nutrition & Dietetics, Commercial Art, Financial Services (e.g. Banking, Insurance, Taxation etc.) for which entrance qualification is minimum Sr. Secondary (10+2), except aviation related courses.

Post Graduate courses not covered under Group A e.g. MA/M.Sc./M.Com/ M.Ed./M.Pharma etc.

Rate of Maintenance Allowance (₹ per month):Hostellers: 510; Day Scholars: 335.Group CAll other courses leading to a graduate degree not covered under Group A & B e.g. BA/B.Sc./B.Com etc.Rate of Maintenance Allowance (₹ per month):Hostellers: 400; Day Scholars: 210.Group DAll post-matriculation level non-degree courses for which entrance qualification is High School (Class X), e.g. senior secondary certificate (class XI and XII); both general and vocational stream, ITI courses, 3-year diploma courses in Polytechnics, etc.Rate of Maintenance Allowance (₹ per month):Hostellers: 260; Day Scholars: 160.NOTE:Scholars who are entitled to free boarding and/or lodging will be paid maintenance chargers at 1/3rd of the hostellers' rate.Reader Charges for Blind Students (Blind Scholars)The blind scholars will be given an additional amount as 'Readers Charges' as mentioned below:Group: A & B;Reader Allowance (₹ per month): 175Group: C;Reader Allowance (₹ per month): 130Group: D;Reader Allowance (₹ per month): 90FeesScholars will be paid enrolment/registration, tuition, games, union, library, magazine, medical examination and such other fees compulsorily payable by the scholar to the institution or University/Board. Refundable deposit-like caution money and security deposit will, however, be excluded.Study ToursStudy tour charges upto a maximum of Rs. 900/- per annum limited to the actual expenditure incurred by the student on transportation charges etc., will be paid to the scholars studying professional and technical courses, provided that the head of the institution certifies that the study tour is essential for the scholar for completion of his/her course of study.Thesis Typing/ Printing ChargesThesis typing/printing charges upto a maximum of Rs. 1000 will be paid to research scholars on the recommendation of the Head of the Institution.Mode of DisbursalIn order to ensure timely payment of scholarship amount to the beneficiaries, the State Government/UT administrations are requested to avoid cash payment of scholarship amount and are required to issue instructions to all concerned that payment of scholarship should be made directly to beneficiaries through their accounts in post offices/banks with phased transition to Smart Cards.Duration of AwardsThe award once made will be tenable from the stage at which it is given to the completion of the course subject to good conduct and regularity in attendance.Renewal of AwardsIt will be renewed from year to year provided that within a course, which is continuous for a number of years, the scholar secures promotion to the next higher class irrespective of the fact whether such examinations are conducted by a University or the Institution.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

The "Divyangjano Ke Liye Sarvshrestha Placement Agency" award is open to the following types of organizations:

Government organizations.
Public Sector Undertakings, Autonomous Bodies, or Local Government Bodies.
Private or Non-Governmental Organizations.

Selection Criteria & Weightage

Placement Success: At least 50% of registered unemployed disabled persons placed in employment over the last five years, with at least 30% of them being women (20% weightage).
Total Placements: The total number of persons with disabilities placed in the last five years (10% weightage).
Follow-up and Outstanding Placements: Exceptional follow-up over the last five years and placements of registered individuals up to the end of the previous year (25% weightage).
Low Dropout Rate: The percentage of employees who drop out should not exceed 20% in any given year (15% weightage).
Inclusivity in Placement: The placement officer must strive to provide placements for all categories of disabled persons and maintain a balance among them (10% weightage).
Additional Assessment: The Screening Committee may introduce other assessment parameters for short-listing applicants (20% weightage).

How To Apply

Applications for the National Awards must be submitted online. Physical or soft copy applications sent directly to the Department will not be considered.

All nominations are to be submitted through the official Award Portal: https://awards.gov.in.
Ensure that you fill out the application form completely and accurately.
Upload all the required documents in the specified format.
You can edit your nomination details any number of times before the final submission. However, once the application is finally submitted, no changes can be made.

The official portal for nominations is https://awards.gov.in.

Documents Required

Certificate of Registration, showing the year of establishment.
Proof of Address for communication purposes.
Proof of the nature of work undertaken by the institution.
Details of special or outstanding achievements in the past 10 years in the award category, at international, national, state, district, and organizational levels (attach certificates/appreciation letters).
Details of any awards or honors received, including the name of the award, conferring agency, and year of conferment (attach citations and justification).
Any other achievements that you wish to be considered for the award.

FAQ’s

How can I upload documents in the online application form?

In the 'Uploading of Photograph/Other Necessary Documents' section, use the 'Any Supporting Document (PDF)' option. Click 'Choose File', select your PDF document (which should not be larger than 5 MB), and then upload it.

Can an institution be nominated for more than one award category?

Yes, if an institution is eligible for multiple award categories, separate nominations can be submitted for each. However, only one award can be given to an institution in a year, which will be decided by the National Selection Committee.

What is the official website to apply for these National Awards?

The official portal for submitting nominations is https://awards.gov.in.

When are the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities usually presented?

The National Awards are presented annually on December 3rd, which is observed as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Are there any specific language requirements for the application?

Yes, the application must be submitted in either Hindi or English language only.

Where can I find the full guidelines for the scheme?

You can find the PDF of the Scheme Guidelines in English at: https://disabilityaffairs.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/National Award Guidelines in english.pdf.

Can I edit my application after it has been submitted?

You can edit your nomination details multiple times while you are in the process of filling out the application. However, once you submit the final application, no further edits or modifications will be possible.

Is it mandatory to submit a photograph for individual excellence awards?

Yes, a high-resolution passport-size photograph in soft copy is mandatory and must be uploaded with the nomination form for any category of Individual Excellence awards.

What is the selection process for the Divyangjano Ke Liye Sarvshrestha Placement Agency award?

The selection is based on several criteria, including the percentage of disabled persons placed (especially women), total number of placements over five years, follow-up effectiveness, low employee dropout rates, and balanced placement across all disability categories. A Screening Committee may also introduce other assessment parameters.

Who is eligible to nominate an institution for this award?

Institutions can be nominated by any State/UT, Autonomous Body, PSU, or a non-governmental organization registered under the Trust Act, Society Act, or Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.

When were these National Awards first introduced?

The National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities were first introduced in the year 1969.

What are the main goals behind these awards?

The primary objective of these awards is to recognize the skills and contributions of persons with disabilities, as well as the efforts of individuals and institutions actively involved in their empowerment.

Can I submit a physical copy of my application directly to the Department?

No, applications sent directly to the Department in physical or soft copy will not be considered. All nominations must be submitted exclusively through the online Award Portal.

What are the travel arrangements for awardees attending the ceremony?

Yes, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities will arrange and reimburse 'to and fro' travelling expenses and accommodation for up to one day before and after the award ceremony. The TA/DA will be equivalent to that of a Central Government Class-I officer.

Where can I find the advertisement for the call for applications?

The PDF of the Advertisement for the National Awards in English can be found at: https://disabilityaffairs.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Advertisement in English for NA.pdf.

Is it possible to upload multiple documents in the 'Supporting Documents' section?

No, only one document is permitted in the 'Supporting Document' section. However, this single document can contain multiple pages if needed.

Who presents these prestigious awards?

The National Awards are presented by the Hon'ble President or the Hon'ble Vice President of India during a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Where is Vigyan Bhawan located?

Vigyan Bhawan is located at Maulana Azad Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110011.

Are there separate award categories within this scheme?

Yes, the awards are presented under two broad categories: National Awards for Individual Excellence and National Awards for Institutions Engaged in Empowering Persons With Disabilities.

Is the FAQ document also available in Hindi?

Yes, the FAQ document in Hindi is available. You can find it at: https://awards.gov.in/Home/GoToIndex?filename=Award/Communication/2023614811983WKSM7V.pdf&filepath=Award/Communication/2023614811983WKSM7V.pdf.