Coaching Schemes For Sc/st/obc (non-creamy Layer) & Minority Students For Universities 2026

This initiative offers dedicated coaching support to SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), and minority students, aiming to Read More... enhance their academic journey and future career opportunities. Read less

Details

In India, ensuring equal opportunities in education is a priority. For students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) – specifically the non-creamy layer – and minority communities, several coaching schemes are in place to give them a strong footing in their higher education pursuits.

What Is This Scheme?

This initiative focuses on providing targeted coaching to help students from specific disadvantaged communities succeed. The programs are designed to improve academic skills, prepare students for competitive exams, and assist them in gaining entry into higher education and services.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The primary beneficiaries are students from SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), and minority communities. The schemes also extend support to general category students who are Below Poverty Line (BPL).

Why This Scheme Is Important

The core purpose of these schemes is to level the playing field. By offering specialized coaching, the government aims to bridge educational gaps, boost the confidence and capabilities of these students, reduce dropout rates, and ultimately enhance their chances of securing good employment and pursuing advanced studies.

Objective

This initiative offers dedicated coaching support to SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), and minority students, aiming to enhance their academic journey and future career opportunities.

Benefits

The institutions can apply for one or more components of the scheme according to the number of enrolment of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), and Minorities Communities Students. If, the number of students in a particular class is more, additional section(s) may be included. Financial assistance is available for the following items:Non-recurring items: A “one-time” grant up to Rs. 5.0 lakhs for each scheme during the XII Plan period for the following items:1. Books and Journals2. Audio-visual and teaching/ learning aid material3. Computers with Printer4. Photocopier5. Generator or InverterRecurring Items: Rs.7.00 lakhs for universities for each scheme per annum for expenditure on the following items:1. Honorarium to the Coordinator of the schemes @Rs. 2000/- per month2. Remuneration to teachers and scholars*3. Part-time staff with computer knowledge (on a contract basis) @ 6,000/- p.m.4. Part-time Peon/Attendant.@ Rs.1000/- p.m5. Contingency - Rs 50,000/- per annumRemuneration at the rate of Rs. 300/- per hour per subject to the teachers and Rs.200 /- per hour to postgraduate students/ Research Scholars could be paid for theory classes and Rs.150/-per hour respectively for practicals. Generally, a faculty member should not teach for more than 2 hours a day. However, in exceptional cases where an eminent educationist is invited for a Special lecture, the remuneration @ Rs.500/- per hour and admissible T.A. could be paid with the approval of the Head of the Institution. The payment of remuneration to the participating teachers, PG students, and research scholars may be paid regularly every month without waiting for the pending grant from the UGC.The final amount of grant to be allocated would depend upon the number of schemes, the number of students enrolled for the schemes in the proposal, and the decision of the Committee appointed for serving the applicants for these schemes.

Sources and references

Guideline

Eligibility Criteria

Universities and colleges recognized under Section 2(f) and eligible for central assistance under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956, can apply.
Institutions with a significant number of SC, ST, and minority community students are prioritized.
General category candidates holding BPL Cards issued by Central or State Governments are also eligible for these coaching classes.
If there aren't enough SC, ST, or minority students, the percentage of OBC (non-creamy layer) and poor general candidates can be increased up to 40%.

How To Apply

Institutions interested in implementing these coaching schemes need to apply to the relevant authorities. The process generally involves:

Identifying the specific coaching component(s) for which the institution wishes to apply.
Ensuring the institution meets the eligibility criteria.
Preparing a detailed proposal outlining the number of students enrolled, proposed activities, and budget requirements.
Submitting the application form along with all required supporting documents to the designated department or university body.

Further details and application forms can typically be found on the official websites of the Ministry of Education or the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Documents Required

While specific documents might vary, institutions applying for these schemes generally need to provide:

Proof of institution's recognition (e.g., UGC Act 1956 compliance).
Details of student enrollment from SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer), and minority communities.
BPL card details for eligible general category students.
Aadhaar card (may be required for individual beneficiaries if applicable).
Caste/Community Certificates (for targeted groups).
Academic Transcripts or Mark Sheets.
Bank Account Details of the institution for fund disbursement.

FAQ’s

Can general category students also benefit from these coaching schemes?

Yes, general category students who hold a valid Below Poverty Line (BPL) card issued by the Central or State Government can also be included in these coaching programs.

What is the duration for which financial assistance is provided?

Non-recurring grants are provided as a 'one-time' grant for the XII Plan period. Recurring grants are provided annually for each scheme.

How are the teachers and scholars compensated for their teaching?

Teachers can receive remuneration of Rs. 300 per hour for theory classes and Rs. 150 per hour for practicals. Postgraduate students and Research Scholars receive Rs. 200 per hour for theory and Rs. 150 per hour for practicals. In special cases, eminent educationists can be paid Rs. 500 per hour plus T.A. with approval.

What is the main aim of organizing remedial coaching?

The goal of remedial coaching is to enhance students' academic skills and language proficiency, build a stronger foundation in basic subjects, improve their comprehension, and ultimately reduce their failure and dropout rates in higher education.

What kind of support does the scheme offer for preparation for competitive exams?

The scheme provides coaching classes to prepare students for entry into Group A, B, and C services in Central and State governments, as well as equivalent private sector positions. It also orients students for specific examinations like IAS, State Public Services, and bank recruitment.

What items are covered under the non-recurring grant?

The non-recurring grant, up to Rs. 5.0 lakhs, can be used for purchasing essential items like books and journals, audio-visual teaching aids, computers with printers, photocopiers, and generators or inverters.

Are there any special provisions for OBC students?

Yes, the scheme specifically includes OBC students who fall under the 'non-creamy layer'. Their percentage in the coaching classes can be increased up to 40% if there's a shortage of SC, ST, and minority students.

What is the purpose of coaching for the National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET)?

The objective is to prepare SC, ST, and minority community candidates for the NET or SET examinations. This aims to ensure a sufficient number of qualified candidates are available for selection as Lecturers in universities.

How is the coaching scheme integrated with other university assistance programs?

This coaching scheme is merged with the General Developmental Assistance scheme of universities. The financial assistance provided for this component is over and above the existing ceiling for General Developmental Assistance.