Free Coaching Scheme 2026

The Manav Kalyan Yojana in Gujarat provides essential toolkit support, using e-vouchers, to help economically weaker individuals Read More... and families start self-employment ventures in various trades. Read less

Details

Are you looking to start your own business or enhance your skills for self-employment? The Gujarat government's Manav Kalyan Yojana is designed to give you that crucial boost. Launched in 1995, this scheme helps economically disadvantaged individuals by providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

What Is This Scheme?

The Manav Kalyan Yojana, implemented by the Commissioner of Cottage and Rural Industries, aims to empower people by providing them with toolkits. These aren't just any toolkits; they are provided through a modern e-voucher system, making the process transparent and efficient. The scheme is for those who want to become self-reliant in 10 specific trades, turning their skills into a livelihood.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is primarily for individuals and families in Gujarat who are looking for a pathway to self-employment. If your family's annual income is up to ₹6,00,000/-, you might be eligible. It's particularly beneficial for artisans, SC/ST communities, and nomadic tribes, with special provisions for the most backward sub-castes who might not have an income limit.

Why This Scheme Is Important

In today's economy, self-employment is a significant way to build financial independence. The Manav Kalyan Yojana recognizes this by addressing the upfront cost of tools, which can often be a major hurdle for those starting out. By providing this assistance, the scheme not only helps individuals but also contributes to the economic development of rural and urban areas in Gujarat.

Objective

The Manav Kalyan Yojana in Gujarat provides essential toolkit support, using e-vouchers, to help economically weaker individuals and families start self-employment ventures in various trades.

Benefits

1. Coaching Fees:The actual course fee of the institute in which the student is applying, which the institute charges from general students, or the prescribed course fee by the Ministry as per the Annexure of the Scheme, whichever is less. This is subject to the limits for fees and duration of the course. The maximum total course fee for various courses is as follows:S. No.CoursesMax. Total Course Fee in RupeesMin. Duration in months1Civil Services Exam by UPSC/SPSCs₹1,20,000/-9 months (4 months prelim + 5 months mains)2SSC/RRB₹40,000/-6 months3Banking /Insurance/ PSU/ CLAT₹50,000/-6 months4JEE/NEET₹1,20,000/-9 months (not exceeding 12 months)5IES₹80,000/--do-6CAT /CMAT₹60,000/--do-7GRE/GMAT/SAT/TOFEL₹35,000/-3 months8CA-CPT/ GATE₹75,000/-9 months9CPL Courses₹30,000/-6 months10NDA/CDS₹20,000/-3 months*A minimum physical coaching of 16 hours per week is mandatory for all the above courses.*If the course fee is more than the admissible amount, the candidate has to arrange for the remaining funds from his/her own sources.2. Stipend:A monthly stipend is provided for attending coaching classes.

For local students: ₹1,500/- per month.

For outstation students: ₹3,000/- per month.

The stipend will be paid for the duration of the course or for one year, whichever is less.

3. Special Allowance:Students with disabilities (having a valid disability certificate of 40% or more disability) are eligible for a Special Allowance of ₹2,000 per month. This allowance is towards reader allowance, escort allowance, helper allowance, etc., and is in addition to the regular stipend.4. Courses for Coaching:The coaching will be imparted for the following courses, with specified minimum durations:

Group A and B examinations are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and the various Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs).

Group A and B examinations are conducted by the State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs).

Officers’ Grade examinations conducted by Banks, Insurance Companies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

Premier Entrance Examinations for admission in (a) Engineering (e.g., IIT-JEE), (b) Medical (e.g., NEET), (c) Professional courses like Management (e.g., CAT, CMAT) and Law (e.g., CLAT), and (d) Any other such disciplines as the Ministry may decide from time to time.

Eligibility tests/examinations like SAT, GRE, GMAT and TOEFL.

Entrance examination tests for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) courses/ National Defence Academy (NDA), and Combined Defence Services (CDS).

Indian Engineering Services (IES).

Chartered Accountant - Common Proficiency Test (CA-CPT)/Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).

5. Number of Benefits:The benefits under the Scheme can be availed by a particular student not more than twice, irrespective of the number of chances he/she may be entitled to take in a particular competitive examination.6. Coaching for Multi-Stage Examinations:Where the competitive examination is conducted in two stages, namely Preliminary and Mains, the candidates will be entitled to free coaching for both examinations. They will be entitled to free coaching up to two times each for Preliminary and Main examinations as per their convenience. However, there will be no restriction on the number of chances for coaching for the Interview if the candidate is selected for the interview.7. Distribution of Slots:Of the total selected students, 40% shall be earmarked for competitive exams having eligibility condition as Class 12 (e.g., NEET, JEE, CLAT etc.). The remaining 60% students shall be for competitive exams having eligibility condition as Graduation (e.g., CAT, Civil Services Examination, etc.).Mode of Disbursement:

Coaching Fees:The course fee shall be released directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the beneficiary candidate in two installments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

The first instalment of 50% of the eligible amount will be released immediately after the candidate uploads the admission confirmation/assurance from the coaching institute on the online portal.
The remaining fee will be reimbursed after receiving proof of joining the institute by the candidate and deposition of the amount released as the first instalment by the candidate to the institute.

Stipend:The stipend to each student shall be paid directly by the Ministry through DBT.

Special Allowance:The special allowance will be paid directly by the Ministry through DBT along with the stipend.

Expected Time of Disbursement:

First Installment of Fees:Immediately after the candidate uploads the admission confirmation/assurance from the institute on the online portal.
Second Installment of Fees:After receiving proof of joining the institute and the deposition of the first installment by the candidate to the institute.
Stipend and Special Allowance:Monthly, till the duration of the course or for one year, whichever is less.

Validity:

The candidate will be required to join the selected course within 6 months of the release of the first installment of the fee. If the first installment of the fee amount is not paid to the selected institute within a period of 6 months, this amount will have to be returned to the Government and the second installment will not be eligible.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old.
Income for SC/ST/SEBC: If you belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) including nomadic tribes, there is no income limit.
Income for General Category: Applicants from the general category must have a family annual income of ₹6,00,000/- or less and need to provide an income certificate.

Special Conditions for Rural Applicants:

Must be listed in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list with a poverty score between 0 to 16, OR
Must submit an income certificate issued by the relevant authority.

Income Exemptions:

Individuals from the 12 most backward sub-castes within Scheduled Castes are exempt from income criteria.
Members of the most backward, nomadic, or de-notified tribes under the SEBC category are also exempt from income criteria.

For all other applicants not falling into the above categories, the annual family income must not exceed ₹6,00,000/-, whether you live in a rural or urban area.

How To Apply

Applications are to be submitted online through the official e-Kutir portal.
Fill in all the required details carefully during the online application.
Post-approval, you will receive an e-voucher (QR code) via SMS.
Redeem this e-voucher at approved dealers to collect your toolkit.

Official Portal: You can access the e-Kutir portal at https://e-kutir.gujnic.in/

Documents Required

Caste Certificate (if applying as SC/ST/SEBC).
Income Certificate: Mandatory for general category applicants, issued by the Taluka Mamlatdar or Municipal Officer.
e-Shram Card Number.
Bank Account Details (for receiving the e-voucher).

FAQ’s

What is the age requirement to apply for the Manav Kalyan Yojana?

You need to be between 18 and 60 years old to be eligible for this scheme.

If I belong to the general category, what proof of income do I need to provide?

General category applicants must submit an income certificate, issued by the Taluka Mamlatdar or Municipal Officer, showing a family annual income of ₹6,00,000/- or less. If you are a rural applicant, you also need to be on the BPL list with a score of 0–16 or provide an income certificate.

Are there specific trades covered by this scheme for toolkits?

Yes, the scheme supports 10 different trades. These include areas like dairy product sales, plumbing, beauty parlors, electric appliance repair, and making items like papad and pickles.

How does the e-voucher system work for getting the toolkit?

Once your application is approved, you will receive an e-voucher, which is like a QR code, through an SMS. You can then use this QR code at authorized dealers in Gujarat to get your toolkit.

Do I need to provide an income certificate if I am from an SC or ST community?

No, applicants from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), SEBC nomadic tribes, and the 12 most backward SC sub-castes are exempt from income criteria. A caste certificate is sufficient.

Can I apply if my family's income is higher than ₹6,00,000/-?

If you are from the general category, the scheme requires your family's annual income to be ₹6,00,000/- or less. However, if you belong to SC/ST/SEBC nomadic tribes or certain most backward sub-castes, there is no income limit.

What happens if the cost of the toolkit I want is more than what the e-voucher covers?

The e-voucher covers the predefined maximum cost for your chosen toolkit. If you wish to purchase a more expensive toolkit, you will have to pay the difference amount yourself to the dealer.

Is skill training offered as part of the Manav Kalyan Yojana?

Yes, the scheme allows applicants to opt for skill training during the application process, which can help you gain or improve the skills needed for your chosen trade.

What if I submit incorrect details during the online application?

Before you finalize your submission, a confirmation screen will appear. If you notice any errors, you can click 'Cancel' on this screen to go back and correct your details before re-registering.

How can I check the status of my application or make changes after submission?

You can view your submitted application by clicking 'View Application' on the portal. You can print a hard copy using 'Print Application'. If your application needs revision, you may be able to use the 'Modify' option if it has been returned for edits.