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

This national award from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwD) recognizes outstanding contributions in Read More... empowering persons with disabilities, presented annually by the President or Vice President of India. Read less

Details

The 'National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities' are a prestigious recognition by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. These awards have been presented annually since 1969 to celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals and institutions working tirelessly for the empowerment of persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).

What Is This Scheme?

This initiative aims to acknowledge and honour exceptional work done in the field of empowering persons with disabilities. It covers two main categories: individual excellence and institutional contributions. A special award, 'Divyangjano Ke Liye Sarvshrestha Placement Agency', is also given to outstanding placement agencies for PwDs. The grand award ceremony takes place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on December 3rd, observed globally as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The awards are presented to individuals who have shown remarkable skills and made significant contributions towards empowering persons with disabilities. Institutions, including government organizations, public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, local government bodies, and private/non-governmental organizations, are also recognized for their exemplary services in this domain. Placement agencies that have shown outstanding performance in employing persons with disabilities are also honored.

Why This Scheme Is Important

These awards play a crucial role in highlighting the importance of inclusion and empowerment for persons with disabilities. By recognizing and celebrating success stories, the scheme encourages more individuals and organizations to actively participate in creating an equitable society. It serves as a platform to showcase best practices, inspire innovation, and reinforce the commitment towards a more inclusive India.

Objective

This national award from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwD) recognizes outstanding contributions in empowering persons with disabilities, presented annually by the President or Vice President of India.

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

Who Can Apply

The 'Divyangjano Ke Liye Sarvshrestha Niyoktha' award specifically recognizes outstanding employers of persons with disabilities. Eligible employers fall under these categories:

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

Selection Criteria and Weightage for Placement Agencies:

Placement of at least 50% registered unemployed disabled persons in employment over the last five years, with at least 30% being women: 20% weightage.
Total number of persons with disabilities placed in the last five years: 10% weightage.
Outstanding follow-up performance over the last five years, including successful placements: 25% weightage.
Percentage of employee dropouts not exceeding 20% in a given year: 15% weightage.
Placement officer's ability to assist all categories of disabled persons and maintain balance: 10% weightage.
Any other assessment parameter devised by the Screening Committee for short-listing applicants: 20% weightage.

How To Apply

Applications for the National Awards are to be submitted online only through the official awards portal. Physical or soft copies sent directly to the Department will not be considered. Ensure that your nomination is submitted through the designated online platform.

Official Portal: https://awards.gov.in

Documents Required

Certificate of Registration (including the Year of Establishment).
Proof of Address for communication purposes.
Documents proving the nature of work undertaken by the institution.
Details of Special or Outstanding Achievements in the past 10 years, at international, national, state, district, and organizational levels (including certificates and appreciation letters).
Information on any awards or honours received, including the name of the award, conferring agency, year, and justification.
Any other relevant achievements that support the nomination.

Official Sources

FAQ’s

What is the main goal behind these National Awards?

The primary goal of these awards is to acknowledge and celebrate the skills and significant contributions made by persons with disabilities, as well as individuals and institutions actively involved in empowering them.

When did the 'National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities' first begin?

The 'National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities' was first introduced in the year 1969.

Can I submit my application in Malayalam?

No, applications for these awards must be submitted in either Hindi or English only.

How many different types of awards are there?

The awards are presented under two main categories: National Awards for Individual Excellence and National Awards for Institutions Engaged in Empowering Persons With Disabilities.

Will the Department cover my travel expenses to the award ceremony?

Yes, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities will arrange and cover your 'to and fro' travel expenses and accommodation for up to one day before and after the award ceremony.

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

Yes, it is mandatory to upload a high-resolution passport-sized photograph as a soft copy when filling out the nomination form for individual excellence awards.

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

Yes, eligible institutions can submit separate nominations for multiple award categories. However, the National Selection Committee will decide on the single award to be given in a year.

Where can I find the official FAQ document for these awards?

You can find the PDF of the Scheme FAQs at this link: https://disabilityaffairs.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/FAQs on National Awards.pdf

What is the web address for the National Awards Portal?

The National Awards Portal, managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, can be accessed at: https://awards.gov.in

When are the National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities given out each year?

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

What is the address of Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi?

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

Can I make changes to my nomination details after submitting the form?

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

Who is allowed to nominate an institution for these awards?

Nominations can be submitted by any State/UT, Autonomous Body, PSU, and non-governmental organizations registered under the Trust Act, Society Act, or Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Can I upload more than one document in the 'Supporting Document' section?

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

Will my travel and accommodation costs be covered if I am an awardee?

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

Is it possible to submit applications offline for this scheme?

No, applications for these National Awards are accepted only through the online portal. Physical applications will not be considered.

Who presents these awards?

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

Where can I find the Hindi version of the Scheme FAQs?

The PDF of the Scheme FAQs in Hindi can be found at: https://awards.gov.in/Home/GoToIndex?filename=Award/Communication/2023614811983WKSM7V.pdf&filepath=Award/Communication/2023614811983WKSM7V.pdf

What is the size limit for uploading a supporting document?

The PDF file you upload as a supporting document should not be larger than 5 MB.

Can I submit my nomination directly to the Department in hard copy or soft copy?

No, all nominations must be submitted exclusively through the Award Portal. Any applications sent directly to the Department will not be taken into consideration.