National Savings Certificates (VIII-Issue) Scheme 2026

The PM-YASASVI scheme offers bright students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified, Read More... Nomadic Tribes (DNT) categories free, quality education from Class 9 to 12. Read less

Details

The Indian government is committed to providing equal opportunities for quality education to all students, especially those from disadvantaged sections of society. The PM-YASASVI scheme is a significant step towards this goal, aiming to uplift students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities by funding their education in the best schools across the country.

What is the PM-YASASVI Scheme?

The PM-YASASVI scheme, which stands for "Prime Minister's Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India," is designed to offer top-class school education to students belonging to OBC, EBC, and DNT categories. This initiative is fully funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and aims to cover educational expenses for students from Class 9 up to Class 12.

Who Can Benefit?

This scheme is a boon for meritorious students from economically weaker sections within the OBC, EBC, and DNT communities. If you belong to any of these categories and your family's annual income is less than ₹2.5 lakhs, you could be eligible to receive support for your education in selected high-performing schools.

Why This Scheme Matters

The core idea behind PM-YASASVI is to bridge the educational gap and ensure that talented students from marginalized communities get access to excellent schooling. By covering tuition, hostel, and other essential fees, the scheme empowers these students to excel academically and build a brighter future, contributing to a more inclusive and developed India.

Objective

The PM-YASASVI scheme offers bright students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified, Nomadic Tribes (DNT) categories free, quality education from Class 9 to 12.

Benefits

National Savings Certificates offer an attractive interest rate of 7.7% compounded annually but payable at maturity.
No maximum deposit limit.
Account matures in 5 years.
Loan facility available by pledging with the banks.

Sources and references

Official Website

Who Can Apply?

Students must belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), or Denotified, Nomadic Tribes (DNT) categories.
Your family's annual income should not exceed ₹2.5 Lakhs.
You should be studying in or be admitted to one of the "Top Class Schools (TCSs)" identified under the scheme.
The scholarship is available for students from Class 9 onwards until they complete Class 12.
Students must have a valid bank account and provide necessary details during application.
If you are selected, you cannot avail benefits from any other government scheme for the same educational expenses covered by PM-YASASVI.
The selected schools must have an Aadhaar-based attendance system that can be integrated with a central portal.

How to Apply

Students who are already enrolled in the identified "Top Class Schools (TCSs)" can apply through the National Scholarship Portal. You will need to submit your marks from the previous academic year's final exams along with your application.

Visit the National Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in/
Register and fill out the application form for the PM-YASASVI scheme.
Upload all the required documents.
Submit the application before the specified deadline.

Documents You Might Need

Aadhaar Card
Recent Passport size photograph
Marksheets or certificates of your previous educational qualifications
A valid Income Certificate issued by the competent authority
Domicile Certificate
Caste/Community Certificate issued by the competent authority
Disability certificate (if applicable)
Bank Account details (Passbook copy)
Any other documents as may be required by the authorities

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the PM-YASASVI scheme?

The primary goal is to provide high-quality education to bright students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities, funding their studies from Class 9 to Class 12 in top-rated schools.

Can girls apply for this scholarship?

Absolutely! In fact, at least 30% of the scholarships are specifically reserved for girl students to ensure they also benefit significantly from this program.

How often are the scholarship payments made?

The scholarship amount is released in installments, and these payments are generally made before August 15th each year, directly into the student's bank account.

Which schools are considered "Top Class Schools" for this scheme?

These are schools that have a proven track record, consistently achieving 100% pass rates in Classes 10 and 12. They are selected by a special committee formed by the Ministry.

What is the income limit for students to be eligible?

To be eligible, your family's annual income should be less than ₹2.5 Lakhs.

What kind of schools can be selected under the scheme?

The scheme includes a mix of schools – government-run (Central, State, or local body schools), aided schools, and even private schools can be identified as 'Top Class Schools' if they meet the criteria.

How are scholarships awarded to students?

Scholarships are awarded based on merit. Students who have good academic records and meet the eligibility criteria are selected through a transparent online process.

Is there any official website for applying or getting more information?

Yes, applications are primarily processed through the National Scholarship Portal, which is available at https://scholarships.gov.in/. This is the best place to find detailed information and apply.

What if a student is already receiving another scholarship?

If you are already getting financial help from another government scheme for the same educational expenses covered by PM-YASASVI, you generally cannot receive benefits from both. You'll need to choose one.

How are the scholarships distributed among different states?

The number of scholarship slots for each state is decided based on the OBC population data available for that state, aiming for fair distribution.