Padho Pardesh 2026

This scheme offers top-notch free coaching for Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and PM CARES Read More... Children Scheme beneficiaries to help them ace competitive exams and get into good higher education courses. Read less

Details

Are you looking to crack tough government job exams or secure a seat in a prestigious professional course? The government has a scheme that might be exactly what you need! It's all about providing excellent free coaching to help you achieve your career goals.

What Is This Scheme?

This is an educational initiative by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. Its main goal is to offer high-quality coaching to students from economically weaker SC and OBC backgrounds. This coaching prepares them for competitive exams held for jobs in both government and private sectors, as well as for admissions into reputed higher education institutions. The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) helps the Ministry implement this program through selected Central Universities.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is designed for specific groups of students. This includes individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) who meet certain income criteria. Additionally, beneficiaries of the PM CARES Children Scheme are also eligible, with relaxed conditions.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This initiative plays a crucial role in leveling the playing field. By offering free, quality coaching, it empowers disadvantaged sections of society to compete effectively. It helps them gain access to better job opportunities and educational pathways, ultimately contributing to their socio-economic upliftment and a more equitable society.

Objective

This scheme offers top-notch free coaching for Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and PM CARES Children Scheme beneficiaries to help them ace competitive exams and get into good higher education courses.

Benefits

Financial assistance:The scheme provides an interest subsidy on education loans, which can help to reduce the cost of overseas education for minority students.

Increased access to education:The scheme makes overseas education more accessible to minority students from all backgrounds, regardless of their financial situation.

Improved employability:Studying abroad can give students a competitive edge in the job market, and the Padho Pardesh scheme can help minority students to achieve their career goals.

Personal and professional development:Studying abroad can be a transformative experience, and the Padho Pardesh scheme can help minority students to develop their skills and knowledge in a global context.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

To benefit from this scheme, you need to meet certain conditions:

For SC and OBC Category Students:

You must be a student.
You must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Other Backward Class (OBC) category.
Your total annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹8,00,000.
If the competitive exam's qualifying stage is Class 12th, you must have passed Class 12th or be studying in Class 12th when you receive the benefit.
For exams requiring an undergraduate qualification, you should have completed your undergraduate course or be in the final year of your undergraduate studies at the time of receiving the benefit.
You can avail benefits under this scheme a maximum of two times, regardless of how many chances you have for a particular exam or its stages.
You should not be currently benefiting from any other coaching scheme.

Important Note for SC/OBC: A list of beneficiaries will be published online and shared with Central Universities to prevent duplication of benefits from similar schemes or exceeding the two-time limit.

For Beneficiaries of PM CARES Children Scheme:

You must be a certified beneficiary of the PM CARES Children Scheme, holding a certificate with your beneficiary ID issued by the Central Government.
There are no income or caste-related restrictions for PM CARES Children Scheme beneficiaries to apply for this scheme.

How To Apply

The application process is managed through Central Universities empanelled under the scheme:

Central Universities will issue advertisements inviting eligible students to apply.
Applications are accepted only through the online mode.
The selection of students will be based on a merit list prepared by the empanelled Central University.
For the latest information and application links, you should refer to the official website of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) or the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Documents Required

To apply for this scheme, you will need to submit the following documents:

Passport Size Photograph
Aadhaar Card (or EID number at the time of application, but Aadhar is mandatory for payment)
Income Certificate (for SC/OBC applicants)
Caste Certificate (for SC/OBC applicants)
Proof of Residence
Age Proof
ID Card
Details of your Aadhaar-linked Bank Account
Marksheet of Class 10th (if applicable for the competitive exam)
Marksheet of Class 12th (if applicable for the competitive exam)
A declaration stating you have not availed benefits more than twice under this or any similar government coaching scheme.
A declaration confirming you are not currently receiving benefits from any other Central or State government coaching scheme.

Note on Income Certificate:

For self-employed parents/guardians, the income certificate must be issued by a Revenue Officer (not below the rank of Tehsildar).
For employed parents/guardians, an income certificate from their employer is needed, along with a consolidated certificate from the Revenue Officer detailing any other income sources.

FAQ’s

Who is responsible for running the 'Free Coaching Scheme'?

The Ministry implements this scheme with help from the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF). They work through Central Universities that have been selected and approved for the scheme.

How does the scheme keep track of students and ensure coordination?

The Ministry, along with DAF, monitors the scheme closely. They get regular reports from the Central Universities and also conduct on-site checks to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Can Central Universities admit more students than their allocated quota?

Yes, Central Universities can enroll students beyond their fixed slots. However, the Ministry does not provide funds for these additional students.

What is the income limit for students from SC and OBC categories to be eligible?

For students belonging to SC and OBC groups, the total family income from all sources should not be more than Rs. 8.00 lakh annually to be eligible for this scheme.

What happens if there aren't enough female candidates for the reserved slots?

If there aren't enough female candidates in a particular category (SC or OBC), male candidates from the same category will be considered to fill those reserved spots.

What is the role of the Selection Committee in picking Central Universities?

The Selection Committee reviews applications from Central Universities. They recommend universities that have the necessary infrastructure and meet the criteria to effectively run the coaching program.

How are payments made to students under this scheme?

All financial benefits, like the stipend and course fees, are directly transferred to the students' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This requires students to have an Aadhar-linked bank account.

What is the minimum duration for coaching different courses?

The minimum duration of coaching differs depending on the specific course. You can find the exact details in Annexure-A of the scheme guidelines.

How do Central Universities get selected for this scheme?

Central Universities interested and capable of providing coaching apply online to DAF. A Selection Committee then evaluates these applications based on specific criteria set by the Ministry.

What if a student doesn't have an Aadhar number when applying?

If you don't have an Aadhar number at the time of application, you can provide your EID number. However, the payment will only be processed once you provide your Aadhar number and it's linked to your bank account.

How is student attendance monitored during the coaching period?

Central Universities use Aadhar-based biometric systems to record attendance. This data is shared with DAF. Students who are absent without a valid reason may face cancellation of their candidature.

What is the process for renewing the agreement (MoU) with Central Universities?

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Universities is typically for three years. It can be renewed if the university performs well and agrees to continue its participation.

Is it possible for students to transfer from one Central University to another?

Yes, if a particular Central University has fewer students than required, students can be moved to other empanelled institutions. This requires the agreement of both universities and the student involved.

Why is having a valid Aadhar number crucial for applicants?

A valid Aadhar number is very important because all financial benefits, including stipends and fees, will be sent directly to the student's bank account which must be linked to their Aadhar.

How are students selected for the coaching program?

Central Universities advertise the scheme and invite applications. They then create a merit list of eligible students based on their applications, and this list is used for selection.