Vocational Training in Tribal Areas 2026

This Centrally Sponsored Scheme offers scholarships to children from economically weaker Other Backward Classes (OBC) families to Read More... support their pre-matric education within India. Read less

Details

Navigating education can be tough for many families. Recognizing this, the government has a scholarship scheme to help children from poorer Other Backward Classes (OBC) families pursue their studies right here in India. This scheme aims to ensure that financial constraints don't stand in the way of education for deserving students.

What Is This Scheme?

The 'Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship to Other Backward Classes (OBC) for Studies in India' is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It's designed to provide financial assistance to students from OBC communities who are studying in Classes 1 to 10. The goal is to boost literacy and ensure that students from low-income OBC households can continue their education without financial worry.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scholarship is for school-going children belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC). The key criterion is that the annual income of their parents or guardians from all sources must be below a specified limit. It supports students from Class 1 up to Class 10.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The scheme plays a crucial role in uplifting economically weaker sections of the OBC community. By providing financial aid, it encourages school enrollment and reduces dropout rates. It also ensures that students with disabilities and girl students get a fair chance at education, as specific quotas are reserved for them.

Objective

This Centrally Sponsored Scheme offers scholarships to children from economically weaker Other Backward Classes (OBC) families to support their pre-matric education within India.

Benefits

Under the scheme, grants will be available for organizing vocational training in recognized institutes or in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) subject to terms and conditions revised from time to time of the scheme.
The training for trades including modern trades having employment potential in the tribal region will be provided.
Under this scheme, the fund will be provided in two ways: (i) By setting up and running VTCs mainly in remote areas/rural areas deficient in facilities, (ii) By supporting vocational training for ST as also PTG candidates in already existing institutions in townships/districts, etc. like ITIs, Polytechnics, computer training centers, and other private recognized institutions.
Each tribal boy/girl will be trained in one trade of his/her choice and given practical experience as per the syllabus prescribed by the institute.
After completion of the training, a certificate/diploma will be provided by the institute to the successful trainees.

Admissible Financial Norms:The non-recurring and recurring grant-in-aid will be admissible in accordance with financial norms given as under:

Recurring:-

(a) ₹30,000/- per annum per trainee includes:-

Stipend to trainee @ ₹700/- per month.
₹1600/- per trainee per annum for procurement of tools, raw materials, etc.
Monthly honorarium to faculty/supporting staff etc.
Boarding/lodging of trainees, electricity and water charges, etc.

(b) In the case of a rented building, annual rent will be admissible in addition to (a) above as per actuals, and the maximum limit will be ₹10,000/- per month. This will be subject to submission of the Rent Assessment Certificate by the Public Works Department of the State Government. If the building is owned by the institution/organization, only 10% of the rental value (authenticated by State PWD), as admissible, will be provided as maintenance charges per annum.

Non-recurring:-

(a) ₹2.40 lakh for five trades once in five years @ ₹0.48 lakh per trade.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who Can Apply?

Your parents' or guardians' total annual income from all sources should not be more than ₹2,50,000.
The scholarship can only be used in institutions and for courses that are recognized by the concerned State Government or Union Territory Administration.
You need to have attended school regularly, with at least 60% attendance in the previous academic year.
If you are already receiving a scholarship under any other pre-matriculation scholarship scheme, you cannot apply for this one.

Special Provisions:

For Girls: 30% of the scholarships are reserved for girl students.
For Students with Disabilities: At least 5% of the scholarships are reserved for students with disabilities.

How To Apply

The application process and disbursement are managed by the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. You will typically need to:

Obtain the application form from your school or the relevant department in your state/UT.
Fill in all the required details accurately.
Submit the completed form along with all necessary documents to your institution.
Your institution will then forward your application to the designated authority.

For the most accurate and up-to-date application procedures and deadlines, please check with your school or the concerned Department of Social Welfare/OBC Welfare in your State/Union Territory.

Documents Required

To apply for this scholarship, you will generally need the following documents:

A recent passport-sized photograph.
Your Aadhaar Number.
Proof of your last passed educational qualification.
A Bonafide Certificate issued by your current institution, which must be recognized by the State Government or UT Administration.
Your OBC Caste Certificate.
An Income Certificate confirming your family's annual income.
Details of your Aadhaar-linked Bank Account.

FAQ’s

What is the main aim of this Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC students?

The main goal of this scholarship is to help improve education levels among Other Backward Classes (OBC) by providing financial and educational support to their children.

How is the family income assessed for eligibility?

The income considered is that of the parents (or husband, if the girl is married and unemployed). Income from other family members is not counted unless both parents have passed away.

What if a parent's income changes due to death?

If one earning parent passes away and the family's income then falls within the eligibility limit, the student can receive the scholarship starting from the month the parent passed away.

Are there any income sources that are not counted?

Yes, House Rent Allowance received by parents is often excluded from income calculations if it's also exempted from Income Tax.

How often do I need to submit an income certificate?

An income certificate is usually only required once, at the time you enroll in a course that lasts longer than a year.

What are the scholarship award amounts and for which classes?

Hostellers in Classes 3-10 get ₹500/month, while Day Scholars in Classes 1-10 get ₹100/month. Both groups also receive an annual ad-hoc grant of ₹500. The scholarship duration is 10 months per year.

Where can I use this scholarship?

The scholarship is valid only in educational institutions and for pre-matriculation courses that have been officially recognized by your State Government or Union Territory Administration.

Can I get this scholarship along with another one?

No, if you receive a scholarship under this scheme, you cannot simultaneously avail benefits from any other pre-matric scholarship program.

What percentage of scholarships are reserved for students with disabilities?

At least 5% of the scholarships provided under this scheme are reserved for students with disabilities.

Is linking my bank account with Aadhaar mandatory?

Yes, linking your bank account with Aadhaar is important to ensure smooth payment and prevent duplicate applications.

Is there a special quota for girl students?

Yes, 30% of the total scholarship beneficiaries are reserved for girl students.

How is the scholarship renewed each year?

Your scholarship can be renewed for the next academic year by the State Government or UT Administration, provided your school doesn't recommend discontinuing it.

Is the scholarship funding limited?

Yes, this scheme is 'funds-limited'. The total budget is divided among the states based on their allocated share, so the number of scholarships is capped accordingly.

What is the role of States and UTs in the scheme's finances?

States and UTs are expected to contribute their share of funds and manage the expenditure. They need to ensure the number of scholarships awarded aligns with the allocated budget.