Vocational Training in Tribal Areas 2026

This central government scholarship supports school-going children from economically weaker Other Backward Classes (OBC) families to pursue Read More... their education within India. Read less

Details

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-matric Scholarship to Other Backward Classes (OBC) for Studies in India is a key initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It aims to support children from poorer OBC families, ensuring they can continue their education up to Class 10 without financial strain.

What Is This Scheme?

This scholarship scheme provides financial assistance to students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) who are studying in India. It is designed for children whose parents have an annual income below a certain limit, helping them cover their educational expenses during their pre-matriculation years.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is for school-going children of OBC parents who are struggling financially. It specifically targets students from Class 1 to Class 10, ensuring that economic background doesn't become a barrier to education.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By providing scholarships, the scheme addresses the low literacy rates among backward communities. It encourages children from economically disadvantaged OBC families to pursue their studies, thereby contributing to their overall development and the nation's progress. The scholarship supports students through their crucial pre-matriculation academic journey.

Objective

This central government scholarship supports school-going children from economically weaker Other Backward Classes (OBC) families to pursue their 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

Eligibility Criteria

Parents' or guardians' annual income from all sources should not exceed ₹ 2,50,000.
The student must be studying in an institution recognized by the respective State Government or Union Territory Administration.
A minimum attendance of 60% in the previous academic year is required.
Students receiving scholarships under this scheme cannot avail benefits from any other pre-matric scholarship program.

Special Provisions:

30% of the scholarships are reserved for girl students.
At least 5% of the beneficiaries must be students with disabilities.

How To Apply

The application process details and official links are typically provided by the respective State Government and Union Territory Administrations. Students are advised to check with their educational institutions or the relevant government departments for the latest application procedures and deadlines.

Official applications and guidelines are usually released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and shared through State/UT governments. Keep an eye on official notifications.

Documents Required

Passport-sized photograph
Aadhaar Number
Proof of previous educational qualification
Bonafide Certificate from the recognized institution
OBC Caste Certificate
Income Certificate
Details of Aadhaar-linked Bank Account

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of this scholarship for OBC students?

The scheme's primary aim is to boost education among OBC communities by offering financial aid to children from less privileged families, thereby improving their literacy levels.

How is the family income assessed for eligibility?

The income of either parent (or husband for an unmarried girl student whose husband is unemployed) is considered. The income of other family members is generally not taken into account, unless both parents have passed away.

What if a parent passes away and affects the family's income?

If a student's family income falls within the eligible limit after the unfortunate death of an earning parent, the student can start receiving the scholarship from the month of the parent's passing.

Are there any income sources that are not counted towards the eligibility limit?

Yes, House Rent Allowance received by parents is usually excluded from the income calculation for scholarship eligibility, provided it's allowed for Income-Tax purposes.

How often do I need to submit an income certificate?

An income certificate is generally required only once when you first get admitted to a course lasting more than a year.

What are the academic levels covered by this scholarship, and for how long?

Scholarships are provided for students from Class 1 to Class 10. The scholarship is awarded for 10 months in an academic year.

Where can students use this scholarship?

The scholarship can only be used in educational institutions and for pre-matriculation courses that are officially recognized by the respective State Government or Union Territory Administration.

Can I receive this scholarship along with benefits from another similar scheme?

No, if you are receiving a scholarship under this scheme, you are not permitted to get benefits from any other pre-matric scholarship program.

What is the provision for students with disabilities in this scheme?

The scheme ensures that at least 5% of the total beneficiaries are students with disabilities.

Is it mandatory to link bank accounts with Aadhaar?

Yes, Aadhaar seeding of bank accounts is necessary for beneficiaries to prevent duplication and ensure smooth transfer of funds.

How many scholarships are reserved for girls?

A significant portion, 30%, of the scholarships are reserved specifically for girl students.

How is the scholarship renewed for the next year?

The scholarship can be renewed for the subsequent academic year by the State or UT administration, unless the school authorities advise against it.

Is there a limit to the funds available for this scholarship scheme?

Yes, this is a 'funds-limited' scheme. The total budget is shared with states on a pro-rata basis, and the number of scholarships awarded is determined by this allocation.

What is the responsibility of States/UTs regarding the scheme's finances?

States and UTs are expected to contribute financially towards the scheme and align the number of scholarships awarded with the allocated budget and their own contributions.