The Government of India has been consistently working towards ensuring equal access to quality education for students belonging to weaker and marginalized sections of society. One such initiative is the “PM-YASASVI: Top Class School Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students”, which is a sub-scheme of the umbrella scheme PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).
Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, this scheme is fully funded by the Central Government. It provides financial support for meritorious students of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), and Denotified, Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) to pursue premium school education from Class 9 to Class 12.
In this article, we will cover the scheme in detail, including objectives, benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, documents required, and FAQs.
🔹 Objective of PM-YASASVI Top Class School Education Scheme
The main aim of this sub-scheme is to:
- Provide premium education opportunities to students of OBC, EBC, and DNT categories.
- Fund their education from Class 9 up to Class 12 in the best-performing schools across India.
- Support meritorious students from families with low annual income (below ₹2.5 lakhs).
- Ensure social upliftment and inclusiveness by offering equal opportunities to disadvantaged groups.
This initiative directly aligns with the vision of New India, where every child, irrespective of social background, gets a chance to excel in academics.
🔹 Scope and Coverage
- The scheme covers all OBC, EBC, and DNT students enrolled in Top Class Schools (TCSs) identified by the Government.
- Annual family income limit – less than ₹2.5 lakhs.
- Slots for scholarships are allocated state-wise, based on the OBC population data available.
- Scholarship selection is merit-based, ensuring only the deserving candidates benefit.
- The entire process is carried out through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to maintain transparency.
🔹 Implementing Agency
The scheme is implemented as a Central Sector component under the larger umbrella of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).
- Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Assistance from – State Governments and National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- Selection process – Schools and students are selected based on pre-defined modalities and academic merit.
🔹 Modalities of the Scheme
The scheme is implemented in a structured manner:
- Identification of Top Class Schools (TCSs)
- A committee chaired by the Joint Secretary (Backward Classes) selects schools.
- The committee also includes representatives from the Department of School Education and NITI Aayog.
- Schools must consistently secure 100% pass results in Classes 10 & 12 examinations.
- Both public and private schools (Central/State/Local Body, Aided, or Private) can be considered.
- Slot Allocation
- The number of slots for each state and each class is announced in April every year.
- Allocation is based on OBC population proportion.
- Reservation for Girls
- At least 30% of scholarships are reserved for girl students.
🔹 Benefits of the PM-YASASVI Top Class School Education Scheme
The scheme provides financial assistance for various school-related expenses:
- Class 9 & 10 students – Up to ₹75,000 per annum per student.
- Class 11 & 12 students – Up to ₹1,25,000 per annum per student.
This amount covers:
✔ Tuition Fees
✔ Hostel Fees
✔ Other School-related Charges
Important Notes:
- The funds are released through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the student’s bank account.
- Payments are released in installments before 15th August every year.
- Students under this scheme cannot claim benefits under any other overlapping government scholarship.
🔹 Eligibility Criteria
To apply under the scheme, students must fulfill the following conditions:
- Category – Must belong to OBC, EBC, or DNT communities.
- School Type – Must be enrolled in Top Class Schools (TCSs) identified under the scheme.
- Annual Family Income – Should be less than ₹2.5 lakhs.
- Class Level – Must be studying in Class 9 to Class 12.
- Academic Merit – Selection is based on marks obtained in the previous class final exam.
- Bank Account – Student must have a valid bank account linked with Aadhaar for DBT transfer.
- Other Conditions:
- Schools should maintain an Aadhaar-based attendance system.
- Students already availing similar assistance from another scheme are not eligible.
🔹 Application Process – How to Apply Online?
The entire application process is conducted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – scholarships.gov.in.
✅ For New Applicants
- Visit the official website NSP Portal.
- Click on “New Registration” under Applicant Corner.
- Read the instructions carefully and check the undertaking box.
- Fill in the required details to create a profile.
✅ For Registered Applicants
- Login using Application ID & Password.
- Select the Scholarship Scheme.
- Fill the application form with correct details.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit the application online.
🔹 Selection Process
- Applications are first verified online by the Nodal Officers of the School.
- They are then confirmed by the State Government.
- A State-wise merit list is prepared separately for boys and girls based on academic performance.
- Scholarships are allocated automatically on merit basis.
🔹 Documents Required
Students need to upload the following documents during the application process:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport Size Photograph
- Educational Certificates / Marksheets
- Valid Income Certificate
- Domicile Certificate
- Caste/Community Certificate
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Bank Account Details
- Any other document as required
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the main objective of this scheme?
The scheme aims to provide premium education to meritorious OBC, EBC, and DNT students from Class 9 to Class 12 by funding their tuition, hostel, and other school-related expenses.
Q2. Who implements this scheme?
It is a Central Sector component, implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, with assistance from state governments and NSP.
Q3. What is the eligibility income limit?
The annual household income must be below ₹2.5 lakhs.
Q4. How are slots allocated to states?
Slots are allocated based on OBC population data, ensuring fair distribution.
Q5. How are Top Class Schools selected?
Schools are selected by a committee including MoSJ&E, NITI Aayog, and Department of School Education, and must have 100% pass record in Class 10 & 12 exams.
Q6. How much scholarship amount is given?
- ₹75,000 per annum for Class 9 & 10 students.
- ₹1,25,000 per annum for Class 11 & 12 students.
Q7. Where can students apply?
Applications can be submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – scholarships.gov.in.
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🔹 Conclusion
The PM-YASASVI: Top Class School Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students is a landmark initiative by the Government of India aimed at bridging the educational gap for disadvantaged sections of society. By providing financial assistance up to ₹1,25,000 per year, the scheme ensures that bright students from weaker backgrounds can access premium education without financial stress.
Through this initiative, the government not only promotes social justice and empowerment but also nurtures the future leaders of India. Students, parents, and schools must actively utilize this opportunity through the NSP Portal and ensure deserving children benefit from the scheme.
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