- For the 2026-27 session the National Scholarship Portal opened on 1 June 2026 and closes for student applications on 31 October 2026, with a mandatory One Time Registration
- Central OBC pre-matric and post-matric scholarships are now delivered under the PM-YASASVI umbrella scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- The National Fellowship for OBC offers 300 fresh research fellowships a year with stipends of Rs 25,000 for JRF and Rs 28,000 for SRF.
An OBC scholarship is financial support offered to students from Other Backward Classes, one of the largest social groups in India, estimated at roughly 41 percent of the population. Central and state governments run several OBC scholarship schemes to help talented students from weaker financial backgrounds continue their education.
These scholarships aim to improve access to education and training for socially and economically disadvantaged OBC students. The Government of India funds the main schemes, while states and union territories implement them, so raising social and economic status is closely linked to widening access to schooling and higher education.
What Is the OBC Scholarship?
An OBC scholarship is financial aid given by the central and state governments to students from Other Backward Classes in India. It covers pre-matric, post-matric, merit-based, fellowship and overseas study support, helping economically weaker OBC students meet tuition, maintenance and academic costs so that limited family income does not interrupt their education.
OBC scholarships are usually treated as merit-cum-means awards, so students generally need both a qualifying academic record and a family income below the ceiling fixed by each scheme. A valid OBC caste certificate and an income certificate from a competent authority are the two documents almost every scheme asks for.
Government Scholarships for Indian StudentsRead →Which OBC Scholarship Schemes Are Available in 2026?
The main central OBC schemes in 2026 are the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships, now delivered under the PM-YASASVI umbrella of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, plus the National Fellowship for OBC and the National Overseas Scholarship. Several states also run their own OBC scholarship programmes through the National Scholarship Portal.
| Scheme (2026) | Provider | Level / Target | Number of Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Fellowship for OBC (NF-OBC) | Min. of Social Justice and Empowerment / UGC | MPhil and PhD research | 300 per year |
| Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC | Min. of Social Justice and Empowerment (PM-YASASVI) | School classes up to matriculation | As per state allocation |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC | Min. of Social Justice and Empowerment (PM-YASASVI) | Class XI to postgraduation | As per state allocation |
| National Overseas Scholarship (OBC) | Min. of Social Justice and Empowerment | Postgraduate study abroad | Limited slots |
| State OBC Scholarships | Respective State Governments | Pre- and post-matric | Varies by state |
How Do You Apply for OBC Scholarships Online Through NSP?
Applicants apply through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. Complete the mandatory One Time Registration, log in, and open the application form. Select the relevant OBC scheme, fill in personal, academic and bank details, upload the required documents, and submit before the deadline. Institutes then verify each application at their level.
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in and complete the One Time Registration (OTR).
- Log in with your registered credentials and verify the OTP sent to your mobile number.
- Open the Application Form and select the OBC scheme you are eligible for.
- Fill in your registration, academic and personal details, then save and continue.
- Add scheme details and upload your caste certificate, income certificate and academic records.
- Review everything and click Final Submit, then note your application ID for tracking.
What Documents Are Required for the OBC Scholarship?
You typically need a caste certificate confirming OBC status, an income certificate, mark sheets and educational certificates, an admission or bonafide letter, Aadhaar and identity proof, bank account details for Direct Benefit Transfer, and a recent passport-size photograph. Some schemes also ask for a domicile certificate and previous-year fee receipts.
- OBC caste certificate issued by a competent authority
- Family income certificate
- Mark sheets and certificates of previous qualifications
- Admission or bonafide certificate from the institution
- Aadhaar card and identity proof
- Bank account details for Direct Benefit Transfer
- Recent passport-size photograph
Who Is Eligible for the National Fellowship for OBC?
The National Fellowship for OBC supports OBC students pursuing regular, full-time MPhil or PhD research at recognised universities and institutions. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment funds it and the UGC implements it, offering 300 fresh fellowships each year with monthly stipends of Rs 25,000 for JRF and Rs 28,000 for SRF.
The fellowship is a central sector scheme meant to give OBC research scholars the same support available to other categories. Candidates must be pursuing research at a recognised university or institution and are usually selected in line with the UGC National Eligibility Test criteria before the fellowship is sanctioned.
What Is the PM-YASASVI Scheme for OBC Students?
PM-YASASVI is the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment umbrella scheme that clubs together OBC, EBC and DNT scholarships. It combines Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships, Top-Class school and college education support, and hostel construction. Students apply online for the pre-matric and post-matric components through the National Scholarship Portal.
- Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT students
- Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT students
- Top-Class School Education support
- Top-Class College Education support
- Construction of hostels for OBC boys and girls
Which States Offer OBC Scholarships?
Most Indian states run their own OBC scholarships alongside the central schemes. West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur and others offer pre-matric and post-matric support through dedicated portals or the National Scholarship Portal. Eligibility, income ceilings and award amounts vary by state, so check your state portal.
State schemes are usually restricted to domicile holders of that state and set their own income ceilings and award amounts. Students in West Bengal apply through the OASIS portal, Karnataka students use the ePASS system, and Madhya Pradesh runs the MP Scholarship 2.0 portal, while many other states channel applications through the National Scholarship Portal.
What Is the Last Date to Apply for OBC Scholarships in 2026?
For the 2026-27 session, the National Scholarship Portal opened on 1 June 2026, and the last date to submit most OBC scholarship applications is 31 October 2026. Institute-level verification runs until 15 November 2026. State scholarship portals set their own deadlines, so confirm the exact date for your scheme.