- From 2022-23 the Pre-Matric Scholarship for minority students covers only Classes IX and X, because Classes I to VIII are now covered by the Right to Education Act
- The SC Pre-Matric income ceiling is Rs 2.5 lakh and the minority ceiling is Rs 1 lakh
- Applications for 2026-27 are made on the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
The Pre-Matric Scholarship is a Government of India welfare scheme that financially supports school education for students from economically weaker and backward communities, including Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, OBC and notified minority families. Its main aim is to reduce the school dropout rate in the secondary classes across every state and Union Territory of India.
What Is the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme in 2026?
The Pre-Matric Scholarship is a government scheme that gives financial support to school students from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, OBC and notified minority communities. It aims to reduce dropout rates in secondary school. Since 2022-23 it covers only Classes IX and X, applied for through the National Scholarship Portal.
Separate pre-matric schemes are run by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment for SC students, by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for ST students, and by the Ministry of Minority Affairs for students from the six notified minority communities: Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains and Zoroastrians (Parsis). All of them are applied for on the common National Scholarship Portal.
Post-Matric Scholarship guideRead →Who Is Eligible for the Pre-Matric Scholarship?
Eligibility depends on the category. SC students in Classes IX and X need family income under Rs 2.5 lakh, while minority-community students need income under Rs 1 lakh and at least 50% marks in the previous exam. Applicants must study in a recognised government or private school in India.
- SC Pre-Matric: Classes IX and X, parental income from all sources not above Rs 2.5 lakh per annum.
- Minority Pre-Matric: Classes IX and X, parental income not above Rs 1 lakh, with at least 50% marks in the previous final examination.
- The student must be enrolled in a recognised government or private school in India.
- A minimum of 30% of the minority scholarships is earmarked for eligible girl students in each state or Union Territory.
How Much Scholarship Amount Do Students Get?
For SC students, the 2022-23 revised rates give day scholars Rs 3,500 per year and hostellers Rs 7,000 per year. Minority students receive admission and tuition fees plus a maintenance allowance as per scheme norms. A minimum 30% of minority scholarships are earmarked for eligible girl students each year.
| Category (2026-27) | Day Scholar (per year) | Hosteller (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| SC Pre-Matric (Class IX-X) | Rs 3,500 | Rs 7,000 |
| Minority Pre-Matric (Class IX-X) | Admission/tuition fee plus maintenance allowance as per norms | As per norms |
How Do You Apply on the National Scholarship Portal?
Students apply online at scholarships.gov.in, the National Scholarship Portal. First complete the One Time Registration to get a 14-digit OTR number linked to Aadhaar. Then log in, fill personal, academic and bank-account details accurately, upload documents, and submit before the deadline for verification by the school and state.
- Visit scholarships.gov.in and complete the One Time Registration (OTR) to receive a unique 14-digit number based on Aadhaar.
- Log in and enter your name, date of birth, email and mobile number correctly.
- Fill in bank details including name, branch, account number and IFSC code accurately, as wrong details lead to cancellation.
- Use a bank account in the student's name or a joint account with a parent or legal guardian, and keep it active until the amount is credited.
- Upload the required documents and submit the application before the deadline for school and state verification.
What Documents Are Required to Apply?
Applicants need a passport-size photo, institute verification certificate, income certificate, caste or community certificate, self-attested previous mark sheet, current-year fee receipt, active bank-account details, domicile certificate and Aadhaar or a school bonafide certificate. Files must be in PDF or JPEG format and each must not exceed 200 KB in size.
How Can You Check Status and Renew the Scholarship?
Applicants track their application on the National Scholarship Portal using the check-your-status option with their registration number. For renewal, students must be promoted to the next class and score at least the required minimum marks, then reapply with fresh mark sheets each academic year to continue receiving the scholarship.
It is important to check the scholarship status regularly after applying. Students who have applied for the pre-matric scholarship can track it on the National Scholarship Portal by using the check-your-status option and entering their application or registration number to see whether it is under verification, sanctioned or disbursed.