In a country like India, where every child has a big dream, education is the strongest way to turn that dream into reality. But many times children are unable to complete their studies due to financial constraints. Especially children from minority communities have to face many challenges. This is the reason why the Government of India has started the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minorities, so that children from economically weaker minority families can get an opportunity to get education. In this article, we will talk about this scheme in detail, so that you can understand it easily and take advantage of it.

What is Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme?

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme is for children from minority communities who are studying from class 1 to 10. The aim of this scheme is that no child is forced to leave school due to financial constraints. This scheme is run under the Ministry of Minority Affairs of the Government of India. This scholarship is given to children studying in government and private schools, which includes both students living in hostels and those who go to school during the day.

The biggest advantage of this scheme is that it reduces the financial burden on the parents of the children. This scholarship helps in meeting the tuition fees, book expenses, and other school related expenses. Also, it encourages children to focus on studies and build a better future.

Ishan Uday: Special Scholarship Scheme for Students of Northeast

Who can take benefit of this scheme?

This scholarship is for children who belong to minority communities. The Government of India has recognized six communities as minorities: Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis. If you belong to any of these communities, your children may be eligible for this scheme. But for this, some conditions have to be fulfilled:

• Education level: The child should be studying from class 1 to 10 in a government or recognized private school.
• Marks in previous class: The child must have secured at least 50% marks in his previous class. That is, if your child is in class 6, he must have secured 50% or more marks in class 5.
• Family income: The annual income of the family should not exceed Rs 1 lakh from all sources.
• Citizenship: The child must be a citizen of India.
• Regular studies: The child must study regularly in school.

These conditions may sound complicated, but they are not very difficult to fulfill. If your child fulfills these conditions, then you can apply for this scholarship.

What are the benefits of this scholarship?

Under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, various types of financial aid are given to children. This aid varies depending on the class and status of the child (hosteller or day-scholar). Let us understand this in detail:

1. Class 1 to 5

• Maintenance Allowance: Day-scholar children get Rs 100 every month, i.e. Rs 1000 for 10 months in a year. This amount is for books, stationery, and small expenses.
• This allowance is fixed separately for children living in hostels, but for classes 1 to 5, generally only day scholars get this allowance.

2. Class 6 to 10:

• Admission fee: Rs 500 aid is given every year.
• Tuition Fees: Rs 350 per month, i.e. Rs 3500 for 10 months in a year.
• Maintenance Allowance: Day scholar children get Rs 100 per month (Rs 1000 per year) and hostel children get Rs 600 per month (Rs 6000 per year).

This amount may seem small, but it is a huge relief for financially weak families. This scholarship helps children to stay in school and complete their studies.

How to Apply

Applying for this scholarship is very easy. The entire process is online and is done through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The website address is: www.scholarships.gov.in. Let us understand the application process step-by-step:

1. Registration

• First of all go to the National Scholarship Portal.
• If you are applying for the first time, click on “New Registration”.
• Fill in your Aadhaar number, name, date of birth, and other required details.
• If the child is below 18 years of age, registration must be done in the name of the parent or guardian.
• After registration you will get a unique registration number, keep it safely.

2. Login and Form Filling:

• After registration, login with your registration number and password.
• Select “Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minorities” and fill in the required details in the form. This will include the child’s name, school details, and bank account details.
• Fill all the information carefully, because any mistake may lead to rejection of the application.

3. Uploading Documents

Important Dcouments

• Passport size photo of the child
• Aadhaar Card or Aadhaar Enrolment ID
• Income certificate (issued by the competent authority)
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• School fees receipt
• Last year mark sheet
• Bank account passbook copy (containing IFSC code)
• If the child is below 18 years, then parents’ income certificate and self-certified declaration has to be submitted.

4. Application Submission:

• After uploading all the information and documents check the form carefully.
• Submit the form and keep a print copy of it.
• Submit a hard copy of it to your school or institute, as the school has to verify it.

5. Check Application Status

• You can check the status of your application by logging in to the portal. For this, go to the “Status” section and enter the registration number and date of birth.

Important Dates

The application process starts from July-August every year and the last date of application is usually by October. You have to keep an eye on the National Scholarship Portal for the exact dates for the 2025-26 session. If the last date is over, you will not be able to apply for that year. Therefore, it is very important to apply on time.

Some Special Things

• 30% seats for girls: 30% of the scholarships in this scheme are reserved for girls to promote their education.
• Renewal: If your child is already availing this scholarship, then renewal will have to be done for the next year. For this also, go to the portal and select “Renewal Login” and update the new information.
• Avoid mistakes: While filling the application form, fill all the information correctly. Providing wrong information may result in the rejection of your application.
• Helpline: If you have any problem, you can contact the helpline of the National Scholarship Portal. Apart from this, you can also take help from your school teachers.

Importance of this Scheme

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme is not just a scheme to provide financial aid, but it is an effort to make the children of minority communities self-reliant through education. This scheme encourages children to stay in school and complete their studies. Also, it motivates parents to send their children to school so that they do not leave their studies due to financial constraints.

When children study and stand on their own feet, not only their future improves, but the entire society and country progresses. This scheme is a ray of hope for those families who want to educate their children but are unable to do so due to lack of money.

What to do if there is a mistake in the Application?

Sometimes mistakes are made while filling the application form. The good thing is that the National Scholarship Portal opens a correction window for some time. During this time you can correct the mistakes in your form. But this correction window opens for a very short time, so you should keep checking the portal regularly.

Some Tips

• Apply on time: Do not wait for the last date. Complete the application as soon as possible.
• Keep the documents ready: Collect all the documents in advance so that there is no problem at the time of application.
• Contact the school: Speak to a teacher or principal at school, as they will be aware of the scheme and can help you.
• Keep an eye on the portal: Keep checking the National Scholarship Portal for updates from time to time.

At the End

Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minorities is a scheme that opens the doors of education for children from minority communities. It not only provides financial help but also gives children a chance to fulfill their dreams. If you are eligible for this scheme, then apply without delay. This is a golden opportunity to secure your child’s future.

If you have any questions or need more information, visit the National Scholarship Portal or contact your nearest school or minority welfare office. Education is every child’s right, and through this scheme, the government is ensuring that no child is deprived of this right