Every child dreams of improving his future by studying. But this path can be a little difficult for some children, especially for those who are living with a disability. The Government of India has started many schemes to make education easy and accessible for these children and youth. One important scheme among these is the Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities. This scheme is for those students who are studying from class 11th to higher education and are facing financial or other challenges due to disability.

Today we will talk about this scheme in detail. We will see what this scheme is, who can take advantage of it, how to apply, and how it helps students. If you or someone in your family wants to take advantage of this scheme, then this article will be useful for you.

Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minorities: An Initiative to Make Education Easier

What is Post-Matric Scholarship?

Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is a scheme under which the government provides financial assistance to disabled students so that they can complete their studies. This scheme is run by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Its objective is that no disabled student should leave his studies midway due to financial constraints.

Under this scheme, financial assistance is given to students studying 11th, 12th, graduation, post graduation, diploma, and professional courses like medical, engineering, or management. This assistance is to cover tuition fees, books, and other necessary expenses. Apart from this, in some special cases, maintenance allowance is also given to the students, which helps in their daily expenses.

Who Can Avail The Benefit Of This Scheme?

This scheme is specially designed for those students who are studying with disabilities. But there are some conditions for this, which need to be fulfilled. Let us understand these conditions in simple language:

• Proof of Disability: The student must have a certificate of at least 40% or more disability. This certificate must be issued by a government hospital or an authorized medical board.
• Educational Qualification: The student must have passed class 10th and should be pursuing class 11th, graduation, post-graduation or any professional course from a recognized institute.
• Income limit: The annual income of the student’s family should not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh. This condition is so that students from economically weaker families get priority.
• Citizenship: The student must be a citizen of India.
• Other Scholarships: If the student is availing any other government scholarship, he/she will not be eligible for this scheme. However, if the benefit of the other scholarship is equal to or less than this scheme, then exemption may be given in some cases.

What Do You Get In Scholarship?

Under this scheme, various types of financial aid are given to the students. This aid depends on whether the student is a day-scholar (who studies from home) or is studying while staying in a hostel. Let us look at it in detail:

1. Maintenance Allowance:

• Day-scholar students get an allowance of Rs 500 to Rs 750 every month.
• Students living in hostels get an allowance of Rs 800 to Rs 1000.

2. Reimbursement of Tuition Fees:

If the student is studying in a recognized institute, then his tuition fees are paid by the government. However, there is a maximum limit for this, which may vary depending on the course.

3. Help with Books And Study Materials:

Students are given financial assistance ranging from Rs 1500 to Rs 2000 every year for books, stationery, and other necessary items.

4. Special Assistance for Disability:

If a student needs special equipment because of his or her disability, such as a wheelchair, hearing aid, or Braille books, additional support may be provided.

5. Other Expenses:

In some cases, students are also given financial aid for uniforms, project work, or thesis preparation.

How To Apply?

Applying for this scholarship is not very difficult, but you have to apply correctly and on time. The application process is online and is completed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Let’s understand it step-by-step:

1. Registration on National Scholarship Portal:

• First go to the NSP website (www.scholarships.gov.in) (www.scholarships.gov.in)
• Select the option “New Registration” there and register by filling in your details.
• After registration you will get a user ID and password.

2. Login and Form Filling:

• Login with your user ID and password.
• Select the application form for “Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities”.
• Fill your personal details, educational details, and bank account details carefully in the form.

3. Uploading of Documents:

• Disability Certificate
• 10th and 12th mark sheet
• Income Certificate
• Aadhar card
• Copy of bank passbook
• Please note that all documents must be scanned and uploaded and their size should be as per the guidelines of the portal.

4. Application Submission:

• After filling the form and uploading the documents, check it carefully.
• After this click on the “Submit” button. You will get an application number, keep it safe.

5. Checking Application Status:

• You can check the status of your application by logging into the NSP portal from time to time.
• If there is any deficiency, you will get information on the portal, which will have to be rectified.

Application Time And Important Dates

Usually, applications for this scholarship start between July to September every year. But to know the exact date, you should keep an eye on the NSP portal or your school/college website. Sometimes the dates may change, so keep getting updates from time to time.

Benefits Of This Scheme

This scheme not only provides financial help but also gives confidence and motivation to differently abled students. Some of the major benefits are as follows:

• Continuity in studies: With financial aid, students can complete their studies without any interruption.
• Self-reliance: This scheme helps students to become self-reliant, so that they can fulfill their dreams.
• Equal Opportunity: This scheme ensures that students with disabilities get equal opportunity for education like other students.
• Career Help: Students pursuing professional courses get an opportunity to improve their career through this scheme.

Keep Some Things In Mind

• Fill in the correct information: Avoid giving incorrect information while applying. If any information is found to be incorrect, your application may be rejected.
• Apply on time: Do not wait till the last date as the server might face technical issues.
• Keep documents ready: Prepare all the necessary documents in advance, so that there is no delay in the application process.
• Contact Helpline: If you have any problem, contact NSP helpline number (0120-6619540).

Conclusion

Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities is a scheme that helps make the dreams of Divyang students come true. It not only provides financial assistance but also promotes inclusive education in the society. If you or someone in your family is eligible for this scheme, then do not waste time. Apply today by visiting the NSP portal and give a new direction to your future.

Education is the right of every child, and through this scheme, the government is ensuring that no child is deprived of this right. If you have any questions, contact your school/college office or the NSP helpline. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity and give wings to your dreams!