To promote education in India, the government runs many schemes so that students from every section can complete their studies. One of the important schemes among these is Merit Cum Means Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses. This scholarship is for those students who are financially weak but perform well in studies. If you or any child in your family wants to do professional courses like engineering, medical, management, then this scheme can be very helpful for you. Let us know about this scheme in detail

What is Merit Cum Means Scholarship?

Merit cum Means Scholarship is a scheme run by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance to students from minority communities (Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi) who wish to take admission in professional and technical courses. The name of this scheme itself suggests that this scholarship is for meritorious (merit) and economically weaker (means) students. Its purpose is to ensure that no talented student leaves his studies due to lack of money.

Top Class Education Scheme: A Golden Opportunity for SC Students

Who Can Avail This Scholarship?

There are some necessary conditions to avail the benefits of this scheme. If you fulfill these conditions, then you can apply for it. Let us understand these conditions:

• Belonging to a minority community: This scholarship is only for students belonging to minority communities (Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi).
• Income limit: Your family’s annual income should not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh. For this you will have to provide income certificate.
• Educational Qualification: You must have secured at least 50% marks in the previous board or university exam. This condition applies if you are pursuing a graduation or post-graduation level course.
• Type of course: This scholarship is only for professional and technical courses. It includes engineering, medical, pharmacy, management, law, architecture, and some other technical courses. The complete list of these courses is available on the official website of the scheme.
• Institute: You must be admitted to a recognized institute. This institute should be recognized by the Central Government, State Government or UGC.

What is Covered In The Scholarship?

This scholarship provides two types of financial aid:

• Tuition Fees: If you are pursuing a professional course at degree or diploma level, a part of your tuition fees (maximum Rs 20,000 per year) is covered under this scholarship.
• Maintenance Allowance: Apart from this, students are also given maintenance allowance for food and other needs. This amount depends on whether you live in a hostel or at home. Students living in hostels get more allowance.

How Much Scholarship Is Available?

Every year 20,000 new scholarships are awarded across the country. These are distributed among states and union territories on the basis of minority population. This means that every state gets a certain quota. Also, 30% of the scholarships in this scheme are reserved for girls, so that more and more girls can pursue higher education.

How To Apply?

Applying for this scholarship is very easy, but you have to keep a few things in mind. Applications are accepted online only, and for this you have to visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Let us understand the application process step-by-step:

• Registration on NSP: First of all go to the National Scholarship Portal (www.scholarships.gov.in) and register yourself. For this you have to give your basic information, such as name, date of birth, mobile number and email ID.
• Login and fill the form: After registration, you will get a user ID and password. Use it to login and fill the form for Merit Cum Means Scholarship. In the form, you have to provide your educational information, course details, and bank account details.
• Uploading documents: You have to upload some important documents along with the application, such as:
  • Income Certificate
  • Minority community certificate
  • Last year mark sheet
  • Bank account information
  • Bonafide Certificate from the Institute
  • Aadhar card

• Submitting the application: Submit the form after checking all the information and documents. Double check all the information once before submitting, because wrong information may lead to rejection of the application.
• Verification Process: After submitting the form, your application will be verified first by your institute and then by the state government. If everything is found correct, the scholarship amount will be transferred directly to your bank account.

Application Time And Important Dates

Every year the application dates for scholarships are announced on the National Scholarship Portal. Usually the application process starts in July-August and continues till October-November. So, keep checking the portal in time and do not wait for the last date. If you delay, you may have to wait till next year.

Benefits Of This Scholarship

This scholarship not only provides financial aid, but also has several other benefits:

• Study Assistance: The fees for professional courses are quite high. This scholarship reduces that burden.
• Apply on time: Applications are not accepted after the last date
• Keep the documents complete: Keep all the necessary documents ready in advance, so that there is no delay in the application.
• Keep checking the portal: Check the NSP portal from time to time for information on application status, verification process, and scholarship amount.

Some Motivational Stories

There are many students who fulfilled their dreams with the help of this scholarship. For example, Nazia from Delhi, who belonged to a small family, completed her engineering studies with the help of this scholarship. Today she is working in a multinational company. Similarly, Harpreet from Punjab used this scholarship to study medicine and now he is serving the society as a doctor.

Conclusion

Merit cum Means Scholarship is a golden opportunity for those students who want to study in professional and technical courses despite financial constraints. This scheme not only provides financial help but also opens the way to turn your dreams into reality. If you or any child of your family fulfills the conditions of this scheme, then do not delay. Apply by visiting the National Scholarship Portal and give a new direction to your future

If you have any questions or need help applying, contact your institution’s scholarship officer or call the NSP helpline. Education is every child’s right, and schemes like this help you achieve that right.The author’s purpose is informational only. Please visit the official website www.scholarships.gov.in for accurate information and latest updates.