The NSP Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Class 1 to 10), Jammu & Kashmir 2025 is a major initiative of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, designed to uplift Scheduled Caste (SC) children pursuing school education in the Union Territory. The scheme aims to reduce dropout rates among SC students, particularly during the critical transition from elementary to secondary education. By providing financial support in the form of academic allowances, the programme encourages students to stay in school, complete their studies, and enhance their academic foundation. This scholarship covers both day scholars and hostellers, offering structured assistance based on class level and category, especially for children of manual scavengers and workers engaged in hazardous cleaning. It also promotes inclusive education by offering additional allowances for students with disabilities, ensuring that every eligible SC student receives the necessary support to continue schooling without financial burden.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 31 December 2025
• Application Mode: Online through National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
• Beneficiary Category: Scheduled Caste Students, Jammu & Kashmir
• Academic Year: 2025–2026

Objectives of the Scheme

The scheme has been introduced with the following well-defined objectives:

1. Reduce Dropout Rates

A primary goal is to prevent dropouts among SC students, particularly during the shift from elementary to secondary level (Classes 1–10).

2. Promote Inclusive Education

The scheme ensures SC students from economically weaker households receive equal opportunities to pursue education without financial challenges.

3. Support Children of Manual Scavengers

A special component supports children of workers involved in manual scavenging, waste picking, tanning, flaying, and hazardous cleaning.

4. Provide Financial Assistance for School Education

It extends financial aid as annual academic allowances to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for uniforms, books, stationery, and other educational needs.

5. Encourage Regular Attendance and Consistent Performance

Scholars must maintain 75% attendance and satisfactory academic performance, ensuring engagement in the school system.

6. Promote Education for Students with Disabilities

An extra 10% allowance is provided to SC students with disabilities to support their special needs.

Key Features of the Scheme

1. Centrally Sponsored – Implemented Through NSP

The scholarship falls under a central government programme but is implemented for students of Jammu & Kashmir.

2. Support for Classes 1 to 10

• Component I: SC Students (Classes 9–10)
• Component II: Children of manual scavengers (Classes 1–10)

3. Academic Allowance for Day Scholars & Hostellers

Annual financial assistance differs based on class and residential status.

4. Extra Allowance for Disabled Students

10% extra academic allowance for students with certified disabilities.

5. Aadhaar-Based Attendance System

Attendance is monitored digitally to ensure transparency and compliance.

6. Scholarship Renewal

Renewable annually until completion of Class 10, based on academic performance and attendance.

7. Strict Anti-Fraud Mechanism

Students submitting false documents are blacklisted and must repay the amount.

8. Emphasis on Digitization

Verification of caste, income, and attendance records is digitized for ease of processing.

Scholarship Amount (Annual Academic Allowance)

Additional Support

🔹 10% extra allowance for disabled students with a valid medical certificate.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students, applicants must meet the following conditions:

General Eligibility

• Must be an Indian National and domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category.

Component I Eligibility – SC Students (Classes 9 & 10)

• Must be studying in Classes 9 or 10.
• Must be enrolled in a government or recognized private school.
• Annual family income must be ₹2,50,000 or below.

Component II Eligibility – Children of Manual Scavengers (Classes 1–10)

Applicants must be children of workers engaged in:

• Manual scavenging
• Tanning
• Flaying
• Waste picking
• Hazardous cleaning

Must be studying in Classes 1 to 10 in government or recognized private schools.

Reservation Policy

The scheme is exclusively for Scheduled Caste students, hence reservation is inherently provided by limiting eligibility to the SC community.
Within the SC category, priority is given to:

1. Children of Manual Scavengers

They receive higher benefits under Component II.

2. Students with Disabilities

They receive 10% extra allowance over the standard amount.

3. Poorest and Economically Vulnerable SC Families

Selection considers income and vulnerability during final allocation.

Distribution of Scholarships

The scholarship is distributed based on:

1. Fulfillment of Eligibility

Only applicants meeting all eligibility parameters are selected.

2. Annual Allocation of Funds

Funds are disbursed directly into the student’s or parent’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

3. Attendance & Academic Performance

Renewal depends on maintaining:

• 75% attendance
• Satisfactory performance

4. Component-Wise Distribution

• Higher payouts for hostellers
• Higher payouts for students under Component II
• Extra 10% for students with disabilities

5. No Scholarship for Repeating a Class

A student repeating the same class is not eligible for scholarship benefits for that year.

Documents Required

Mandatory Documents

• SC Caste Certificate
• Income Certificate
• Aadhaar Card of student and parent/guardian
• Domicile Certificate (Jammu & Kashmir)
• School admission proof
• Previous academic year marksheet (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Bank account details (name, branch, account number, IFSC)
• Signed declaration form as prescribed

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Disability medical certificate
• Orphanage certificate
• Certificate for children of manual scavengers

Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Step 1 – Registration

• Navigate to NSP platform.
• Click on New Registration.
• Read instructions and proceed.

Step 2 – Enter Mobile Number & OTP

• Provide a valid mobile number.
• Complete OTP verification.

Step 3 – OTR (One-Time Registration)

• Create an OTR profile by entering basic details.
• Save the Temporary Registration Number.
• Complete face authentication through the OTR mobile app.

Step 4 – Login to NSP

• Visit the student login page.
• Log in using OTR credentials.

Step 5 – Select the Scholarship

• Choose Centrally Sponsored Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Jammu & Kashmir).

Step 6 – Fill the Application Form

Enter details related to:

• Personal information
• Address
• Academic information
• School details
• Bank details
• Category & income

Step 7 – Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of all required documents.

Step 8 – Final Submission

• Verify all details carefully.
• Submit the form for institutional verification.
• No changes can be made after submission.

Step 9 – Verification by Authorities

• School/Institute verifies application.
• District/State authorities review and approve.

Step 10 – Scholarship Disbursement

• After approval, scholarship amount is credited via DBT to the student’s bank account.

Selection Criteria

Candidates are selected on the basis of:

1. Eligibility Fulfillment

All eligibility parameters must be satisfied.

2. Income Verification

Lower-income families are given priority.

3. Category Priority

Children of manual scavengers receive priority under Component II.

4. Document Verification

All documents must be accurate and verifiable.

Terms & Conditions

• Scholarship is renewable until Class 10 subject to 75% attendance and satisfactory academic performance.
• Students unable to take the annual exam due to illness may renew on submission of a valid medical certificate.
• Scholarship is awarded only once for each class; repetition of the class disqualifies the student.
• Students found using false documents or misleading information will:
  • Have their scholarship cancelled
  • Be required to refund the amount
  • Be permanently blacklisted from all government scholarship schemes
• The Government of India may amend scheme guidelines at any time.
• Aadhaar-based attendance is mandatory.