Umbrella Scheme Pre-Matric Scholarship For Education Of ST Students, Jammu And Kashmir 2025-26

Education is one of the most powerful tools for social and economic empowerment. However, students belonging to marginalized communities often face barriers in continuing their studies due to financial constraints. To bridge this gap, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, has introduced several initiatives under the Umbrella Scheme. One of the most impactful programs under this umbrella is the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Education of ST Students, Jammu and Kashmir 2025-26.

This scholarship is specially designed for students belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community who are pursuing their education in Class 9 and 10 in Jammu and Kashmir. Its main goal is to provide financial support, reduce dropout rates, and ensure that ST students transition smoothly from elementary to secondary education.

Let’s explore the scheme in detail — its objectives, eligibility, benefits, application process, and more.

Objectives Of The Scholarship

The Umbrella Scheme Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students has been launched with the following major objectives:

1. Encouraging Education – To promote education among Scheduled Tribe students studying at the secondary level.
2. Preventing Dropouts – Many tribal students drop out after Class 8 due to financial issues. This scheme ensures that they continue their studies till at least Class 10.
3. Reducing Financial Burden – By providing monetary assistance for tuition, books, and other educational needs, it eases the financial load on ST families.
4. Promoting Equality – It works toward providing equal educational opportunities to tribal students so they can compete with students from other communities.
5. Empowering The Marginalized – Education empowers tribal children to build better futures for themselves and contribute to the nation’s growth.

Eligibility Criteria

To avail of this scholarship, students must meet the following conditions:

• The applicant must be an Indian national.
• The applicant must be a domicile of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The student must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
• The student must be studying as a regular full-time student in Class 9 or 10 in:
  • A Government school, or
  • A school recognized by the Government, or
  • A school affiliated with the Central/State Board of Secondary Education.
• The annual family income of the student’s parents/guardians must not exceed ₹2,50,000.
• The student must not be receiving any other centrally-funded Pre-Matric Scholarship at the same time.

Important Note: If a student is selected for more than one scholarship, they must choose one and inform the authorities through their school head.

Scholarship Benefits

The scheme offers a consolidated allowance to selected students. The benefits differ for day scholars and hostellers.

1. For Day Scholars (per annum):

• Scholarship for 10 months – ₹2,250
• Books and ad-hoc grant – ₹750
• Total – ₹3,000 annually

2. For Hostellers (per annum):

• Scholarship for 10 months – ₹5,250
• Books and ad-hoc grant – ₹1,000
• Total – ₹6,250 annually

3. Additional Disability Allowance:

Students with disabilities (Divyangjan) will get extra support as follows:

• Hostellers – ₹800 per month (₹9,600 annually)
• Day Scholars – ₹600 per month (₹7,200 annually)

This allowance is available to students with disabilities such as blindness, hearing impairment, locomotor disabilities, cerebral palsy, leprosy-cured students, sickle cell anemia, or thalassemia. A valid medical certificate from a competent authority is required.

Impact: This additional support ensures that disabled students get equal opportunities and financial aid to pursue their studies without discrimination.

Required Documents

Applicants must keep the following documents ready while applying:

1. Passport-sized Photograph
2. Aadhaar Number
3. Domicile Certificate
4. Caste Certificate issued by a competent authority
5. Family Income Certificate issued by a designated authority (Gram Panchayat/Tehsildar/SDM/DM, etc.)
6. Disability Certificate (if applicable)

Note:

• Self-declared income certificates or affidavits are not accepted.
• Only certificates issued by government-notified authorities are valid.

How To Apply For The Scholarship?

Eligible students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the NSP Website – Go to scholarships.gov.in.
2. New Registration – Click on “New User? Register Yourself” and fill in the basic details.
3. One-Time Registration (OTR) – Complete the OTR process by entering your mobile number and Aadhaar details. Face authentication through the OTR mobile app is required.
4. Login – Use your credentials to log in to the portal.
5. Select Scholarship – Choose “Umbrella Scheme Pre-Matric Scholarship for Education of ST Students, J&K 2025-26.”
6. Fill Application Form – Enter academic, personal, and bank details.
7. Upload Documents – Upload scanned copies of all required documents.
8. Preview & Submit – Review the form carefully before submitting it.

Important: Once submitted, the application cannot be edited. Multiple submissions will lead to rejection.

Selection Process

The selection will be purely based on fulfilling the eligibility criteria. Priority will be given to students from low-income families and those who provide complete and valid documentation.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline – 20th September 2025
• Late submissions will not be accepted.

Terms And Conditions

• The scholarship is valid for one academic year only.
• Payments are made for 10 months of the academic year.
• Students promoted from Class 9 to 10 may renew their scholarship if they maintain regular attendance and good behavior.
• Income certificate needs to be submitted only once at the time of admission.
• Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for renewal.
• If a student fails in a class, the scholarship may still continue for one additional year.
• Orphans with guardians are exempt from the income limit requirement.
• If both parents are employed, their combined income will be considered.
• The Government of India may modify the scheme at any time.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The Umbrella Scheme Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students in Jammu and Kashmir is not just about financial assistance; it is about empowerment, equality, and opportunity. Here’s why it matters:

• Bridges Educational Gaps – Many tribal students drop out early due to lack of money. This scheme prevents that.
• Supports Families – By covering educational expenses, it reduces the financial stress on tribal households.
• Encourages Girl Child Education – Families are motivated to educate their daughters as well.
• Helps Students With Disabilities – Extra allowances ensure no child is left behind.
• Long-Term Impact – Educated tribal students can break the cycle of poverty and uplift their entire communities.