1. Scholarship Amount
The scheme offers varying scholarship amounts based on the level of education:
- Undergraduate Level: ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years.
- Postgraduate Level: ₹20,000 per annum.
- Professional Courses: For five-year courses, students receive ₹20,000 per annum in the 4th and 5th years.
2. Reservation Policy
To promote inclusivity, the scholarship adheres to the following reservation norms:
- SC (Scheduled Castes): 15%
- ST (Scheduled Tribes): 7.5%
- OBC (Other Backward Classes): 27%
- Differently Abled (PwD): 5% horizontal reservation across all categories
3. Duration and Renewal
- Duration: The scholarship is awarded for a maximum of five years, covering the duration of the course.
- Renewal Criteria:
- Maintain a minimum of 50% marks in the annual examination.
- Ensure at least 75% attendance in the academic year.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Performance: Secure above the 80th percentile in the relevant stream in Class XII from a recognized board.
- Course Enrollment: Be enrolled in a regular degree course (not correspondence or distance mode) in a recognized institution.
- Family Income: The annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
- Other Scholarships: Not availing any other scholarship or fee reimbursement.
Application Process
The application process is streamlined through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP):
- Registration: scholarships.gov.in and create a student profile.
- Application Submission: Fill in the required details and upload necessary documents.
- Institute Verification: Submit the application to the head of the institution for verification.
- State Verification: The concerned State Higher Education Department or any other designated agency verifies the application.
- Merit List: A merit list is generated based on academic performance and other criteria.
Note: The application deadlines and verification timelines are specified on the NSP portal.
Disbursement of Scholarship
The scholarship amount is disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. To facilitate this:
- Bank Account: The student must have a savings bank account in their name.
- Aadhaar Linking: The bank account should be linked with Aadhaar for seamless transfer.
- Payment Tracking: Students can track their payment status through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) portal.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 1st July 2024
- Application End Date: 19th January 2025
- Institute Level Verification: 15th November 2024
- State Nodal Agency Verification: 30th November 2024
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Class XII Marksheet: Proof of academic performance.
- Income Certificate: To verify family income.
- Caste Certificate: If applicable.
- Aadhaar Card: For identity verification.
- Bank Account Details: To facilitate scholarship disbursement.
- Bonafide Certificate: From the institution confirming enrollment.
Scholarship Application
Conclusion
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students stands as a testament to the Government of India’s commitment to fostering education and inclusivity. By providing financial assistance to deserving students, the scheme not only alleviates the financial burden but also empowers the youth to pursue their academic aspirations. As we move towards a knowledge-driven economy, initiatives like these play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter and more equitable future for all.