Assam SC Scholarship 2025: Empowering Scheduled Caste Students with Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships
The Assam SC Scholarship 2025 is a transformative initiative by the Directorate of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes, Assam, aimed at uplifting students from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. This centrally sponsored scheme, facilitated by the Government of India, offers Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for the academic year 2025–2026. Designed to foster educational equity and provide financial support, these scholarships empower SC students to pursue their academic dreams without financial constraints. Eligible students can apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the details, eligibility criteria, application process, and key dates for the Assam SC Scholarship 2025.
Overview
The Assam SC Scholarship Scheme is a beacon of hope for students from the Scheduled Caste community, enabling them to access quality education across various academic levels. The scheme is divided into two primary categories:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship: Supports students in Classes IX and X (Component-I) and children of parents or guardians engaged in unclean occupations (Classes I to X, Component-II).
- Post-Matric Scholarship: Facilitates higher education for SC students pursuing post-matriculation courses.
Administered by the Government of India, these scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens and promote educational inclusion for SC students in Assam. The application process is streamlined through the National Scholarship Portal, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Name of Scheme: Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students
- Scholarship Authority: Government of India
- Academic Session: 2025–2026
- Eligible Classes:
- Pre-Matric (Component-I): Classes IX to X
- Pre-Matric (Component-II): Classes I to X (for children of parents/guardians engaged in unclean occupations)
- Post-Matric: Post-matriculation level courses
- Application Platform: National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
- Helplines:
- Phone: 0120-6619540
- Email: helpdesk@nsp.gov.in
- Application Status: Open from 1st July 2025 to 30th September 2025
Why the Assam SC Scholarship Matters
Education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for social and economic mobility. For students from marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes, financial barriers often hinder access to quality education. The Assam SC Scholarship addresses this challenge by providing financial assistance to cover tuition fees, books, and other educational expenses. By supporting students at both pre-matric and post-matric levels, the scheme ensures that SC students can complete their schooling and pursue higher education, paving the way for brighter career prospects.
The scholarship also includes a special provision for children of parents engaged in unclean occupations, such as manual scavenging or other health-hazardous jobs. This targeted support underscores the scheme’s commitment to inclusivity and equity, ensuring that no student is left behind due to socio-economic challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
To avail of the Assam SC Scholarship, students must meet specific eligibility requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown of the criteria:
1. Community
- Requirement: Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, as recognized by the Government of India.
- Verification: A valid caste certificate issued by the competent authority is mandatory.
2. Citizenship
- Requirement: Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
- Note: The scholarship is exclusively for students residing in India.
3. State of Domicile
- Requirement: Applicants must be permanent residents of Assam. The state of domicile is critical, as applications may be verified by state authorities.
- Verification: Students must provide accurate details of their permanent address, supported by relevant documents.
4. Family Restriction
- Policy: All children of a parent or guardian are eligible to receive the scholarship benefits, ensuring that no sibling is excluded from the scheme.
5. Income Ceiling
The income criteria vary depending on the scholarship component:
- Pre-Matric (Component-I) and Post-Matric Scholarship:
- Income Limit: The annual income of the parents/guardians from all sources must not exceed ₹2.5 lakhs.
- Verification: An income certificate issued by the Circle Officer of the respective Revenue Circle is required.
- Pre-Matric (Component-II):
- Income Limit: No income ceiling applies for children of parents/guardians engaged in unclean occupations.
- Additional Requirement: A certificate from the District Social Welfare Office, an identified officer of a local body, civic agency, or any authority designated by the Assam Government is mandatory to confirm the parents’ occupation.
Types of Scholarships Under Assam SC Scholarship 2025
The Assam SC Scholarship Scheme is structured to cater to students at different educational stages. Here’s a detailed look at the two main categories:
1. Pre-Matric Scholarship
The Pre-Matric Scholarship is divided into two components:
- Component-I: For students in Classes IX and X.
- Objective: To support SC students in completing their secondary education.
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other educational expenses.
- Component-II: For children of parents/guardians engaged in unclean occupations (Classes I to X).
- Objective: To provide financial aid to children of parents working in hazardous or socially stigmatized occupations, such as manual scavenging or waste management.
- Benefits: Includes financial assistance for educational expenses, with no income ceiling to ensure maximum outreach.
2. Post-Matric Scholarship
- Target Group: SC students pursuing post-matriculation courses (e.g., undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, or professional courses).
- Objective: To enable SC students to access higher education and professional training, fostering career growth and economic independence.
- Benefits: Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and additional expenses like books and study materials.
How to Apply
The application process for the Assam SC Scholarship is entirely online and conducted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply:
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal:
- Go to scholarships.gov.in.
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection and access to a computer or smartphone.
- Complete One-Time Registration:
- Click on the One-Time Registration link on the NSP homepage.
- A new webpage will open, prompting you to enter personal details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, and Aadhaar number (or parent/guardian’s Aadhaar for minors).
- Create a unique username and password for future logins.
- Log in to the Portal:
- After registration, return to the NSP homepage and click on Login.
- Use your registered credentials to access the application dashboard.
- Fill Out the Application Form:
- Select the appropriate scholarship scheme (Pre-Matric Component-I, Pre-Matric Component-II, or Post-Matric).
- Enter all required details, including personal information, academic records, and bank account details.
- Ensure that the bank account is active and seeded with your Aadhaar number to facilitate Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Upload Required Documents:
- Scan and upload clear copies of the mandatory documents (listed below).
- Ensure that all documents meet the specified format and size requirements.
- Review and Submit:
- Double-check all entered details and uploaded documents for accuracy.
- Click Submit to complete the application process.
- Download and print the submitted application form for your records.
- Track Application Status:
- Use the NSP portal to monitor the status of your application.
- Respond promptly to any verification requests from state authorities.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents to complete their scholarship application:
- Bank Passbook:
- A copy of the bank passbook showing the account holder’s name, account number, IFSC code, and branch details.
- The account must be active and linked to the applicant’s Aadhaar number for DBT.
- Bonafide Certificate:
- A certificate issued by the head of the applicant’s educational institution, confirming their enrollment.
- Income Certificate:
- For Pre-Matric (Component-I) and Post-Matric Scholarships, an income certificate issued by the Circle Officer of the respective Revenue Circle is required.
- Not applicable for Pre-Matric (Component-II).
- Caste Certificate:
- A valid SC caste certificate issued by a competent authority to verify the applicant’s community status.
- Aadhaar Card:
- A copy of the applicant’s Aadhaar Card (or parent/guardian’s Aadhaar for minors).
- Aadhaar seeding with the bank account is mandatory for DBT.
- Additional Certificate for Component-II:
- For Pre-Matric (Component-II), a certificate from the District Social Welfare Office or designated authority confirming the parents’/guardians’ occupation in unclean or hazardous work.
Important Notes
- Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and in the prescribed format (e.g., PDF or JPEG, as specified by NSP).
- Incorrect or inactive bank account details may lead to payment failures, and the scholarship authority will not be responsible for such issues.
- Applicants must verify their Aadhaar seeding with their bank account to avoid delays in scholarship disbursement.
Important Dates
Mark your calendars with these key dates to ensure timely submission:
- Application Start Date: 1st July 2025
- Application Deadline: 30th September 2025
Applicants are advised to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues or last-minute delays.
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
To maximize your chances of securing the Assam SC Scholarship, consider the following tips:
- Start Early:
- Begin the application process as soon as the portal opens to have ample time for document preparation and verification.
- Verify Document Accuracy:
- Ensure all documents are up-to-date and correctly reflect your details. Any discrepancies may lead to application rejection.
- Check Bank Account Details:
- Confirm that your bank account is active and linked to your Aadhaar number to avoid payment issues.
- Contact the Helpline for Support:
- If you encounter issues during the application process, reach out to the NSP helpline at 0120-6619540 or email helpdesk@nsp.gov.in.
- Keep Copies of All Documents:
- Maintain digital and physical copies of your application form and uploaded documents for future reference.
- Monitor Application Status:
- Regularly check the NSP portal for updates on your application and respond promptly to any verification requests.
Benefits of the Assam SC Scholarship
The Assam SC Scholarship offers a range of benefits to support SC students in their educational journey:
- Financial Assistance: Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other academic expenses, reducing the financial burden on families.
- Inclusivity: Special provisions for children of parents in unclean occupations ensure that the most marginalized students receive support.
- Career Advancement: Post-Matric Scholarships enable students to pursue higher education, opening doors to professional and vocational opportunities.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Scholarships are disbursed directly to the student’s bank account, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
- Empowerment: By removing financial barriers, the scheme empowers SC students to achieve academic excellence and contribute to society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the Assam SC Scholarship?
Only students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, who are Indian nationals and permanent residents of Assam, are eligible. For Pre-Matric (Component-I) and Post-Matric Scholarships, the family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakhs per annum. No income ceiling applies for Pre-Matric (Component-II).
2. How can I apply for the scholarship?
Applications must be submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). Follow the steps outlined above for registration, form filling, and document submission.
3. What documents are required?
Mandatory documents include a bank passbook, bonafide certificate, income certificate (for Component-I and Post-Matric), caste certificate, Aadhaar card, and, for Component-II, a certificate verifying the parents’ occupation.
4. What is the application deadline?
The last date to submit applications is 30th September 2025.
5. How will the scholarship amount be disbursed?
The scholarship amount is disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the applicant’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
Conclusion
The Assam SC Scholarship 2025 is a vital initiative that empowers Scheduled Caste students to pursue their educational aspirations without financial constraints. By offering Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships, the scheme ensures that students from diverse backgrounds, including those whose parents work in unclean occupations, have access to quality education. With a user-friendly application process through the National Scholarship Portal and clear eligibility criteria, the Assam SC Scholarship is a stepping stone toward a brighter future for SC students.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Apply for the Assam SC Scholarship 2025 between 1st July 2025 and 30th September 2025 at scholarships.gov.in. For additional guidance, refer to the official notification and scholarship guidelines available on the NSP website or contact the helpline for support.
Important Web Links
- Online Application Form: Click Here
- One-Time Registration: Register | Login
- Official Notification: Click Here
- Scholarship Guidelines:Pre-Matric | Post-Matric
- Official Website: Click Here