OBC Scholarship 2025: Empowering Education for Assam’s OBC Students

The OBC Scholarship Scheme 2025-2026, launched by the Directorate of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Assam, is a transformative initiative designed to support students from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community in pursuing their educational dreams. Backed by the Government of India, this centrally sponsored program offers Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships to empower students by alleviating financial barriers and fostering academic excellence. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential details about the OBC Scholarship 2025, including eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, important dates, and more, to help eligible students seize this opportunity.

Table of Contents

What is the OBC Scholarship Scheme?

The OBC Scholarship Scheme is a flagship program aimed at providing financial assistance to students belonging to the OBC community in Assam. It is divided into two categories:

Pre-Matric Scholarship: For students studying in Classes IX and X.
Post-Matric Scholarship: For students pursuing post-matriculation courses, such as undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs.

This initiative reflects the Government of India’s commitment to promoting inclusive education and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented OBC students from achieving their academic and professional goals. By offering financial aid, the scheme supports students in covering tuition fees, books, and other educational expenses, paving the way for a brighter future.

Why the OBC Scholarship Matters

Education is a powerful tool for social and economic upliftment, and the OBC Scholarship Scheme plays a pivotal role in making quality education accessible to students from marginalized communities. Here’s why this scholarship is a game-changer:

Financial Support: Covers educational expenses, reducing the burden on families with limited resources.
Encourages Higher Education: Motivates students to pursue advanced studies and professional courses.
Promotes Equality: Bridges the gap between privileged and underprivileged communities by providing equal opportunities.
Empowers the OBC Community: Helps students from the OBC category achieve their dreams and contribute to society.

By investing in education, the OBC Scholarship Scheme fosters a cycle of empowerment, enabling students to break free from socio-economic challenges and build successful careers.

Key Details

Here’s a quick overview of the OBC Scholarship Scheme for the academic year 2025-2026:

Name of Scholarship: Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students
Scholarship Authority: Government of India
Administered By: Directorate of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Assam
Academic Session: 2025-2026
Eligible Classes:
Pre-Matric: Classes IX to X
Post-Matric: Post-matriculation level courses (e.g., undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, etc.)
Application Platform: National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – www.scholarships.gov.in
Application Status: Open from 1st July 2025 to 30th September 2025
Helpline:
Phone: 0120-6619540
Email: helpdesk@nsp.gov.in

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure that the scholarship reaches the right candidates, the Government of India has outlined specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for the OBC Scholarship 2025:

1. Community

The scholarship is exclusively for students belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) as per the Government of India’s classification.

2. Citizenship

Applicants must be Indian nationals. This scholarship is not available to international students or non-residents.

3. Family Restriction

A maximum of two boys from the same parents or guardian are eligible to receive the scholarship.
Girls are exempt from this restriction, meaning there is no limit on the number of girls from the same family who can apply. This provision ensures greater opportunities for female students.

4. Income Ceiling

The total annual income of the applicant’s parents or guardian from all sources must not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
Applicants must submit an Income Certificate issued by the Circle Officer of the respective Revenue Circle to verify this criterion.

5. Academic Requirements

Pre-Matric Scholarship: Students must be enrolled in Classes IX or X in a recognized school.
Post-Matric Scholarship: Students must be pursuing post-matriculation courses (e.g., Class XI, XII, undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, or certificate programs) at a recognized institution.

6. Additional Notes

Students receiving other centrally or state-sponsored scholarships may not be eligible, as per the scholarship guidelines.
Applicants must maintain satisfactory academic performance to continue receiving the scholarship.

How to Apply

The application process for the OBC Scholarship 2025 is entirely online and must be completed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Follow these step-by-step instructions to submit your application successfully:

Step 1: Visit the National Scholarship Portal

Go to the official website: www.scholarships.gov.in.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and access to a computer or smartphone.

Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration

On the NSP homepage, locate the One-Time Registration link.
Click on it to open the registration form.
Provide accurate personal details, including:
Name
Date of Birth
Mobile Number
Email Address
Aadhaar Number (optional, but recommended for DBT)
Create a secure password and submit the registration form.
Upon successful registration, you’ll receive a unique Application ID and password via email or SMS.

Step 3: Log In to the Portal

Return to the NSP homepage and click on the Login link.
Enter your Application ID and password to access the dashboard.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

Select the OBC Scholarship Scheme (Pre-Matric or Post-Matric) based on your eligibility.
Complete the application form by entering:
Personal details (name, address, etc.)
Academic details (current class/course, institution name, etc.)
Bank account details (account number, IFSC code, etc.)
Income details
Ensure all information is accurate to avoid rejection.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Scan and upload clear, legible copies of the required documents (listed below).
Ensure the file sizes meet the portal’s specifications (usually PDF or JPEG, under 200 KB).

Step 6: Review and Submit

Double-check all entered details and uploaded documents.
Click the Submit button to finalize your application.
Download and print a copy of the submitted application for your records.

Step 7: Track Application Status

Use your Application ID to log in to the NSP portal and track the status of your application.
Ensure your institution verifies your application before the Institute Level Verification deadline (15th October 2025).

Documents Required

To complete the application process, applicants must submit the following documents in digital format (scanned copies):

Bonafide Certificate:

A certificate issued by the Head of the Institution confirming the applicant’s enrollment in the current academic year.

Bank Passbook:

A copy of the first page of the applicant’s bank passbook, showing the account number, IFSC code, and branch details.
The account must be active and preferably linked with Aadhaar for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Income Certificate:

Issued by the Circle Officer of the respective Revenue Circle, confirming that the family’s annual income does not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakhs.

Caste Certificate:

A valid OBC caste certificate issued by the competent authority.

Aadhaar Card:

A copy of the applicant’s Aadhaar card (optional but recommended for seamless DBT transactions).

Important Notes:

Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and in the required format (PDF or JPEG).
Verify that the bank account is active and correctly seeded with Aadhaar to avoid payment failures.
The scholarship authority is not responsible for transaction failures due to incorrect or inactive bank details.

Important Dates

Mark your calendars with these key dates to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines:

Start of Online Application: 1st July 2025
Last Date for Online Application: 30th September 2025
Last Date for Institute Level Verification: 15th October 2025

Timely submission and verification are critical to securing the scholarship, so plan ahead and complete the process well before the deadlines.

Benefits of the OBC Scholarship

The OBC Scholarship offers a range of benefits to eligible students, including:

Financial Assistance: Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other educational expenses.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Funds are transferred directly to the student’s bank account, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Support for Academic Growth: Enables students to focus on studies without worrying about financial constraints.
Inclusivity for Girls: The absence of a family restriction for female applicants encourages more girls to pursue education.

By providing these benefits, the scholarship empowers OBC students to achieve their academic goals and contribute meaningfully to society.

Tips for a Successful Application

To maximize your chances of securing the OBC Scholarship, follow these tips:

Start Early: Begin the application process as soon as the portal opens on 1st July 2025 to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Double-Check Documents: Ensure all documents are accurate, up-to-date, and meet the portal’s specifications.
Verify Bank Details: Confirm that your bank account is active and linked with Aadhaar to ensure smooth DBT transactions.
Contact Your Institution: Coordinate with your school or college to ensure timely verification of your application.
Seek Help if Needed: If you face issues during the application process, contact the NSP helpline at 0120-6619540 or email helpdesk@nsp.gov.in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for the OBC Scholarship 2025?

Students belonging to the OBC community, pursuing Classes IX-X (Pre-Matric) or post-matriculation courses, with a family income not exceeding Rs. 2.5 lakhs per annum, are eligible.

2. Can girls from the same family apply for the scholarship?

Yes, there is no restriction on the number of girls from the same family who can apply. However, only two boys from the same parents/guardian are eligible.

3. How will the scholarship amount be disbursed?

The scholarship amount is disbursed directly to the student’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Ensure your bank account is active and linked with Aadhaar.

4. What happens if I miss the application deadline?

Applications submitted after 30th September 2025 will not be considered. Apply early to avoid missing the deadline.

5. Where can I find more information?

Visit the official National Scholarship Portal at www.scholarships.gov.in or refer to the official notification and guidelines for detailed information.

Important Links for OBC Scholarship 2025

Online Application Form: Apply Here
One-Time Registration: Register | Login
Official Notification: View Notification
Scholarship Guidelines: Pre-Matric | Post-Matric Guidelines | FAQs
Official Website: National Scholarship Portal

Conclusion

The OBC Scholarship Scheme 2025 is a golden opportunity for students from Assam’s OBC community to pursue their education without financial hurdles. By providing support for both Pre-Matric and Post-Matric students, this initiative fosters academic excellence and empowers young minds to achieve their dreams.

Don’t miss this chance to secure financial aid for your education. Visit the National Scholarship Portal today, complete your application before 30th September 2025, and take the first step toward a brighter future. For any assistance, reach out to the NSP helpline or your institution’s scholarship coordinator.

Empower your education, transform your future, and make the most of the OBC Scholarship 2025!