The main central scholarship for OBC students is PM YASASVI, which also covers EBC and DNT students. It has a pre-matric award for Classes 9 and 10 (Rs 4,000 a year), a post-matric award for Class 11 onwards (Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 a year), and a top-class school scheme with much larger support. The parental income limit is Rs 2.5 lakh a year.
Quick facts
| Component | Stage | Amount | Income limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM YASASVI pre-matric | Class 9-10, government schools | Rs 4,000 per year | Rs 2.5 lakh |
| PM YASASVI post-matric | Class 11 onwards, recognised courses | Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 per year by course group | Rs 2.5 lakh |
| PM YASASVI top class school | Class 9-12 in listed top schools | Up to Rs 75,000 (Class 9-10) and Rs 1.25 lakh (Class 11-12) per year | Rs 2.5 lakh |
Figures are from the scheme guidelines for 2021-22 to 2025-26. Last checked October 2026; confirm the latest guidelines on socialjustice.gov.in.
Who is eligible?
- OBC, EBC or DNT student with a valid certificate (students already covered under SC or ST schemes are excluded for pre-matric).
- Indian national studying full time in a recognised institution.
- Parents’ or guardians’ income from all sources not more than Rs 2.5 lakh a year. For post-matric, an employed student’s income is added to the parents’.
- At least 75 percent attendance.
- No other scholarship for the same classes; you must pick one.
- Only two boys per parent or guardian can receive the award, and at least 30 percent of beneficiaries are reserved for girls.
Post-matric amounts by course group
| Group | Total per year |
|---|---|
| Degree and PG professional courses | Rs 20,000 |
| Other professional courses, diploma, certificate | Rs 13,000 |
| Graduate and PG courses | Rs 8,000 |
| Post-Class 10 non-degree courses | Rs 5,000 |
Top class school scheme and the entrance test
The top class school component selects OBC, EBC and DNT students for listed schools through merit. Students applied for the National Testing Agency’s YASASVI entrance test, with a list of eligible schools published on yet.nta.ac.in. Dates differ every year, so check the NTA site for the current notice.
How to apply
- Register on scholarships.gov.in (OTR) or on your state portal, whichever your state uses for OBC schemes.
- Choose the PM YASASVI scheme matching your class.
- Fill in details; keep Aadhaar, income certificate, caste certificate and an Aadhaar-linked bank account ready.
- Submit and keep your application ID.
- Your school or college verifies; the state then approves and payment goes to your bank account.
For pre-matric, the guidelines say the school should help the student apply on the portal at admission, and renewals are automatic on promotion and attendance. Some states also run their own OBC schemes and portals, so check your state’s welfare department site as well.
Documents
- OBC/EBC/DNT certificate
- Income certificate
- Aadhaar and Aadhaar-linked bank account
- Previous marksheet and admission proof
- Domicile proof if your state asks
Deadline
Dates are set separately each year and for each component. Reports for 2026-27 mention 31 October 2026 as a closing date for PM YASASVI schemes on NSP, but I could not confirm this on the official page. Check the portal for the current deadline.
Common mistakes
- An OBC certificate that is expired, unsigned or not valid for the state awarding the scholarship.
- Income certificate from the wrong authority or the wrong year.
- Applying for both state and central schemes for the same stage.
- Not tracking attendance, which can stop payment.
- Missing verification at the institute.
OBC students have a clear ladder of support from Class 9 onward. Pick the component for your class, apply early on the right portal, and keep attendance above 75 percent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which scholarship is there for OBC students?
The main central scheme is PM YASASVI for OBC, EBC and DNT students, with pre-matric, post-matric and top class school components.
What is the income limit for OBC scholarship?
Rs 2.5 lakh per year of parents’ or guardians’ income for PM YASASVI.
How much is the OBC pre-matric scholarship?
Rs 4,000 a year for Class 9 and 10 students in government schools, per the scheme guidelines.
How much is the OBC post-matric scholarship?
Between Rs 5,000 and Rs 20,000 a year depending on the course group.
Where do I apply for OBC scholarship?
On scholarships.gov.in or your state’s scholarship portal.
