Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme (Saral Vidya Sahay) for SC & OBC Students: Eligibility, Scholarship Amount & Documents
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme (Saral Vidya Sahay) for SC and OBC Students
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme (Saral Vidya Sahay) is an educational assistance scheme designed to support students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) communities.
The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible students studying at the pre-matric level, with the objective of encouraging school education, reducing dropout rates and helping students continue their studies towards the post-matric stage.
Under the scheme, eligible students studying from Class V to Class VIII can receive financial assistance subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
This article provides complete information about the Saral Vidya Sahay Scheme, including eligibility, income limit, scholarship amount, documents required and important points for students and parents.
🎯 Objective of Saral Vidya Sahay Scheme
The main objective of the Saral Vidya Sahay Scheme is to provide financial support to parents and guardians of children belonging to SC and OBC communities.
The scheme aims to:
- Encourage participation in school education.
- Reduce school dropout among SC and OBC students.
- Support children during the transition from primary to higher levels of education.
- Encourage students to perform better academically.
- Help students continue their education towards the post-matric stage.
- Reduce financial difficulties faced by families in educating their children.
Financial assistance at the pre-matric level can help families meet education-related expenses and encourage children to remain in school.
📚 Saral Vidya Sahay Scholarship Eligibility
Students should meet the prescribed eligibility conditions to receive benefits under the scheme.
1. Students Studying in Classes V to VIII
The student should be studying on a full-time basis in the applicable classes covered under the scheme.
The scheme covers students studying in:
- Class V
- Class VI
- Class VII
- Class VIII
2. SC or OBC Category
The student should belong to either:
- Scheduled Caste (SC), or
- Other Backward Class (OBC).
3. Parent/Guardian Income Limit
The annual income of the student’s parent or guardian should not exceed ₹1.20 lakh per annum.
Students and parents should ensure that a valid income certificate meeting the prescribed requirements is available.
💰 Saral Vidya Sahay Scholarship Amount
With effect from 2022-23, eligible students are provided a consolidated academic allowance under the scheme.
The assistance includes the following components:
1. Saral Vidya Sahay Stipend
Eligible students receive:
₹325 per month for 11 months
This amounts to:
₹3,575 per annum
2. Meritorious Scholarship Component
An additional amount is provided under the Meritorious Scholarship Scheme as follows:
| Class | Meritorious Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Class V to VI | ₹900 per annum |
| Class VII to VIII | ₹1,000 per annum |
The applicable benefits are subject to the conditions of the respective schemes.
📄 Documents Required for Saral Vidya Sahay Scheme
Students and parents should keep the required documents ready while applying.
1. Aadhaar Card
A copy of the student’s Aadhaar Card is required.
2. Caste Certificate
A valid SC/OBC Caste Certificate is required.
According to the provided scheme requirements, the caste certificate should be issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
3. Income Certificate
An Income Certificate is required to establish the annual income of the parent or guardian.
According to the provided requirements, the certificate should be:
- Issued by the V.P. Secretary
- Attested by the Sarpanch
- Counter-signed by the BDO/Municipality or Mamlatdar
4. Previous Class Marksheet/Certificate
An attested copy of the previous class marksheet or certificate should be submitted.
5. Bank Passbook
A copy of the student’s Bank Passbook should be provided.
6. Passport Size Photographs
Recent passport-size photographs should be kept ready.
📋 Saral Vidya Sahay Documents Checklist
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Yes |
| SC/OBC Caste Certificate | Yes |
| Income Certificate | Yes |
| Previous Class Marksheet/Certificate | Yes |
| Bank Passbook | Yes |
| Passport Size Photographs | Yes |
Students should make sure that all documents are clear, valid and meet the prescribed requirements before submitting their application.
🎓 Stipend Scholarship Scheme for SC/OBC Students – Classes IX & X
In addition to the Saral Vidya Sahay assistance for Classes V to VIII, a Stipend Scholarship Scheme for SC/OBC Students provides financial assistance to eligible students studying in Classes IX and X.
The scheme aims to support students during the secondary education stage and encourage them to continue their education.
🎯 Objective of Stipend Scholarship Scheme
The Stipend Scholarship Scheme aims to provide financial assistance to parents and guardians of eligible SC and OBC students.
Its objectives include:
- Increasing participation in school education.
- Reducing school dropout.
- Supporting students as they progress to higher classes.
- Encouraging better academic performance.
- Improving students’ chances of progressing to post-matric education.
📚 Eligibility for Stipend Scholarship – Classes IX & X
Students should satisfy the following eligibility conditions.
1. Class IX and X Students
The student should be studying Class IX or Class X on a full-time basis.
2. SC/OBC Category
The student should belong to:
- Scheduled Caste (SC), or
- Other Backward Class (OBC).
3. Parent/Guardian Income Limit
The annual income of the student’s parent or guardian should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh per annum.
💰 Stipend Scholarship Amount for Class IX & X
With effect from 2022-23, eligible students receive a consolidated academic allowance based on whether they are day scholars or hostellers.
| Student Category | Annual Assistance |
|---|---|
| Day Scholar | ₹3,500 per annum |
| Hosteller | ₹7,000 per annum |
Additional 10% Allowance for Divyang Students
Eligible Divyang (Disabled) students receive an additional 10% allowance.
The disability must fall within the applicable provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
The disability certificate should be issued by an appropriately authorised certifying authority as prescribed by the Government.
📄 Documents Required for Stipend Scholarship
Students applying under the Stipend Scholarship Scheme should keep the following documents ready:
- Copy of Aadhaar Card
- SC/OBC Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Attested copy of Previous Class Marksheet/Certificate
- Bank Passbook
- Passport Size Photographs
The caste and income certificates should meet the issuing and authentication requirements prescribed under the scheme.
📊 Difference Between Saral Vidya Sahay and Stipend Scholarship
Although both provide educational assistance to SC/OBC students, the applicable classes and income limits are different.
| Feature | Saral Vidya Sahay | Stipend Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Classes Covered | V to VIII | IX & X |
| Categories | SC & OBC | SC & OBC |
| Income Limit | ₹1.20 lakh/year | ₹2.50 lakh/year |
| Stipend | ₹325/month for 11 months | ₹3,500–₹7,000/year |
| Meritorious Scholarship | ₹900–₹1,000/year | Not specified |
| Day Scholar | — | ₹3,500/year |
| Hosteller | — | ₹7,000/year |
| Divyang Additional Allowance | Not specified | 10% |
⚠️ Important Points for Students and Parents
Before applying for either scholarship assistance, students and parents should carefully check:
- The student’s current class.
- Whether the student belongs to the eligible SC/OBC category.
- The applicable annual family income limit.
- Whether the caste certificate is issued by the required authority.
- Whether the income certificate contains the required attestations and countersignatures.
- Whether the previous class marksheet/certificate is available.
- Whether the bank passbook details are correct.
- Whether all photographs and documents are clear and readable.
- The latest application deadline.
- The latest instructions issued by the concerned department.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Saral Vidya Sahay Scheme?
Eligible SC and OBC students studying full-time in Classes V to VIII can benefit, subject to the prescribed income and other conditions.
What is the income limit for Saral Vidya Sahay?
The annual income of the parent or guardian should not exceed ₹1.20 lakh.
How much stipend is provided under Saral Vidya Sahay?
The stipend component is ₹325 per month for 11 months, amounting to ₹3,575 per annum.
What is the Meritorious Scholarship amount?
According to the provided scheme details:
- Classes V–VI: ₹900 per annum
- Classes VII–VIII: ₹1,000 per annum
Can Class IX and X students apply?
Yes. Eligible SC/OBC students studying in Classes IX and X are covered under the Stipend Scholarship Scheme.
What is the income limit for Class IX and X students?
The annual income of the parent or guardian should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh.
How much does a day scholar receive?
An eligible day scholar receives ₹3,500 per annum.
How much does a hosteller receive?
An eligible hosteller receives ₹7,000 per annum.
Do Divyang students receive additional assistance?
Yes. According to the provided scheme details, eligible Divyang students receive an additional 10% allowance.
🌟 Why These Scholarships Are Important
Financial difficulties can sometimes prevent children from continuing their education.
The Saral Vidya Sahay Scheme provides assistance during Classes V to VIII, while the Stipend Scholarship Scheme supports eligible SC/OBC students during Classes IX and X.
Such educational assistance can help families manage education-related expenses, encourage children to remain in school and improve their opportunities to progress towards higher education.
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Conclusion
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme (Saral Vidya Sahay) provides financial assistance to eligible SC and OBC students studying in Classes V to VIII.
Under the provided scheme details, students receive ₹325 per month for 11 months, amounting to ₹3,575 per annum, along with the applicable meritorious scholarship assistance.
The Stipend Scholarship Scheme for SC/OBC Students supports eligible students in Classes IX and X, providing ₹3,500 per annum to day scholars and ₹7,000 per annum to hostellers. Eligible Divyang students can receive an additional 10% allowance.
Students and parents should carefully verify the latest official notification, application procedure, eligibility requirements and deadlines before applying.
ScholarSetu aims to make scholarship information simple, accessible and easier for students and parents to understand.