Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities Studying from Class 9 Onwards in Goa

The Scholarship to Persons with Disabilities Studying from Class 9 Onwards is a financial assistance scheme aimed at encouraging students with disabilities to continue their education beyond the elementary level.

The scheme supports eligible students pursuing higher education, technical education, professional training, music courses and vocational courses through recognised institutions.

Financial assistance under the scheme is intended to help students overcome economic barriers that may otherwise prevent them from continuing their education.

Eligible students can receive a monthly scholarship, along with additional assistance in certain cases such as reader allowance for visually impaired students and hostel allowance for students staying in hostels.

In this guide, ScholarSetu explains the objective, eligibility criteria, income limit, scholarship amount, additional allowances and documents required.

Objective of the Disability Scholarship Scheme

The primary objective of this scheme is to encourage students with disabilities to pursue higher education, technical education and professional training.

Financial difficulties can make it challenging for students with disabilities to continue their education.

The scholarship aims to reduce these financial barriers and encourage eligible students to pursue their academic and career goals.

The scheme supports students pursuing:

Secondary education
Higher secondary education
Undergraduate education
Postgraduate education
Professional courses
Technical education
Vocational training
Music courses
Recognised training programmes

Who Can Apply for the Disability Scholarship?

Students must satisfy the prescribed eligibility requirements.

1. Regular Student of a Recognised Institution

The applicant must be a regular student of a recognised Board of Education or University.

2. Music and Vocational Courses

The scholarship is also available to eligible students pursuing Music and Vocational Courses through recognised institutions, Boards or Universities, subject to the scheme conditions.

3. Benchmark Disability

The scholarship is open to students with a benchmark disability of 40% or more, as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

4. Family Income

The combined annual income of the student’s family should not exceed ₹8,00,000 from all sources.

5. No Other Scholarship

The student should not be receiving another scholarship from another source, subject to the applicable scheme rules.

UDID Card and Aadhaar Requirements

Students applying under this scheme must possess:

UDID Card
Aadhaar Card
Bank Passbook

The bank account should be Aadhaar seeded.

Parents and students should verify their banking information before applying because the scholarship requires valid bank account details.

What Is Benchmark Disability?

The scheme is available to students with a benchmark disability of 40% or more.

The term benchmark disability is defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Students should possess appropriate disability documentation issued by the competent medical authority.

The scheme specifically mentions disability certificates issued by:

Goa Medical College, Bambolim
District Hospital – North Goa
District Hospital – South Goa
Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB), Bambolim

Can More Than One Child With Disability From the Same Family Apply?

Yes.

If a family has more than one child with disabilities, both/all eligible children can receive scholarship assistance, provided all other conditions of the scheme are fulfilled.

Therefore, families should not assume that only one child can benefit from the scheme.

Each student must independently satisfy the eligibility requirements.

Can a Repeater Receive the Scholarship?

Generally, a student is not eligible for the scholarship if they are a repeater in a particular standard.

However, the scheme provides that a failure may be condoned at the discretion of the Director.

Therefore, students who have repeated a standard should contact the concerned authority to determine whether their case can be considered for condonation.

Which Courses and Institutions Are Covered?

The scheme covers students pursuing eligible education and training through recognised institutions.

A student should be studying:

A full-time course, or
A correspondence course

in a recognised educational institution affiliated to a:

Board
University

The scheme also covers eligible:

Music courses
Vocational courses
Training programmes
Technical education
Professional education

The institution or organisation should be recognised, affiliated or approved by the appropriate State or Central Government authority, depending on the type of course.

Scholarship for Music and Vocational Courses

An important feature of this scheme is that it is not restricted only to conventional academic courses.

Eligible students can also pursue Music and Vocational Courses through recognised institutions.

This provides students with disabilities additional opportunities to develop professional and practical skills.

Scholarship Amount for Students with Disabilities

The monthly scholarship amount varies according to the student’s level of education.

Monthly Scholarship Rates

Level of Education	Scholarship Amount
Class IX to XII	₹900 per month
B.A. / B.Com. / B.Sc.	₹1,100 per month
M.A. / M.Com. / M.Sc. & Other Professional Courses	₹1,300 per month

The applicable assistance is subject to the conditions of the scheme.

Reader Allowance for Visually Impaired Students

Visually impaired students may receive an additional reader allowance where the benefit is certified by the Head of the Institution/Establishment.

The student must have actually availed the services of a reader during the period for which the allowance is claimed.

Reader Allowance

Level of Education	Reader Allowance
Class IX to XII	₹300 per month
B.A. / B.Com. / B.Sc.	₹530 per month
M.A. / M.Com. / M.Sc. & Other Professional Courses	₹600 per month

The allowance is subject to certification by the Head of the Institution/Establishment.

Additional Hostel Allowance

Students with disabilities who stay in a hostel may also receive an additional allowance.

The benefit is subject to certification from the Head of the Institution and Hostel Warden confirming that the student stayed in the hostel during the period for which the allowance is claimed.

Hostel Allowance

Level of Education	Hostel Allowance
Class IX to XII	₹400 per month
B.A. / B.Com. / B.Sc.	₹500 per month
M.A. / M.Com. / M.Sc. & Other Professional Courses	₹450 per month

Students should ensure that the required hostel certification is obtained before claiming the applicable allowance.

Disability Scholarship: Complete Assistance at a Glance

Education Level	Scholarship	Reader Allowance*	Hostel Allowance*
Class IX–XII	₹900/month	₹300/month	₹400/month
B.A./B.Com./B.Sc.	₹1,100/month	₹530/month	₹500/month
M.A./M.Com./M.Sc. & Professional Courses	₹1,300/month	₹600/month	₹450/month

*Reader allowance is applicable to eligible visually impaired students subject to certification and actual use of a reader.

*Hostel allowance is subject to the required institutional/hostel certification.

Special Conditions for Students Receiving Free Boarding or Lodging

Students with disabilities who receive assistance for free boarding and lodging from a voluntary organisation or State source can still be eligible for the scholarship.

However, the student will be eligible for the scholarship at the rate applicable to a day scholar, provided the student has paid the required tuition fees.

This condition is important for students receiving residential support through another source.

Students Who Have Received Free Craft or General Education Training

The scheme also provides an important provision for students who have received free training under a Central or State Government scheme.

Students with disabilities who have:

Received craft training free of cost, or
Undergone a general education course free of cost

may be considered for scholarship for higher technical training or higher education, subject to the applicable conditions.

However, students who want to move from academic courses to craft training and then back to academic courses, or vice versa, are not considered for scholarship under this provision.

Students should therefore carefully verify their eligibility before applying.

Family Income Limit

The combined annual income of the family from all sources should not exceed:

₹8,00,000 per annum

An income certificate issued by the Competent Authority is required as proof of family income.

Students should make sure that their income certificate is valid and contains the required information.

Documents Required for Disability Scholarship

Students should prepare the following documents before applying:

1. Disability Certificate

Disability Certificate issued by an authorised medical institution, including those specified under the scheme:

Goa Medical College, Bambolim
District Hospital North Goa
District Hospital South Goa
Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour, Bambolim

2. Income Certificate

Income Certificate issued by the competent authority showing annual family income of not more than ₹8 lakh.

3. Previous Year’s Marksheet

A copy of the marksheet of the last annual examination.

4. Bank Passbook

A copy of the student’s Bank Passbook.

The bank account should be Aadhaar seeded.

5. Aadhaar Card

A copy of the student’s Aadhaar Card.

6. UDID Card

A copy/details of the student’s UDID Card.

Disability Scholarship Document Checklist

Before submitting the application, check:

☐ Disability Certificate
☐ Income Certificate
☐ Previous Year’s Marksheet
☐ Aadhaar-seeded Bank Passbook
☐ Aadhaar Card
☐ UDID Card

Students should ensure that all documents are clear, valid and consistent with the information entered in the application.

Important Conditions Students Should Remember

1. 40% or More Disability

The student must have benchmark disability of 40% or more.

2. ₹8 Lakh Income Limit

Family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh per annum.

3. Recognised Institution

The student must study through a recognised/approved institution, Board, University or eligible establishment.

4. No Other Scholarship

The student should not receive another scholarship from another source, subject to the scheme rules.

5. Repeater Rule

A repeater in a particular standard is generally not eligible, although the Director can condone failure at discretion.

6. UDID Is Required

Students must possess a UDID Card.

7. Aadhaar-Seeded Bank Account

The student must have a bank account that is Aadhaar seeded.

8. Multiple Children Can Benefit

More than one child with disabilities in the same family can receive the scholarship if each child satisfies the conditions.

Quick Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, make sure:

☑ I have a benchmark disability of 40% or more.
☑ I possess a valid UDID Card.
☑ I have an Aadhaar Card.
☑ I have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
☑ I am a regular student of a recognised institution/Board/University.
☑ My family income does not exceed ₹8 lakh per year.
☑ I am not receiving another scholarship from another source.
☑ My course is recognised/approved.
☑ I have my previous year’s marksheet.
☑ I have a valid disability certificate.

How This Scholarship Supports Higher Education

Students with disabilities may face additional expenses and barriers while pursuing higher education, technical education and professional training.

This scholarship provides financial assistance that can help eligible students continue their education after Class VIII.

The availability of additional reader and hostel allowances also recognises some of the specific requirements that students with disabilities may have during their education.

By supporting education from Class IX onwards, the scheme aims to encourage students to continue toward higher education, professional qualifications and employment-oriented training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for this disability scholarship in Goa?

Eligible students with benchmark disabilities of 40% or more who satisfy the income, educational, institutional and other conditions of the scheme can apply.

What is the minimum disability percentage required?

The student must have a benchmark disability of 40% or more.

What is the maximum family income?

The combined annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.

Can students studying in Class 9 apply?

Yes. The scheme specifically provides scholarship assistance for students studying from Class IX onwards.

Can college students apply?

Yes. Eligible students pursuing B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., postgraduate and other professional courses can receive assistance according to the applicable rates and conditions.

Are vocational courses covered?

Yes. The scheme extends to eligible students pursuing vocational courses through recognised institutions.

Are music courses covered?

Yes. Eligible students pursuing recognised Music Courses can also be considered under the scheme.

Can more than one child with a disability from the same family receive the scholarship?

Yes. More than one eligible child can receive the scholarship, provided all other conditions are fulfilled.

Can a repeater receive the scholarship?

Generally, a student who repeats a particular standard is not eligible. However, failure may be condoned at the discretion of the Director.

Is a UDID Card mandatory?

Yes. The scheme requires the student to possess a UDID Card.

Does the bank account need to be Aadhaar seeded?

Yes. The scheme requires the student’s bank account to be Aadhaar seeded.

Is there an additional allowance for visually impaired students?

Yes. Eligible visually impaired students may receive a reader allowance if the Head of the Institution/Establishment certifies that a reader was availed during the relevant period.

Is there a hostel allowance?

Yes. Eligible students staying in a hostel can receive the applicable additional hostel allowance, subject to the required certification.

Can students receiving free boarding and lodging apply?

Yes, subject to the scheme conditions. Such students are eligible at the rate applicable to day scholars if they have paid tuition fees.

Final Words

The Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities Studying from Class 9 Onwards is an important financial assistance scheme designed to encourage students with disabilities to continue their education and pursue higher education, technical education, professional training, vocational courses and recognised music courses.

Eligible students can receive monthly scholarship assistance ranging from ₹900 to ₹1,300, depending on their level of education.

Additional assistance may also be available for readers for visually impaired students and for students staying in hostels, subject to the prescribed conditions and certifications.

The most important requirements include a benchmark disability of 40% or more, family income of up to ₹8 lakh per year, a UDID Card, Aadhaar Card, Aadhaar-seeded bank account and enrollment in a recognised course or institution.

Students and parents should carefully check all eligibility conditions and prepare the required documents before applying.

ScholarSetu helps students and parents understand government scholarships, disability assistance schemes, eligibility requirements, documents and application procedures in simple language.

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Official Information

Government of Goa:
Government of Goa

Department of Social Welfare, Government of Goa:
Social Welfare Department

UDID – Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities:
UDID Portal

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes. Scholarship amounts, eligibility criteria, income limits, course requirements, documentation and application procedures may be revised by the competent authority. Students should verify the latest official notification and instructions before applying.