📅 Latest Central & State Benefits for Indian Students
India offers numerous free and subsidized government schemes to support students’ education—from scholarships to free coaching, digital tools, and hostel facilities. Whether you’re in school, college, or preparing for competitive exams, here’s a 2025 updated list of top government schemes that you should know about.
✅ 1. National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Who can apply: School to Postgraduate students
- Benefits: Direct bank transfer of scholarship money
- Types: Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, Merit-cum-Means
- Apply at: https://scholarships.gov.in
✅ 2. PM YASASVI (Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme)
- For: OBC, EBC, DNT students of Classes 9 to 12
- Benefit: Up to ₹75,000 per year
- Eligibility: Annual income below ₹2.5 lakh
- Apply through: NTA portal
✅ 3. Digital India Student Scheme – Free Tablets / Laptops
- Launched by: Various state governments (e.g., UP, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu)
- Benefit: Free tablet/laptop with pre-loaded educational content
- Target: Class 12 pass or college students
✅ 4. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students
- Covers: Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, books
- Eligibility: SC/ST/OBC category with income limits
- Apply through: State education departments or NSP
✅ 5. NEET/JEE Free Coaching Schemes (Under PM-YET)
- Free coaching for: NEET, JEE, CUET & UPSC
- Run by: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- Includes: Coaching fee + monthly stipend
✅ 6. Kanya Kelavani & Vidyalakshmi Schemes (For Girls)
- States like Gujarat, MP, Bihar offer financial help to promote girls’ education.
- Includes: School kits, transportation, hostel, and cash incentive
✅ 7. PM CARES for Children Scheme
- For: Children who lost both parents during COVID-19
- Includes: Free education, health insurance, and ₹10 lakh after 23 years of age
✅ 8. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
- For: Class 8 students of government schools
- Benefit: ₹12,000 per year up to Class 12
- Requirement: The student should have passed the examination and should be in merit.
✅ 9. AICTE Pragati & Saksham Schemes
- For: Girl students & differently-abled students in technical education
- Scholarship Amount: ₹50,000 per year
✅ 10. State Government Schemes (2025 Highlights)
| State | Scheme Name | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana | ₹2 lakh tuition fee + hostel aid |
| Maharashtra | EBC Scholarship | For economically weaker students |
| Tamil Nadu | Free Bicycle & Uniform Scheme | For Class 11–12 government students |
| Bihar | Student Credit Card Scheme | Education loan up to ₹4 lakh at low interest |
📌 How to Apply for These Schemes?
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal or your state education portal
- Keep these documents ready:
- Aadhar Card
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Previous Marksheet
- Bank passbook