PM YASASVI: Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education in College for OBC, EBC and DNT Students

This central government scholarship helps students from OBC, EBC and DNT (De-notified Tribes) communities study in India's top colleges. It is run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and is 100% funded by the central government. The scheme covers full-time courses studied after Class 12 in "top class" institutions notified by the Ministry — for example IITs, NITs, IIITs, IIMs, AIIMS and other central government, NAAC A+/A++ or top-100 NIRF institutions.

It is a merit-based scheme. Colleges select students from the entrance-exam merit list (for example JEE, NEET, CAT or CLAT) up to the number of slots given to that college. 30% of slots are reserved for eligible girl students.

What you get: full tuition fee and non-refundable charges (with a ceiling of ₹2.00 lakh per year for private institutions), living expenses of ₹3,000 per month, ₹5,000 per year for books and stationery, and a one-time laptop with accessories worth up to ₹45,000. Money is paid directly to the student by Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

To be eligible, your total annual family income from all sources must be up to ₹2.50 lakh, and you must have secured admission in a notified institution. Apply on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) and upload your income certificate, caste certificate and bank details. The benefit is limited to a maximum of 2 siblings per family. The scholarship continues till the course ends if performance stays satisfactory, but you must re-apply on NSP every year, even for renewal.

Who can apply? Students from OBC, EBC or DNT categories with total annual family income up to ₹2.50 lakh who have secured admission in a full-time course in a Ministry-notified "top class" institution (such as IITs, NITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NLUs and other listed institutions). Selection is merit-based from the entrance-exam list.

How much money do I get? Full tuition fee and non-refundable charges (ceiling ₹2.00 lakh/year for private institutions), plus ₹3,000 per month living expenses, ₹5,000 per year for books and stationery, and a one-time laptop with accessories up to ₹45,000.

What is the income limit? Your total annual family income from all sources must be up to ₹2.50 lakh.

What is the last date to apply? The current-cycle last date is not confirmed here — please check the scheme's live page on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). The official guidelines state that colleges must verify student applications on NSP by 31st October every year (or a date decided by the DBT Mission), so plan to apply well before then.

Can I renew it? Yes. Once awarded, the scholarship continues until the course ends, provided your performance is satisfactory and you are promoted each year. However, you must re-apply on NSP every year, even for renewal.

How do I apply? Apply online on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). Upload your income certificate, caste certificate, bank account details, admission rank and fee details. Your institution then verifies the application on NSP.

Is there any reservation for girls? Yes. 30% of the slots given to each institution are reserved for eligible girl students as per their merit.