The Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students 2026 is a centrally sponsored scheme run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The scheme provides financial assistance to students of Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC) and De-notified Tribes (DNT) studying in Class 9 and Class 10. Eligible students receive a lump-sum academic allowance of Rs 4,000 per year to help meet their school expenses, credited directly to the bank account through DBT. The online application window for 2026 opens on 1 June 2026 and the last date is expected around 30 September 2026.
Who Can Apply for Pre-Matric Scholarship OBC 2026?
- The student must belong to the OBC, EBC or DNT category with a valid caste/category certificate.
- The applicant must be studying in Class 9 or Class 10 in a recognised school.
- The annual family income must not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh per year.
- The student must have an Aadhaar number with an Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
Scholarship Amount and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Allowance | Rs 4,000 per year (lump sum) |
| Eligible Classes | Class 9 and Class 10 |
| Income Ceiling | Rs 2.5 lakh per year |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
Documents Required for Application
- Aadhaar card (mandatory, with Aadhaar-seeded bank account)
- OBC / EBC / DNT certificate from a competent authority
- Income certificate from the Circle Officer of the respective revenue circle
- Bonafide certificate from the head of the institution
- Bank passbook linked with Aadhaar and a recent photograph
How to Apply Online for Pre-Matric Scholarship OBC 2026
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) and generate your login credentials.
- Log in and select the Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC/EBC/DNT scheme.
- Fill the application form with personal, academic and income details.
- Upload the required documents and submit before the last date.
Important Dates
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 1 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 September 2026 (expected) |
| Mode of Application | Online through NSP |
FAQs – Pre-Matric Scholarship OBC 2026
Q1. Who is eligible for this scholarship?
OBC, EBC and DNT students of Class 9 and Class 10 with a family income below Rs 2.5 lakh per year.
Q2. How much is the scholarship amount?
A lump-sum academic allowance of Rs 4,000 per year.
Q3. How can I apply?
Apply online on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after completing OTR.