Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students

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Empowering Aspirants: Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students

The Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is a transformative initiative designed to provide quality coaching to economically weaker students from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) communities. By offering financial assistance, this scheme equips students to excel in competitive exams and gain admission to prestigious institutions, ensuring equal opportunities for professional and academic growth.

What Is the Free Coaching Scheme?

The scheme aims to bridge the gap for underprivileged students by funding coaching for:

Government Job Exams: UPSC, SSC, State Public Service Commissions, Railway Recruitment Board, and more.
Premier Entrance Exams: IIT-JEE, NEET, CAT, CLAT, and other professional course exams.
International Eligibility Tests: GRE, GMAT, SAT, IELTS, and TOEFL.
Specialized Courses: CPL, NDA, and CDS exams.

By empowering students through this initiative, the government ensures access to quality education and career opportunities.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

1. Financial Assistance

Monthly stipend of ₹4,000 for a maximum of 12 months.
Additional ₹15,000 for students clearing the mains stage of civil services exams for Class 1 and Class 2 posts.
Payments are made directly to students’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts in two installments.

2. Flexibility in Coaching

Students can now select coaching centers of their choice. Unlike earlier guidelines, institutes are no longer empanelled under the scheme, offering candidates complete autonomy.

3. Inclusive Selection Process

Annually, 3,500 students are selected, with at least 70% reserved for SC candidates. Additionally, 30% of the slots in each category are reserved for female students, ensuring gender inclusivity.

Eligibility Criteria

To avail of the scheme, students must meet the following requirements:

Belong to SC or OBC communities.
Have an annual family income of ₹8,00,000 or less.
Achieve a minimum of 50% marks in Class 10th (for exams requiring Class 12th eligibility) or Class 12th (for undergraduate-level competitive exams).
Be preparing for a competitive exam for the first or second time (benefits limited to two attempts).
Not avail benefits under any other similar coaching scheme.

Application Process

Eligible candidates can apply online through the Free Coaching Scheme Portal. Key dates include:

Notification Release: May 1
Application Deadline: May 31
Merit List Declaration: June
Successful applicants must upload fee receipts and join their selected coaching institutions within the stipulated timeline.

Documents Required

Applicants need the following documents:

Aadhaar card (or EID number initially).
Caste certificate.
Income certificate (from a Revenue Officer not below Tehsildar rank).
Academic records (Class 10th, 12th, or undergraduate level).
Declaration of non-availment of similar benefits.
Aadhaar-linked bank account details.

Courses Covered

The scheme supports coaching for:

Group A and B Government Jobs: Exams by UPSC, SSC, and RRB.
Professional and Technical Exams: IIT-JEE, NEET, CAT, CLAT, and more.
International Eligibility Tests: GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, etc.
Defense Services Exams: NDA, CDS, and others.

Financial Guidelines

The stipend and fees are disbursed in two equal installments:
- First Installment: At the start of the course.
- Second Installment: After completion of 75% of the course duration.
Payments are processed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked accounts.

Why This Scheme Matters

The Free Coaching Scheme addresses the systemic barriers faced by economically disadvantaged communities. By providing financial and educational support, it ensures that students from SC and OBC categories can dream big, prepare effectively, and compete on equal footing for prestigious opportunities.

Conclusion

The Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students is a game-changer, empowering thousands to achieve academic and professional success. If you’re eligible, seize this opportunity to access quality coaching and take the next step toward a brighter future.

Apply now and unlock your potential!