Education can become difficult when financial pressure is high, especially for students from economically weaker families. To support such students, both the central and state governments in India provide various scholarship schemes for OBC (Other Backward Classes) students.
In 2026, several scholarship programs continue to help students from school level to higher education by covering tuition fees, exam fees, and other academic expenses.
This guide explains the most important scholarships available for OBC students in India, along with eligibility, benefits, and how to apply in a simple way.
Overview of Major Scholarship For OBC Students in India
| Scholarship Name | Education Level | Provider | Amount Range (approx.) | Coverage |
| Pre-Matric Scholarship | Class 1–10 | State Govt | ₹500 – ₹1,000/month | School education expenses |
| Post-Matric Scholarship | Class 11–PG | Central / State Govt | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000/year (varies) | Tuition + college expenses |
| PM YASASVI Central Sector Scheme | Class 9 or Class 11 | Central Govt | Class 9 students: ₹75,000 per yearClass 11 students: ₹1,25,000 per year | School education expenses |
| NSP Central Sector | Class 9–12 | Central Govt | ₹75K – ₹1.25L | School education expenses |
| State Government Scholarships | School–College | State Governments | ₹5,000 – ₹50,000/year | State-level financial aid |
| First Graduate Scholarship (TN) | Undergraduate Courses | Tamil Nadu Govt | Fee concession (varies) | First-generation college support |
Note: Exact amount depends on state and course type.
OBC Scholarship Last Date/Timeline 2026 (Expected)
Usually between September and November depending on state and scheme.
- Application Start: July – September
- Document Verification: August – October
- Final Approval: November – January
- Scholarship Payment: December – March
Students should apply early to avoid last-minute server or verification issues.
OBC Scholarship Eligibility (General Conditions)
Although each scheme has its own rules, most OBC scholarships follow these common eligibility conditions:
- The student must belong to the OBC category
- The student must be studying in a recognized school or college
- Family income should be within the prescribed limit (varies by scheme)
- The student must have valid documents such as caste and income certificates
Some scholarships also consider academic performance or admission in specific institutions.
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is an online platform launched by the Government of India to help students apply for various scholarships in one place. Students belonging to categories such as OBC, BC, MBC, SC, ST, and others can use this portal to apply for suitable scholarship programs.
Through NSP, students can:
- Apply for multiple government scholarships online
- Upload required documents
- Track application status
- Receive scholarship payments directly to their bank account (DBT system)
List Of Scholarship for OBC Students
1. Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students
This scholarship is meant for school students from Class 1 to Class 10.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students (Class 1–10) – Complete eligibility, benefits, and application process explained here.
Eligibility
- Must belong to the OBC category
- Should be studying in a recognized school (government or approved private school)
- Family annual income should generally be up to ₹2.5 lakh (varies slightly by state guidelines)
- Student must be a regular school attendee
Benefits
- Assistance for school-related expenses (books, fees, etc.)
- Support to prevent school dropouts
- Encouragement for continued education at primary and secondary levels
Application Process
Applications are usually submitted through the respective state scholarship portal or school assistance programs.
2. Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students
This is one of the most widely used scholarships for students after Class 10 to PG.
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students (Class 11 to PG) – Full guide on amount, eligibility, and application process
Eligibility
- The student must belong to the OBC category
- Must be studying in Class 11, Class 12, diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate courses
- Should be enrolled in a recognized school, college, or institution
- Family annual income should usually be between ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh (varies slightly depending on central or state scheme)
- The student must maintain satisfactory academic performance as required by the institution
Benefits
- Tuition fee reimbursement (partial or full depending on scheme)
- Maintenance allowance for academic expenses
- Support for books, study materials, and related costs
- Reduction of financial pressure on students from low-income families
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or state portals depending on the scheme.
3. PM YASASVI Central Sector Scheme for OBC, EBC & DNT Students
This is a central government umbrella scholarship scheme for students from OBC, EBC, and DNT categories. It supports students studying in Class 9 and Class 11 in selected schools.
PM YASASVI Scholarship for OBC Students (Class 9 & 11) – Eligibility, amount, and apply process explained here
Eligibility
- Must belong to OBC / EBC / DNT category
- Studying in Class 9 or Class 11
- Must be in a recognized school under the scheme list
- Family income must be within the government limit
Benefits
- Scholarship for school education
- Hostel and academic support (in selected cases)
- Helps reduce dropout rate in higher secondary education
This scheme is part of the PM YASASVI umbrella program by the Government of India.
4. NSP Central Sector Scheme for School Students (OBC/EBC/DNT)
This scheme supports meritorious students from OBC, EBC, and DNT categories studying from Class 9 to Class 12 under the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
NSP Central Sector Scholarship for OBC Students (Class 9–12) – Full details, amount, and application process here
Eligibility
- Must belong to OBC / EBC / DNT category
- Should be studying in Class 9 to 12
- Must be enrolled in a recognized school (government / aided / private under scheme list)l
- Family annual income should be up to ₹2.5 lakh
Benefits
- Scholarship support for school education expenses
- Class 9–10 students receive up to ₹75,000 per year
- Class 11–12 students receive up to ₹1,25,000 per year
- Covers tuition fees, hostel fees, and other academic costs
5. State Government OBC Scholarships
Each state in India offers its own scholarship programs for OBC students. The rules and benefits differ from state to state.
Eligibility
Eligibility for state-level OBC scholarships varies from state to state, but the general conditions are:
- The student must belong to the OBC category as defined by the respective state list
- Must be a resident of the same state where the scholarship is applied for
- Should be studying in a recognized school, college, or university
- Family annual income limit usually ranges from ₹1 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh, depending on the scheme
- Some states may also include academic performance or attendance requirements
Where to Check
Students should visit their respective state education department scholarship portal for updated details.
6. First Graduate Scholarship (Tamil Nadu)
The First Graduate Scholarship in Tamil Nadu is a state scheme that supports students who are the first in their family to pursue a college degree. It reduces the financial burden of higher education and encourages first-generation learners to continue studies.
Eligibility
- Must be the first graduate in the family
- The applicant should be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu
- Should have admission in a recognized college in Tamil Nadu
- Must belong to eligible categories as per state rules
Benefits
- Tuition fee concession or reimbursement
- Financial support for higher education
- Encouragement for first-generation college students
Application Process
- Apply through college during admission
- Submit required documents (income, community, and education certificates)
- College verifies and forwards the application for approval
7. TN Free Education Scheme (BC, MBC & DNC – Tamil Nadu)
Tamil Nadu provides tuition fee support for BC, MBC, and DNC students.
Tamil Nadu Free Education Scheme for BC, MBC & DNC Students – Full details on fee waiver and eligibility
Eligibility
- BC, MBC, or DNC category
- Tamil Nadu resident
- Admission in recognized college
Benefits
- Tuition fee waiver
- College education support
Application
Applied through college during admission.
Choose Your Scholarship Based on Your Education Level
- School student → Pre-Matric Scholarship (Class 1–10)
- Higher secondary / College student → Post-Matric Scholarship (Class 11 to Higher Education)
- Meritorious school student (Class 9–12) → PM YASASVI / NSP Central Sector Scheme
- Higher education (College level support) → Post-Matric & State Government Scholarships
- Tamil Nadu student → BC / MBC / DNC / State Government Education Schemes
Documents Required for OBC Scholarships
Students generally need the following documents:
- Aadhaar card
- Caste certificate (OBC/BC/MBC)
- Income certificate
- Bank account details linked with Aadhaar
- Educational certificates
- College or school bonafide certificate
Submitting correct and matching details is very important to avoid rejection.
How to Apply for OBC Scholarship Online
The application process is mostly online and follows these steps:
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal or state scholarship website
- Register as a new user
- Fill in personal and educational details
- Select the appropriate scholarship scheme
- Upload required documents
- Submit the application
- Save application ID for tracking
After submission, applications are verified by the institution and government authorities before approval.
How to Check OBC Scholarship Status (NSP)
- Visit NSP portal
- Click “Track Application Status”
- Enter Application ID
- View current status
Status may show:
- Submitted
- Under Verification
- Approved
- Payment Processed
Common Reasons for Scholarship Rejection
A lot of applications are rejected because of simple and avoidable errors:
- Incorrect income or caste details
- Mismatch in bank account information
- Missing documents
- Duplicate applications
- Not meeting eligibility conditions
Careful checking before submission can prevent most of these issues.
Read our detailed on Mistakes often committed by the Applicants eligible for Scholarship and how to overcome them and get scholarship successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for OBC scholarship in India?
Students belonging to the OBC category who meet income and academic criteria can apply.
2. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, students can apply for multiple schemes, but approval depends on eligibility rules.
3. How will I receive the scholarship amount?
The amount is directly transferred to the student’s bank account after verification.
4. What if my application is rejected?
You can check the reason, correct the issue, and apply again in the next cycle.
5. Can private college students apply?
Yes, if the institution is recognized and approved.
6. Is caste certificate mandatory?
Yes, for all OBC category scholarships.
7. How to check scholarship status?
Through NSP or respective state portal.
8. What is the last date for OBC scholarship 2026?
Usually between September and November, depending on scheme and state.
Conclusion
OBC scholarships play an important role in supporting students who want to continue their education without financial burden. Understanding the correct scheme, eligibility, and application process can help students successfully benefit from these opportunities.
If applied carefully with proper documents and timely submission, these scholarships can significantly reduce educational expenses and support long-term academic growth.
The above list includes major OBC scholarships, but there are many more schemes available.
Stay updated with the latest scholarships, eligibility details, and application guides by visiting our website – obcrights.org.
