Introduction:
Access to quality education remains a powerful equaliser in India’s socio‑economic landscape. Recognizing this, the Prime Minister’s Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM YASASVI) was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is a flagship central‑sector programme aimed at extending financial support to meritorious and economically or socially disadvantaged students, specifically from the OBC, EBC, and DNT communities.
ackground & Objectives
Funded and overseen by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, PM YASASVI forms part of a broader ‘umbrella’ of schemes supporting pre‑matric and post‑matric education for backward classes. Its primary goals are:
- Promoting inclusive education by mitigating financial barriers hindering talented students.
- Encouraging merit and excellence through scholarly recognition and tangible aid.
- Empowering marginalized youth, fostering not just academic success but long‑term socio‑economic mobility.
Structure & Beneficiaries
The scholarship covers two entry points:
- Class IX (9th grade): ₹75,000 per annum
- Class XI (11th grade): ₹1,25,000 per annum
The funds—via Direct Benefit Transfer—support tuition, books, stationery, boarding, digital tools, and more. Each year, approximately 15,000 scholarships are disbursed nationwide, allocated in proportion to demographic strength and academic merit
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for PM YASASVI:
- You must be an Indian citizen.
- Belong to OBC, EBC, or Denotified/Nomadic/Semi‑Nomadic Tribes (DNT/SNT).
- Be enrolled in Class IX or XI in a recognised school/institution with valid codes (UDISE/AISHE).
- Have a family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh per annum.
- Exhibit good academic performance—typically a minimum of 60% in the previous class
Selection & Application Process
Modern (2025–26) Merit-Based Selection
For the academic year 2025–26, the scheme transitioned to a purely merit‑based model. The YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) was discontinued, and selection is based solely on previous academic marks
Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the NTA portal (yet.nta.ac.in), free of cost . Key dates for 2025–26:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | June 2, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2025 |
| Defective/Institute Verification | By September 15, 2025 |
| District/State/Ministry Verification | By September 30, 2025 |
Required Documents
Applicants must upload:
- Aadhaar card & passport‑size photo
- Income certificate (< ₹2.5L)
- Caste certificate (OBC/EBC/DNT)
- Previous class mark sheet & pass certificate
- Bank details (Aadhaar‑linked)
- School bonafide/admission proof (with valid UDISE/AISHE)
Verification & Disbursement
Once submitted:
- Institute checks applications;
- District/State validate;
- Final nod from Ministry.
- Funds are transferred directly via DBT—usually by October/November
Impact & Benefits
This scholarship offers multiple layers of support:
- Financial relief reduces dependency pressures and dropout rates.
- Academic encouragement motivates students to consistently perform well.
- Resource access ensures funds reach essentials—education, boarding, digital tools.
- Social upliftment, as students from backward classes gain confidence and opportunities for higher education.
- Nationwide equity, as students across urban/rural settings get equal fodder to compete
Conclusion
In essence, the PM YASASVI Scholarship stands as a transformative initiative bridging ambition and opportunity for India’s talented students from marginalised backgrounds. By offering timely financial support and recognising merit, it complements India’s broader mission of equitable, quality education. For eligible students and families, it represents more than aid—it’s a promise of empowerment and a brighter future.t specific eligibility conditions:
- Category:
- Wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen, Ex-Coast Guard personnel, or police personnel martyred in terror or Naxal attacks.
- Applicable to those from Army, Navy, Air Force, CAPF, and police forces.
- Academic Qualification:
- Students must have secured a minimum of 60% marks in the qualifying examination (10+2/Diploma/Graduation).
- Only those pursuing regular professional or technical degree courses recognized by AICTE/UGC are eligible. Distance learning or correspondence courses are not supported.
- Course Type:
- Eligible courses include BE, BTech, BDS, MBBS, BEd, BBA, BCA, BPharma, BSc Nursing, MBA, MCA, and equivalent professional courses.
- Income Limit:
- While there is no specific income limit, preference is often given to lower-income group families and martyrs’ dependents.
Scholarship Amount
The PMSS provides a monthly scholarship of ₹3,000 for girls and ₹2,500 for boys, paid annually. The amount is directly credited to the student’s bank account through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). The scholarship is awarded for the entire duration of the course, subject to annual renewal based on academic performance.
Application Process
- Online Registration:
- Candidates must register online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the KSB official website (for armed forces).
- All documents like admission proof, mark sheets, bank details, and service certificate of the parent must be uploaded during the application process.
- Verification:
- Applications are verified at both the institute and board level.
- Incorrect or incomplete applications are rejected.
- Renewal:
- Every academic year, students must renew their scholarship by maintaining the minimum required academic standards.
Reservation and Preference
- A certain percentage of the scholarships are reserved for girls to ensure gender equality.
- Preference is given in the following order:
- Wards/Widows of personnel killed in action.
- Wards of personnel disabled in action.
- Wards of personnel died in service.
- Wards of Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard personnel.
Impact of the Scheme
The PM Scholarship Scheme has significantly contributed to the academic growth of thousands of students across India. By reducing financial stress and promoting professional education, it ensures that the sacrifices of brave personnel are honored meaningfully. The scheme has helped in transforming the lives of students by giving them access to opportunities that otherwise may have been out of reach.
Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme is not just a financial aid program; it is a symbol of national gratitude toward the families of those who serve the country. By investing in the education of their children, the government empowers these families and helps shape the nation’s future. The PMSS stands as a beacon of hope, progress, and recognition for service and sacrifice.