Scholarship 2025-26 | Pre-Matric, Post Matric, Deadline

Scholarship 2025-26: Higher education in Universities has become expensive, with costs starting with not so much going till the whole shebang. A scholarship can help you support your finances and reduce the expense load of higher education. Scholarship is an excellent source of financial support offered to meritorious or needy students for their higher education or university degrees. 

The scholarship is unlike education loans; you do not have to pay them back with interest. The scholarship aids your educational needs in many ways, covering all tuition fees and the cost of living. 

What is a Scholarship?

A scholarship is a monetary support provided to students to help them pay for their education and education-related expenses. It is typically based on various criteria such as academic achievement, athletic ability, financial need, or other specific talents or circumstances. Unlike loans, scholarships do not have to be repaid, making them valuable assistance for students pursuing higher education.

Scholarships can be further classified into five types: Merit-based, need-based, abroad scholarships, minority groups scholarships, and course-oriented scholarships. The most sought-after scholarships are academic need-based and merit-based scholarships that are offered depending on the financial situation and academic performance, respectively. Scholarships can help and support deserving, meritorious students having financial difficulties accessing higher education at their chosen university and fulfilling their dreams. 

What is Post-matric Scholarship?

Post matric scholarship is financial support provided to students who have completed their class 10th or matriculation level of education. Students who complete the tenth grade and subsequently enroll in other programs are classified as post-matric students and may qualify for scholarships. Post-matric scholarships are offered under various provisions, including classes 11th and 12th, ITI, 3-year diploma or polytechnic and basic undergraduate programs. The objective of the program is to enhance access to higher education, elevate the levels of educational attainment, and boost employability among the youth. 

Post-matric scholarships are mostly merit-based and for a minority group of students to help enhance their overall educational potential and provide exposure. Some of the popular post-matric scholarships in India are; 

1. PM YASASVI Post-matric scholarship program for OBCs, EBCs, and students from Nomadic groups. 
2. PMS SC (Post matric scholarship scheme for SC students) is a post-matric scholarship program offered by the central government for SC applicants for technical vocational education and other higher levels. 
3. PMS for ST provides financial assistance to ST students for professional, technical and non-technical courses. 

What is a Pre-Matric Scholarship?

A pre-matric scholarship is a financial assistance initiative designed to support students from underprivileged backgrounds and various communities in financing their education during the pre-matriculation or secondary phase. The term “pre-matric” pertains to the educational period preceding the class 10 examination, commonly called the Matriculation exam, which generally encompasses classes 9 and 10.

The primary objective of this program is to enhance student enrollment in educational institutions, decrease dropout rates, and elevate academic achievement. Pre-matric scholarship encompasses educational courses and programs within the matriculation level below class 10, and it is offered centrally and at the state level under various government schemes. Pre-matric Scholarships for SC/ST students, Pre-matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT categories of students, and Minority Scholarships are some of the most popular pre-matric scholarship programs. Apart from this, every Indian state has its own PMS schemes for matriculating students and students working in cleaning and hazardous environments. 

Maharashtra State Minority Scholarship 2025-26

Maharashtra State Minority Scholarship 2025, initiated by the Minority Development Department, aims to support minority students in Maharashtra who are pursuing their higher education. This scholarship is available to students enrolled in Arts, Commerce, Science, Law, and Education courses at the graduate and postgraduate levels. Eligible candidates must belong to a minority community and have an annual family income of up to ₹8 lakhs.

Students who want to apply for the scholarship must submit essential documents, including their mark sheet, domicile certificate, income proof, fee receipt, a self-declared minority certificate, and a bonafide certificate. Selected students will receive either their full course fee or ₹5,000, whichever is lower. However, only 2,000 new applicants will be granted the scholarship under the fresher quota. Interested candidates must submit their applications before the last date 31 March 2025.

Documents Required for Scholarship 

A scholarship represents financial assistance granted to students to cover their educational costs and related expenses. This support is generally awarded based on various criteria, including academic performance, athletic skills, financial necessity, or other unique talents or situations. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them an essential resource for higher education students. There are multiple different types of scholarships available, and for that matter, the necessary documents for scholarships also vary. However, most scholarships require similar documents to apply for a scholarship scheme of any sort successfully.

Documents required for scholarships are; 

1. Identification proof: Aadhar card or any other ID. It is the most important document, verifying your identity. 
2. Caste certificate: a document certifying your caste category as general, OBC, SC, ST, or any minority, etc.
3. Academic certificate: As proof of your matriculation level. 
4. Income certificate: to prove the annual monetary credits or an EWS certificate 
5. Address proof: Verify whether the scholarship has been given to the right recipient. 

Top Private Scholarship in India

Scholarship 2025 Amount

Official Website of Scholarship

UP Scholarship: https://scholarship.up.gov.in/

National Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in/

Odisha Scholarship Portal: https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in/website/home