Central Government Scholarships for Class 6 to 8 Students: Education is a fundamental right, and the Government of India has implemented several scholarship schemes to ensure that students from economically weaker sections and minority communities receive quality education. These scholarships aim to reduce the financial burden on families and encourage students to continue their education.
Central Government Scholarships for Class 6 to 8
Some of the major scholarships available for Class 6 to 8 students are as follows:

1. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
The NMMS scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to prevent them from dropping out of school.
Eligibility
- For Fresh Applications
- The parental income of the applicant should not exceed Rs.3,50,000 per annum from all sources.
- The applicant must be a regular student entering Class 9 in a government, government-aided, or local body school.
- A separate selection test is conducted by the State/UT governments, and students need at least 55% marks in Class 7 (50% for SC/ST) to appear in the test during Class 8.
- The selection test includes two papers: Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), each with 90 multiple-choice questions.
- Selection Criteria for Scholarship Award
- Students must pass both MAT and SAT with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks (32% for SC/ST candidates).
- At the time of selection, students must have secured at least 55% in Class 8 (50% for SC/ST).
- Awardees must meet all eligibility conditions set by the scheme and continue studies in approved courses.
- Scholarships follow State/UT reservation norms, and students can avail of only one central government scholarship at a time.
- Conditions for Scholarship Continuation
- Students must maintain good conduct, attend school regularly, and pursue full-time studies.
- If a student leaves their course within one month of admission, they will forfeit the scholarship.
- Any scholarship claim must be submitted within 12 months of the academic session; no arrears will be entertained after that.
- A scholarship will be discontinued if a student takes a gap of one academic session, and it cannot be revived.
- Renewal Application Criteria
- To continue the scholarship in higher classes, students must secure a minimum of 60% in Class 10 (55% for SC/ST).
- Clear promotion from Class 8 to 9, Class 9 to 10, and Class 11 to 12 in the first attempt is mandatory.
- The scholarship is granted for a maximum of four years (Classes 9 to 12) and is valid only for studies within India.
- If an institution does not conduct exams in Class 9 or 11, a certificate from the Head of the Institution is required to continue the scholarship.
Age Limit
- Age group of class 7th and 8th
Scholarship Categories
- All Students
Documents Required
- Class 7th mark sheet (only from government schools) (compulsory)
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate of Parents (compulsory)
- Disability Certificate
- Domicile Certificate
How to Apply
- Login with OTR
- Login with Aadhaar
- website

Application Fees
- No. The entire application process is completely free of cost.

Scholarship Amount and Benefits
- Under this scheme, 1,00,000 new scholarships are awarded every year at the rate of Rs. 12,000/- (Normally Rs. 1,000 per month) at Class IX level for children studying up to Class XII.
- The funds will be sanctioned from the annual budget provision for release to SBI, the implementing bank for the scheme of scholarship distribution, the amount will be transferred directly to the students in their bank accounts by online service through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- The awardees will be required to open bank accounts preferably in SBI, any public sector bank or any scheduled bank having core banking facility.
Exclusions
- Exclusion of Kendriya Vidyalaya and Navodaya Vidyalaya Students
Students studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) are not eligible for scholarships under this scheme. This exclusion is due to the fact that these institutions already receive government support. As a result, students from these schools cannot apply for financial assistance under this scholarship program. The scheme is intended for students studying in other eligible institutions. - Ineligibility of Residential and Private School Students
Students studying in residential schools run by Central or State Government institutions are also not eligible for the scholarship. These schools already provide essential facilities like boarding, lodging, and education, reducing the need for additional financial aid. Similarly, students studying in private schools cannot avail of this scholarship. The scheme is primarily meant for students who do not have access to fully funded residential education. - No Scholarship for Studying Abroad
The scholarship scheme does not cover students who wish to pursue their education abroad. Regardless of the course or institution, financial aid under this scheme is restricted to students studying within the country. This ensures that government resources are utilized to support students within the national education system. Those planning to study overseas must explore alternative funding options. - Exclusion of Diploma and Certificate Courses
Scholarships under this scheme are not provided for students enrolling in diploma or certificate-level courses. The financial support is meant for students pursuing recognized degree programs or equivalent studies. This policy aims to focus resources on long-term educational qualifications that contribute to career growth. Students interested in diploma or certificate programs must seek other financial assistance options.
Important Dates and Deadline
- All Central Sector Post Matric/Top Class Schemes have been extended as follows:
- Student submission: 30/11/2024
- Institute Verification Closing: 15/12/2024
- L2 Verification Closing: 31/12/2024

2. SBIF Asha Scholarship Program
This scholarship is provided by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to support the education of students with disabilities.
Eligibility
- Eligibility for School Students:
- The scholarship is available to students from Class 6 to 12.
- This ensures that students in their formative years have access to financial support for their education.
- Eligibility for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students:
- Students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses from the top 100 NIRF universities/colleges are eligible.
- This criterion ensures that the scholarship supports students from reputable institutions, promoting academic excellence.
- Eligibility for IIT Students:
- Students from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are eligible for the scholarship.
- IITs are renowned for their rigorous academic standards and producing top-tier engineers and technologists.
- Eligibility for MBA/PGDM Students:
- IIMs are prestigious institutions known for their management programs, and this scholarship aims to support future business leaders.
Scholarship Categories
- Open for Indian nationals only.
- Applicants must be studying in Class 6 to 12 in the current academic year.
- Students must have secured 75% marks or above in their previous academic year.
- The gross annual family income of the applicants must be up to INR 3,00,000.
NOTE:
- 50% of the slots will be reserved for female applicants.
- Preference will be given to students belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories.
Documents Required
- Marksheet from the previous academic year (Class 12/Graduation/Postgraduation, as applicable)
- Government-issued identity proof (Aadhaar card)
- Current year Fee receipt
- Proof of current year admission (Admission letter/institution identity card/bonafide certificate)
- Bank account details of the applicant (or parent)
- Proof of income (Form 16A/income certificate from a government authority/salary slips, etc.)
- Photograph of the applicant.
- Caste certificate (wherever applicable)
How to Apply
- Click on the Apply Now button below.
- website

Scholarship Amount and Benefits
- Classes 6 to 12 : INR 15,000 each
Important Dates and Deadlines
- November 30, 2024