Top 6 scholarships for students of Class IX and X

As per an MHRD report on Indian educational statistics, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of students at secondary level of education is 80 per cent, which is fairly good. However, the instances of students dropping out after Class VIII is still prevalent in many states/UTs. To reduce or minimise the drop-out rate among students at secondary or higher secondary level, the Government of India and various private organisations have introduced several school-level scholarships for deserving students. The meritorious students who face financial crises and are at the verge of dropping out can avail these scholarships to keep their educational dreams alive and thriving.

Given below is the list of top 6 scholarships for students of Class IX and X that one must not miss out.

Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

Introduced with an objective to support the studies of students with disabilities, this scholarship is meant for those disabled students who are studying in Class IX or X in a government or recognised school. The students with more than 40% disability and a certificate to prove the same can apply. Also, the annual income of the family should be less than Rs 2.50 lakh from all sources.

Provider Detail: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Government of India

Eligibility: Physically challenged students of Class IX and X

Award Details: Maintenance allowance, book grant, and disability allowance

Application Timeline: Between June and November (tentative)

Application Mode: Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal

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Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities

This scholarship is meant to support the school education of children belonging to Minority communities (i.e. Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains and Zoroastrians/Parsis).

The students who are studying in Class I to X can avail benefits under this scholarship. They must have obtained at least 50% marks in the previous examination. Furthermore, the annual income of the family should be less than Rs 1 lakh per annum from all sources.

Provider Detail: Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India

Eligibility: Minority community students of Class  I to X

Award Details: Admission fee, tuition fee, and maintenance allowance

Application Timeline: Between June and November (tentative)

Application Mode: Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal

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National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme

This merit-cum-means scholarship is meant to support studies of Class IX students who have obtained at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in Class VIII examination. The key objective of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to meritorious students coming from economically weaker sections of the society. The selection for the scholarship will be based on the selection test conducted nationwide by each state/UT. To appear for the test, the students need to have secured at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in Class VII examination. Also, the annual income of the family should be less than Rs 1.50 lakh from all sources.

Provider Detail: Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India

Eligibility: Class IX students who have scored 55% in Class VII and Class VIII

Award Details: Rs 12,000 per annum

Application Timeline: Between June and November (tentative)

Application Mode: Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal

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Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for Minorities Girls

Meritorious girl students belonging to minority communities can avail benefits under this scholarship. The key objective of the scholarship is to offer tuition fee assistance to deserving students who are unable to support their education due to financial constraints. They must be studying in Class IX to XII and should have secured at least 50% marks (aggregate) in the previous class. The annual income of the family should now exceed Rs 2 lakh per annum from all sources.

Provider Detail: Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF), Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India

Eligibility: Girl students studying in Class IX to XII

Award Details: Up to Rs 6,000

Application Timeline: Between September and October (tentative)

Application Mode: Apply online through the official website of MAEF

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SOF Girl Child Scholarship Scheme (G.C.S.S)

This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to girl children of economically weak families to help them continue their school education. Girl students studying in Class I to X can apply for this scheme. They must have secured at least 60% marks in their previous class and the combined monthly income of their parents must be less than Rs 15,000.

Provider Detail: Science Olympiad Foundation

Eligibility: Girls of Class I to  X

Award Details: Rs 5,000

Application Timeline: Between April and October (tentative)

Application Mode: Apply through respective schools

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Swami Dayanand School Scholarship for Delhi/NCR

This scholarship scheme is applicable for students of Delhi/NCR region only. Talented students who come from economically backward families can avail benefits under this scheme. The students who are studying in Class IX to XII in a government or private school recognised by CBSE board can apply. They must have secured at least 50% marks in the previous examination. Also, the gross annual income of their family should be less than Rs 2 lakh per annum from all sources.

Provider Detail: Swami Dayanand Education Foundation

Eligibility: Class IX to XII students of CBSE board

Award Details: Up to Rs 5,000 per annum

Application Timeline: Between June and December (tentative)

Application Mode: By post to the Scholarship Officer of Swami Dayanand Charitable Education Foundation

 — Inputs courtesy www.buddy4study.com