PM YASASVI stands for PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India, a flagship central government scholarship program launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. This scheme is specifically designed to provide financial assistance to meritorious students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified Tribes (DNT) categories, enabling them to pursue quality education in top-class schools and premier higher education institutions across the country.
The scheme operates under two major sub-components the Top Class School Education scheme for students in Classes 9 to 12, and the Top Class College Education scheme for students pursuing higher education in notified institutions like IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, and National Law Universities. Unlike many scholarship programs that require separate entrance examinations, the PM YASASVI selection process for the 2026 cycle is entirely merit-based, determined by the marks obtained in the qualifying examination of the previous class.
The traditional YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) has been permanently discontinued, making the application process more accessible for deserving students. The scheme is implemented through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), ensuring complete transparency in beneficiary selection and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of scholarship funds to students’ bank accounts.
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Quick Overview Table of PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Full Name | PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (YASASVI) |
| Launched By | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India |
| Target Beneficiaries | OBC, EBC, and DNT category students |
| School Scholarship Amount | Up to ₹75,000/year (Class 9-10); Up to ₹1,25,000/year (Class 11-12) |
| College Scholarship Amount | Full tuition fee + ₹3,000/month living expenses + ₹5,000/year books + ₹45,000 laptop (one-time) |
| Private Institution Fee Ceiling | Up to ₹2 lakh per annum |
| Flying Club Fee Ceiling | Up to ₹3.72 lakh per annum |
| Annual Family Income Limit | Below ₹2.5 lakh |
| Application Portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – scholarships.gov.in |
| Application Start Date (School) | 1 June 2026 |
| Application Deadline (School) | 31 August 2026 |
| Application Deadline (College) | 31 October 2026 |
| Selection Basis | Merit-based (previous class marks); YET exam discontinued |
| Girls Reservation | 30% of total scholarship slots |
| Sibling Rule | Maximum 2 siblings per family can avail benefit |
| Official Helpline | 0120-6619540, helpdesk@nsp.gov.in |
Main Objectives Behind Launching PM YASASVI
The Government of India introduced the PM YASASVI scheme with a comprehensive vision that addresses educational inequality, social empowerment, and economic upliftment of backward communities.
- Bridge the Educational Gap: Students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities often face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing quality education in top-tier institutions. PM YASASVI directly addresses this by funding their entire educational journey from Class 9 through higher education.
- Promote Social Justice: The scheme aligns with the constitutional mandate of ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens. By reserving 30% of slots for girl students, it also promotes gender parity within backward communities.
- Reduce Dropout Rates: Financial constraints are the single biggest reason why talented students from poor families drop out after Class 8 or Class 10. By providing substantial aid from Class 9 onwards, the scheme ensures continuity in education.
- Enable Access to Premier Institutions: Many OBC/EBC/DNT students never even consider applying to IITs, IIMs, or NLUs due to cost fears. PM YASASVI covers full tuition, living expenses, and even laptop costs, making these institutions accessible.
- Create Role Models: When students from backward communities graduate from top institutions, they become role models for their communities, inspiring younger generations to pursue education seriously.
- Digital Integration: The scheme leverages the National Scholarship Portal for end-to-end digital processing, from One Time Registration (OTR) to DBT disbursement, eliminating paperwork and middlemen.
- Honor Swami Vivekananda’s Vision: The scheme embodies Swami Vivekananda’s belief that education is the manifestation of perfection already in man, and that every child, regardless of birth, deserves the best education possible.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria in Detail
Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for students and parents to determine whether they qualify for PM YASASVI benefits. The scheme has specific requirements for both school and college-level applicants.
- Category Requirement: The applicant must belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), or De-notified Tribes (DNT) category. General category students are not eligible under this scheme.
- Annual Family Income Limit: The total annual family income of the applicant must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh. This income ceiling ensures that only economically disadvantaged families benefit from the scheme.
- For School Students (Class 9 to 12):
- Must be currently studying in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12 in a recognized government, government-aided, or private school
- Must have secured a minimum of 33% marks in the previous qualifying examination
- The school must be empanelled or designated as a “Top Class School” under the scheme
- For College Students (Higher Education):
- Must have secured admission in a full-time prescribed course in a notified institution
- Eligible institutions include IITs, IIMs, NITs, IIITs, AIIMS, NIFT, NID, National Law Universities, and other institutions notified by the Ministry
- Admission must be through entrance examination or merit-based selection process
- Nationality: The applicant must be an Indian national. NRIs and foreign nationals are not eligible.
- Aadhaar Requirement: The student must have an Aadhaar card or Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID) for One Time Registration (OTR) on the NSP portal.
- Active Bank Account: The student must have an active bank account in their own name or a joint account with parents, linked to Aadhaar for DBT.
- No Duplicate Benefits: Students already receiving assistance from any other government scheme for the same purpose (tuition, hostel, books) are not eligible for overlapping benefits under PM YASASVI.
Complete List of Documents Required for Application
Having the correct documents ready before applying ensures a smooth and successful application process on the National Scholarship Portal.
| Document Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card / Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID) | Mandatory for OTR registration and e-KYC |
| Caste Certificate (OBC/EBC/DNT) | Proof of eligible category |
| Family Income Certificate (< ₹2.5 lakh) | Issued by competent authority; proves income eligibility |
| Previous Class Marksheet | For merit-based selection |
| School Bonafide Certificate | Confirms enrollment in empanelled school |
| Bank Passbook / Cancelled Cheque | For DBT scholarship transfer |
| Domicile Certificate | Confirms state of residence |
| Passport Size Photograph | For application records |
| Disability Certificate (if applicable) | For PwD applicants |
| Admission Proof (for college students) | Confirms enrollment in notified institution |
Additional Notes on Documents:
- The caste certificate must be issued by a competent revenue authority and should be current, not expired.
- The income certificate must clearly state that the annual family income is below ₹2.5 lakh. Certificates older than one year may not be accepted.
- For school students, the bonafide certificate must specifically mention that the student is studying in an empanelled or designated Top Class School under the PM YASASVI scheme.
- College students must provide admission proof showing they have secured a seat through entrance examination or merit-based process in a notified institution.
- The bank account must be in the student’s name or a joint account. Accounts in the name of unrelated persons are not accepted.
- All documents should be scanned clearly in PDF or JPEG format before uploading on the NSP portal.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process on NSP
Students must apply exclusively through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Here is the complete digital application guide.
- Step 1 — One Time Registration (OTR):
- Visit the official National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
- Click on “New OTR Registration” or “Register” button.
- Enter your Aadhaar number or Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID).
- Provide a functional mobile number for OTP verification.
- Complete the e-KYC process by entering the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Set up your login credentials (Application ID and password).
- Download the OTR mobile application for face authentication to complete the OTR process fully.
- Step 2 — Login and Select Scheme:
- After successful OTR, log in to the NSP portal using your Application ID and password.
- Navigate to the “Apply for Scholarship” section.
- Select “PM YASASVI Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education in Schools” for school students, or “PM YASASVI Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education in College” for higher education students.
- Step 3 — Fill Application Form:
- Enter all personal details, academic details, and family information accurately.
- For school students, select your empanelled school from the dropdown list.
- For college students, enter your institution name, course details, and admission information.
- Upload all required documents in the specified format and size.
- Step 4 — Verify and Submit:
- Review all entered information carefully. Once submitted, no changes can be made.
- Click on “Final Submit” to complete the application.
- Download and print the application form for your records.
- Step 5 — Institute Verification:
- Your school or college principal/head must verify your application on the NSP portal.
- The institute verification deadline for college students is 15 November 2026.
- Step 6 — District/State/Nodal Officer Verification:
- After institute verification, the District Nodal Officer (DNO), State Nodal Officer (SNO), and Ministry Nodal Officer (MNO) verify the application.
- The DNO/SNO/MNO verification deadline is 30 November 2026.
- Step 7 — Scholarship Disbursement:
- Once all verifications are complete, the scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account via DBT.
Scholarship Amount Breakdown for School Students
The PM YASASVI school scheme provides substantial financial support that covers tuition, hostel, and other educational expenses.
| Class Level | Annual Scholarship Amount | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Class 9 & 10 | Up to ₹75,000 per year | Tuition fees, hostel fees, school charges, books, and other necessary expenses |
| Class 11 & 12 | Up to ₹1,25,000 per year | Tuition fees, hostel fees, school charges, books, and other necessary expenses |
How the Amount is Disbursed:
- The scholarship is paid directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- For students in residential schools, the amount may be transferred to the school’s account for tuition and hostel fees, with the balance going to the student.
- The amount is released annually, and students must renew their application each academic year by maintaining passing marks.
- The scholarship continues from Class 9 through Class 12, provided the student maintains academic performance and attendance.
- Students who fail to pass their annual examination or whose attendance falls below the required threshold will have their scholarship discontinued.
Scholarship Amount Breakdown for College Students
The PM YASASVI higher education scheme provides comprehensive financial support for students pursuing degrees in India’s premier institutions.
| Scholarship Component | Amount / Support |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees & Non-Refundable Charges | Full financial support (for government institutions); up to ₹2 lakh/year for private institutions |
| Flying Club Training | Up to ₹3.72 lakh per annum for Commercial Pilot Training and Type Rating Courses |
| Monthly Living Expenses | ₹3,000 per month |
| Books & Stationery Allowance | ₹5,000 per annum |
| Laptop / Computer Assistance | Up to ₹45,000 (one-time support) |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to student’s bank account |
Key Points for College Students:
- The full tuition fee coverage applies to government institutions like IITs, NITs, AIIMS, and IIMs. For private institutions, the ceiling is ₹2 lakh per annum.
- The ₹3,000 monthly living expenses help students cover food, travel, and personal expenses while studying away from home.
- The one-time laptop assistance of ₹45,000 is a significant benefit that helps students with digital learning, online classes, and project work.
- For students pursuing Commercial Pilot Training or Type Rating Courses at private flying clubs, the fee support goes up to ₹3.72 lakh per annum — one of the highest scholarship amounts in India.
- The scholarship is available for the entire duration of the course, subject to annual renewal and satisfactory academic performance.
Selection Process and Merit Criteria
The PM YASASVI selection process for 2026 has undergone a significant change that makes it more accessible for deserving students.
- Merit-Based Selection: For the 2026 cycle, selection is entirely based on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination of the previous class. There is no separate entrance examination.
- YET Exam Discontinued: The traditional YASASVI Entrance Test (YET), which was previously conducted for selection, has been permanently discontinued. This removes the additional burden of preparing for another exam and levels the playing field for students from rural and under-resourced schools.
- Inter-Se Merit: If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available scholarship slots, selection is based on inter-se merit as per the admission criteria of the course or class.
- Tie-Breaker Rule: If two or more students have equal marks for the last available slot, preference is given to the student with the lower family income.
- 30% Reservation for Girls: At least 30% of the total scholarship slots are reserved for eligible girl students. This reservation is horizontal, meaning it applies across all categories within OBC, EBC, and DNT.
- Sibling Rule: The benefit is not provided to more than 2 siblings in a family. If a family has three or more eligible children, only the first two can receive the scholarship.
- Institute Verification: The student’s institute must verify the application, confirming enrollment, course details, and academic records.
- Committee Evaluation: For school-level scholarships, a committee chaired by the Joint Secretary (BC) in the Ministry evaluates and shortlists top-performing schools that have consistently achieved a 100% pass rate in board examinations.
Key Features That Make PM YASASVI Unique
PM YASASVI stands out among India’s numerous scholarship programs due to its comprehensive design and student-centric approach.
- No Entrance Exam Barrier: The discontinuation of the YET exam for the 2026 cycle makes this one of the most accessible merit-based scholarships. Students are selected purely on their academic performance in previous examinations.
- Covers Entire Educational Journey: Unlike scholarships that cover only one level, PM YASASVI supports students from Class 9 all the way through higher education in premier institutions, creating a continuous support system.
- Highest Fee Support for Professional Courses: The ₹3.72 lakh annual support for flying club training and the ₹2 lakh ceiling for private institutions are among the highest scholarship amounts offered by any central government scheme.
- One-Time Laptop Support: The ₹45,000 one-time laptop assistance is a forward-looking feature that recognizes the importance of digital literacy and online learning in modern education.
- Integrated with NSP: Being on the National Scholarship Portal means students can apply for multiple scholarships through a single platform, track their application status in real-time, and receive transparent updates.
- 30% Girls Reservation: The mandatory reservation for girl students ensures gender parity and encourages families to invest in their daughters’ education.
- Sibling Cap Prevents Concentration: The maximum 2 siblings rule ensures that scholarship benefits are distributed more widely across families rather than being concentrated in a few.
- Top Class School Empanelment: The scheme specifically targets quality education by restricting benefits to empanelled schools and notified institutions that meet high academic standards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
Many students face rejection or delays due to simple errors. Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your chances of selection.
- Incorrect OTR Registration: The One Time Registration (OTR) is the foundation of your NSP application. Entering wrong Aadhaar details or using someone else’s mobile number will cause verification failure. Always use your own Aadhaar and mobile number.
- Uploading Blurry or Wrong Documents: Documents that are unclear, cropped, or in the wrong format will be rejected. Scan all documents clearly in PDF or JPEG format and ensure they are within the size limits specified on the portal.
- Name Mismatch Across Documents: If your name is spelled differently on your Aadhaar, caste certificate, income certificate, and marksheet, the system will flag discrepancies. Ensure uniformity across all documents before applying.
- Selecting the Wrong Scheme: NSP hosts hundreds of scholarships. Make sure you select “PM YASASVI” specifically and not a similarly named state-level scheme.
- Missing the Application Deadline: The school-level deadline is 31 August 2026, and the college-level deadline is 31 October 2026. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
- Not Getting Institute Verification: Many students submit their application but forget to follow up with their school or college for institute-level verification. Without this, your application will not proceed to the next stage.
- Applying from a Non-Empanelled School: If your school is not on the list of empanelled Top Class Schools, your application will be rejected. Verify your school’s status before applying.
- Submitting Multiple Applications: Submitting more than one application for the same scheme will result in automatic disqualification. Apply only once and track your status.
Comparison with Other Central Scholarship Schemes
Understanding how PM YASASVI compares with other major scholarships helps students and parents make informed decisions.
| Feature | PM YASASVI | National Scholarship for OBC (NSP-OBC) | Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Group | OBC, EBC, DNT | OBC students | OBC students |
| Education Level | Class 9-12 & Higher Education | Class 11 to PhD | Class 11 to PhD |
| Selection Basis | Merit (previous class marks) | Income-based | Income-based |
| Entrance Exam | None (YET discontinued) | None | None |
| Maximum Amount | ₹1.25 lakh/year (school); ₹2 lakh+ (college) | Varies by course | Varies by course |
| Laptop Support | ₹45,000 (one-time) | No | No |
| Living Expenses | ₹3,000/month (college) | No | No |
| Girls Reservation | 30% | No specific reservation | No specific reservation |
| Institution Restriction | Top Class / Notified institutions only | Any recognized institution | Any recognized institution |
| Application Portal | NSP | NSP | NSP |
Why PM YASASVI is Superior for Meritorious Students:
- While NSP-OBC and Post-Matric scholarships are income-based and open to all institutions, PM YASASVI specifically targets quality education in top-tier institutions.
- The inclusion of laptop support and living expenses makes PM YASASVI more comprehensive than standard post-matric scholarships.
- The merit-based selection ensures that the most academically talented students from backward communities get the best opportunities, not just those with the lowest income.
Impact and Success Stories of PM YASASVI
Since its launch, PM YASASVI has transformed the educational landscape for OBC, EBC, and DNT students across India.
- Massive Reach: The scheme has the potential to benefit millions of students. With 1.5 crore registered OBC students and thousands of DNT community members, the scheme’s reach is among the largest for targeted scholarships in India.
- Premier Institution Access: Students who previously could not afford IITs, IIMs, or NLUs are now graduating from these institutions. PM YASASVI alumni are entering careers in engineering, management, law, medicine, and aviation.
- Aviation Sector Breakthrough: The ₹3.72 lakh support for flying club training has enabled DNT and OBC students to pursue Commercial Pilot Training — a field historically dominated by affluent families. This is creating India’s first generation of pilots from backward communities.
- Girls’ Education Revolution: The 30% reservation for girls has led to a noticeable increase in female enrollment in top schools and colleges from OBC/EBC/DNT backgrounds, challenging gender norms in conservative communities.
- Digital Literacy Boost: The ₹45,000 laptop assistance has equipped thousands of students with personal computers, enabling them to access online learning platforms, digital libraries, and competitive exam preparation resources.
- Community Transformation: When a student from a backward community graduates from an IIT or IIM, they become a role model for their entire village or community. This ripple effect is encouraging more families to prioritize education over early marriage or child labor.
- Reduced Dropout Rates: Data from empanelled schools shows that PM YASASVI beneficiaries have significantly lower dropout rates compared to non-beneficiary students from similar economic backgrounds.
Important Links, PDF Notifications, and Official Resources
| Resource | Link / Contact |
|---|---|
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | scholarships.gov.in |
| Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment | socialjustice.gov.in |
| NSP Helpline Number | 0120-6619540 |
| NSP Helpdesk Email | helpdesk@nsp.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is there an entrance exam for PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026?
No. For the 2026 cycle, the traditional YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) has been permanently discontinued. Selection is entirely merit-based, determined by the marks obtained in the qualifying examination of the previous class.
Q2. What is the annual family income limit for PM YASASVI?
The annual family income of the applicant must be below ₹2.5 lakh. This income ceiling applies to both school-level and college-level scholarships under the scheme.
Q3. How much scholarship money will I get in Class 9?
Students in Class 9 and 10 receive up to ₹75,000 per annum. This amount covers tuition fees, hostel fees, school charges, books, and other necessary expenses. The money is transferred directly to your bank account via DBT.
Q4. Can I apply if I am studying in a private school?
Yes, students from recognized private schools can apply, provided the school is empanelled or designated as a Top Class School under the PM YASASVI scheme. Verify your school’s status on the NSP portal before applying.
Q5. What is the One Time Registration (OTR) on NSP?
OTR is a unique 14-digit registration number generated when you register on the National Scholarship Portal using your Aadhaar. It is mandatory for applying to PM YASASVI and all other NSP scholarships. You must also complete face authentication through the OTR mobile app.
Q6. How much do college students get under PM YASASVI?
College students receive full tuition fee support (up to ₹2 lakh/year for private institutions), ₹3,000 per month for living expenses, ₹5,000 per year for books and stationery, and a one-time laptop assistance of up to ₹45,000. For flying club courses, the support goes up to ₹3.72 lakh per annum.
Q7. Is there any reservation for girl students?
Yes, 30% of the total scholarship slots are reserved for eligible girl students. This reservation applies across all categories within OBC, EBC, and DNT.
Q8. Can more than one child from the same family apply?
The benefit is not provided to more than 2 siblings in a family. If a family has three or more eligible children, only the first two can receive the scholarship. This rule ensures wider distribution of benefits.
Q9. What happens if I fail my annual examination?
If a student fails to maintain passing marks in the annual examination or if attendance falls below the required threshold, the scholarship will be discontinued. Students must renew their application each year with satisfactory academic records.
Q10. Where can I check my application status and get help?
Visit the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in and log in with your Application ID to check status. For help, contact the NSP helpline at 0120-6619540 or email helpdesk@nsp.gov.in. You can also visit your school or college scholarship cell for assistance.