TL;DR: The PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026 is a major Government of India initiative offering up to ₹1,25,000 per year to meritorious students in Classes 9 and 11 from OBC, EBC, and DNT categories. Applications must be submitted online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) before the designated deadline. Eligible students must have a family income under ₹2.5 Lakhs per annum to secure these funds via Direct Benefit Transfer.


The PM YASASVI Scholarship Application Guide 2026 is designed to help eligible Indian school students successfully secure government financial assistance. Securing quality education can be financially challenging for many households across India. The central government introduced this scheme to bridge the financial gap for deserving students.

Navigating the application process on official government portals requires careful attention to detail, correct documentation, and timely submission. This guide outlines the step-by-step process, exam criteria, registration details, and eligibility matrices to ensure you do not miss out on this significant educational fund.


What Is PM YASASVI Scholarship?

The PM YASASVI Scholarship is a highly targeted financial aid scheme initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) to support meritorious students from disadvantaged backgrounds across India. PM YASASVI stands for “Prime Minister Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India.”

Indian student filling out scholarship application form on a laptop
Indian student filling out scholarship application form on a laptop

The program primarily targets students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT). By funding secondary and senior secondary education, the government aims to reduce dropout rates in high schools. The funds are transferred directly to the verified bank accounts of selected candidates, ensuring a highly transparent process that minimizes intermediaries.


Why PM YASASVI Matters in India in 2026

Indian educational statistics underline the urgent need for structural financial assistance at the secondary school level. According to recent reports by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), financial constraints remain the primary driver for high school dropouts in semi-urban and rural areas. In response, the Indian Government has optimized the digital distribution of welfare schemes.

During the current 2026 fiscal cycle, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has earmarked substantial funds to cover more than 30,000 eligible students across different Indian states. By integrating the application process directly with the modernized National Scholarship Portal, the government ensures that verified students receive funds rapidly through the Aadhaar-enabled Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

📊 Key stat: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has allocated over ₹32.4 Crore for the PM YASASVI scheme in the current financial budget, ensuring broad coverage across multiple school boards.


PM YASASVI Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2026

To prevent application rejection, applicants must satisfy the strict eligibility guidelines laid down by the governing ministry. Applications that do not meet these parameters are automatically filtered out by the National Scholarship Portal’s database.

1. Class and Board Requirements

  • Class 9 Students: Candidates must have passed Class 8 from a recognized government or private school in the previous academic year.
  • Class 11 Students: Candidates must have cleared their Class 10 board examinations with passing marks from an approved educational board (such as CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards).

2. Category Restrictions

The scheme is strictly reserved for students who belong to the following categories:

  • Other Backward Classes (OBC)
  • Economically Backward Classes (EBC)
  • Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT)

3. Income Thresholds

The cumulative annual income of the applicant’s parents or guardians must not exceed ₹2,50,000 (Rupees Two Lakh Fifty Thousand only). This income certificate must be issued by an authorized local revenue authority, such as a Tehsildar or Sub-Divisional Magistrate.


PM YASASVI vs Other National Scholarships

To help parents and students understand where this scheme stands compared to other popular educational aids, the table below highlights the core differences.

FeaturePM YASASVI ScholarshipNational Means Cum Merit (NMMS)Pre-Matric OBC Scholarship
Target ClassesClass 9 and Class 11Class 9 to Class 12Class 1 to Class 10
Max FundingUp to ₹1,25,000/year₹12,000/yearUp to ₹4,000/year
Income LimitUnder ₹2.5 LakhsUnder ₹3.5 LakhsUnder ₹2.5 Lakhs
Administered ByMinistry of Social JusticeMinistry of EducationMinistry of Social Justice
Selection ModeSchool Merit List / TestNational Written ExamState-level Merit

Scholarship Funding Structure

The scholarship amount varies based on the class of the student. The funds are disbursed annually to cover school tuition fees, hostel charges, and other academic expenses.

  • For Class 9 and 10 Students: A maximum of ₹75,000 per annum is disbursed to cover school fees and learning materials.
  • For Class 11 and 12 Students: A maximum of ₹1,25,000 per annum is provided to cover academic fees, laboratory charges, and boarding expenses.

All payments are processed through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) directly into the student’s bank account, which must be linked to their Aadhaar card.

Written by Rahul Dubey
Tech, AI & Digital Ecosystem Specialist at 99InfoStore, covering artificial intelligence breakthroughs, consumer gadgets, fintech, and digital economy trends.
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