The Uttar Pradesh Government’s Scholarship Program for Class 9 and 10 Students

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced an exciting scholarship program tailored to students in Classes 9 and 10, with specific age criteria in mind. This initiative aims to provide financial support to eligible students, with an annual scholarship amount of Rs 3,500, marking an increase from the previous sum of Rs 3,000.

This scholarship program is exclusively designed for students belonging to the scheduled caste or scheduled tribe categories who are currently enrolled in the 9th and 10th grades. To qualify for this scheme, students must fall within the age range of 12 to 20 years. It’s important to note that individuals aged 20 or older pursuing studies in Class 10 are ineligible for this scholarship, except for research students.

Eligible students can secure the scholarship if they have achieved a minimum of 50 per cent marks in their previous year. Remarkably, this program benefits more than 50 lakh students every year. It’s a historic opportunity for SC and ST students to take advantage of this scholarship scheme.

Furthermore, students from families engaged in certain unhygienic occupations are also eligible to apply for this scholarship. What’s even more exciting is that the scholarship program extends its eligibility to students transitioning from academic courses like BA, BSc, and B.Com to pursue equivalent professional programs such as BTech or MBBS. A critical requirement is that these students must successfully qualify for the entrance examinations associated with their chosen professional courses.

Notably, this expanded opportunity was not available previously, meaning that students embarking on their first year of a secondary course couldn’t benefit from this scheme. This inclusive provision ensures that students pursuing diverse educational paths have access to financial support, which, in turn, promotes their educational pursuits in professional domains.

Starting from 2025, students admitted to the management quota without completing the mandatory entrance requirements will no longer be eligible for the scholarship or fee reimbursement. Additionally, a biometric attendance system will be implemented in the same year to ensure transparency and accountability.

Key Highlights of the Scholarship Program:

• An annual scholarship of Rs 3,500 for students in Classes 9 and 10.
• Exclusive for scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students aged 12 to 20 years.
• Eligibility based on achieving a minimum of 50 per cent marks.
• Extended eligibility for students transitioning to professional programs.
• Exemption for research students aged 20 or older.
• Opportunity for students from families in unhygienic occupations.
• Changes in eligibility for management quota admissions from 2025.
• Introduction of a biometric attendance system in 2025.

This scholarship program represents a significant step towards providing equal educational opportunities for students from marginalized communities in Uttar Pradesh. It not only supports their academic endeavors but also encourages them to explore diverse career paths. As the program evolves with new eligibility criteria, students must stay informed to make the most of this valuable opportunity.

For more details and application instructions, please visit the official Uttar Pradesh government website.