The Free Coaching Scheme For SC and OBC Students is a government scheme that was launched in 2001 to help members of the Scheduled Castes (SC) or Other Backward Classes (OBC) that are economically disadvantaged by providing good quality coaching to qualify for jobs in the Public/Private Sector or get admission into reputed technical and professional higher learning institutions.
Overview
| Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students | |
|---|
| Particulars | Details |
| Initiation Year | 2001 |
| Target Beneficiaries | SC & OBC Students |
| Overseen By | Dr Ambedkar Foundation |
| Services Offered | Coaching for Public/Private sector jobs and admission to higher learning institutes |
Read More: Indian Global Leaders Scholarship Scheme To Study In Australia
What Is Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students?
The “ Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students” is a scholarship scheme started in 2001 by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and implemented with help from the Dr Ambedkar Foundation. This govt scheme aims to provide coaching for economically disadvantaged students belonging to SC & OBC communities. The aim is to provide good quality coaching so that these students can qualify for the Public/Private Sector or get admission into reputed technical and professional higher learning institutions.
Category-Wise Ratio Of Applicants
This government scheme can take a maximum of 3,500 students but the ratio of the applicants needs to have the following stipulations:
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The percentage of SC students is set at 70%. Only if enough applicants are not found can they be relaxed to 50%. The rest 30% is for OBC students.
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Under each category 30% of the seats are to be reserved for female candidates.
Coaching Given For The Following Courses And Exams
The Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students includes coaching for the following courses and competitive exams. All of the details are mentioned below, so let us look at these details carefully.
| Free Coaching Scheme Course Details | |
|---|
| Course Type | Exams |
| Civil Services | UPSC, SPSC |
| State & Others | SSC & RRB |
| Officer Grade Exams | Banks, Insurance Companies, and PSUs |
| Entrance Exams | Engineering (IIT-JEE), Medical (NEET), Management (CAT), and Law (CLAT) |
| International Tests | GRE, GMAT, SAT, IELTS, and TOEFL |
| Defense Exams | NDA and CDS |
| Aviation | Commercial Pilot License (CPL) |
These courses aim to serve as a stepping stone for these disadvantaged students to good cadre jobs and institutions so that they can have a shot at a better life.
Scheme Implementation
The government scheme is being largely implemented through central universities and overseen by the Dr Ambedkar Foundation (DAF). The specifics of the implementation strategy are:
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Agency in Charge of Implementation:
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) oversees the government program and provides coaching in collaboration with Central Universities that have been accredited.
Central Universities that are equipped to offer coaching are eligible to apply for program empanelment. Applications are assessed by a Selection Committee according to academic and infrastructure standards. Following approval, the university and the DAF sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Empaneled universities promote the government program and ask qualified SC and OBC students to apply online. Candidates are put on a merit list that the university creates after being shortlisted based on eligibility requirements (family income, academic standing, etc.).
The program offers coaching for several competitive exams, including UPSC, SSC, IIT-JEE, NEET, and others. Classes last the allotted amount of time, and physical coaching is provided for at least 16 hours each week.
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Observation and Presence:
Universities are required to track attendance using the Aadhaar biometric and submit a monthly report to the DAF. Candidates who miss more than four days of class without a good reason risk having their candidacy revoked.
The monthly stipend given to students is ₹4,000, and the course fees are covered up to the specified limitations (for example, ₹75,000 for UPSC). Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is used to pay in two instalments: 50% at the beginning of the course and the remaining 50% once 75% of the course has been completed.
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Assessment of Performance:
Periodic reports on student attendance and progress must be submitted by the universities. Following the course, colleges submit performance information to the DAF for evaluation for additional funding and payment of the second instalment.
This procedure guarantees that qualified students receive excellent tutoring to compete in a range of tests, with ongoing oversight to uphold accountability.
Read More: NSP Scholarship Online Form
Fees Charged And Duration Of Coaching
The following are the maximum course prices and minimum/maximum durations for various courses under the Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students:
| SL | Course | Maximum Total Course Fee in Rupees | Minimum Duration in Months |
|---|
| 1 | Civil Services Exam like UPSC/SPSCs | 1,20,000 | 9 months (4 months prelim + 5 months mains) |
| 2 | SSC/RRB | 40,000 | 6 months |
| 3 | Banking/Insurance/PSU/CLAT | 50,000 | 6 months |
| 4 | JEE/NEET | 1,20,000 | 9 months (not exceeding 12 months) |
| 5 | IES | 80,000 | -do- |
| 6 | CAT/CMAT | 60,000 | -do- |
| 7 | GRE/GMAT/SAT/TOFEL | 35,000 | 3 months |
| 8 | CA-CPT/GATE | 75,000 | 9 months |
| 9 | CPL Courses | 30,000 | 6 months |
| 10 | NDA/CDS | 20,000 | 3 months |
The stipend is provided for the actual months of coaching or the maximum amount of time specified, whichever is less. Students must also attend at least 16 hours of coaching every week.
Government Scheme Benefits
There are multiple boons by the Free Coaching Scheme as it is uniquely framed to help create a system to upward mobility in society through education:
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Coaching Fees: Coaching fees range from ₹20,000 to ₹75,000, depending on the course and can be paid in full or in part.
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Stipend: For a maximum of 12 months during the course, students are given a stipend of ₹4,000 per month.
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Rewards for Preparing for Interviews: An extra ₹15,000 is given to students who pass the main exam stage for Central and State Civil Services (Class 1 and 2 posts) in order to obtain interview coaching.
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Several Attempts: Regardless of the maximum number of attempts permitted for a given exam, students can take advantage of the government program up to twice.
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Numerous Courses: The program offers coaching for a number of admission examinations, including IIT-JEE, NEET, and CAT, as well as foreign tests like the GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL, as well as competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and RRB.
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Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT): The students' Aadhaar-linked bank accounts receive a direct transfer of all financial aid, including fees and stipends.
These advantages are intended to assist financially challenged SC and OBC applicants in getting ready for competitive tests and landing positions or possibilities for further education at recognised universities.
Scheme Payment Modes
This welfare scheme has funds going to two recipients, the applicants and the Central Universities that are empaneled. Therefore it is important to note the funds transfer modes and mechanisms:
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The students will get all of the allowable payments in their Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts via DBT.
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Two installments of 50% of the allowable amount each will be released for the fees and stipend.
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At the start of the course, the first installment will be released right away.
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After the completion of over 75% of the course, the second instalment will be made available.
NOTE: The students must pay the institution fee to the Central Universities where they are receiving coaching as soon as possible, but no later than 15 days.
Free Coaching Scheme Eligibility Criteria
Although the education scheme is for any kids looking to further themselves in life, there are certain stipulations as to who can apply. Let us have a clear look at these eligibility criteria.
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Students must be members of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) or Scheduled Castes (SC).
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The family's total income from all sources cannot be more than ₹8 lakh per annum.
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For competitive tests based on Class XII (like IIT-JEE and NEET):
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At the time of application, the student must have completed Class XII or be enrolled in it.
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Students must have passed their Class X test with at least 50% of the possible points.
- For competitive exams at the undergraduate level (e.g., UPSC, SSC)
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For the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), students need to have a bank account connected to their Aadhaar account and a valid Aadhaar number.
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Regardless of how many attempts they are permitted to take a certain exam, a student may only use this government program's benefits a maximum of twice.
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Pupils are required to confirm that they are not receiving any benefits from other government coaching, whether from the central or state levels.
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In each category, 30% of the spots are set out for female candidates (SC/OBC).
Read More: SSP Portal - Pre-Matric & Post-Matric Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria For Universities
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To successfully provide tutoring for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, IIT-JEE, NEET, and others listed under the plan, the university must exhibit the academic pedagogy and physical facilities needed.
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Universities must apply to join the panel overseen by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF).
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The selection committee evaluates the applications based on various criteria, including the university's ability to support the coaching program.
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Universities that have been offering coaching lessons in 2022-2023 and are already accredited under the Dr Ambedkar Centre of Excellence (DACE) Scheme are permitted to keep doing so without reapplying.
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Following selection, the university and the DAF must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining the coaching program's duration, start and end dates, number of seats, courses offered, and cost.
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The number of seats and programs that a university can offer is as follows:
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A university shall set aside 100 seats for the government program, with a minimum of 25 students enrolled in each course.
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A single university may provide no more than four courses from the list of authorised exams (such as UPSC, SSC, NEET, etc.).
Exclusions
The exclusionary conditions for applicants from this central government scheme are:
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Students who receive less than 50% on their class 10 exam will not be eligible for the program's competitive exams, for which the qualifying exam is the class 12 exam.
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Additionally, students who receive less than 50% on their class XII exam will not be eligible for the program in competitive exams where the qualifying exam is at the undergraduate level.
Empanelled Coaching Institutes
Since the government scheme was revised in the 2022-23 session, the government no longer employs coaching institutes for this. Instead, they have empanelled certain central government universities for this purpose:
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All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
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Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
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National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
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Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
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Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
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University of Delhi
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Indian Institute of Management (IIM)
Application Process
Applying for this government scheme is very easy, as it is very accessible and only requires a few simple steps on the part of the applicant: The process is as follows:
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Step 1: Registration of this scheme is online therefore, we must go to the official website.
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Step 2: Register for the scheme by clicking on the “Register” button.
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Step 3: Fill in the application with all the required information. Be careful to fill in the right details to avoid any complications later.
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Step 4: Be ready with all the necessary documents and upload them when asked for in the application process.
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Step 5: Click “Submit” after all details are filled and take note of the application ID that is provided for future reference.
Documents Required For Free Coaching Scheme
The application process requires the submission of certain required documents for the application to be processed and catalogued for the right applicant. The required documents are
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Passport Size Photograph
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Aadhaar card
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Income Certificate
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Caste Certificate
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Residence Proof
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Age Proof
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Details of the Aadhaar-linked Bank Account
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Class 10 mark sheet for competitive exams, for which class 12 is the qualifying exam.
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Class 12 marksheets for competitive exams that require an undergraduate degree as a prerequisite.
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Declaration that he or she has not benefitted from any other coaching program of a comparable nature administered by the state or central government more than twice.
Scheme Implementation Timeline
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Notification of application deadline: May 1st
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Applications must be received by May 31st.
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The tentative date for the PMS and TCS students' merit list announcement is June 5.
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The tentative date for the others' merit list announcement is June 30.
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The deadline for enrolling PMS/TCS students in coaching programs and submitting fee receipts is December 4.
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The deadline for additional individuals to enrol in coaching programs is December 29.
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The coaching fees must be released within a month of the fee receipt being submitted.
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The exam hall ticket must be uploaded within 30 days of the entrance exam date for which tutoring has been enrolled.
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The stipend must be released within 30 days of the exam hall ticket and self-certification being uploaded.
Note: Stay tuned for the Free Coaching Scheme 2025, and keep following Jaagruk Bharat for all updates and notifications.
Conclusion
The Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students is a central government scheme designed to give economically disadvantaged students an even footing at cracking competitive exams and job interviews.
For more information and to engage with a community of informed citizens, visit the Jaagruk Bharat Community Page. Get updates, tips, and insights on how to access other such schemes issued by the government of India
