Government Scholarships After Class 10 in India: A Complete 2025 Guide

Introduction: Government Scholarships After Class 10

As students complete their Class 10 exams, many start searching for Government Scholarships After Class 10 in India to reduce the financial burden of higher education. These scholarships are launched by both central and state governments to support meritorious, economically weaker, girl, and minority students in pursuing further studies. Applying for such schemes not only eases educational expenses but also motivates students to aim higher in academics. This 2025 guide provides a detailed overview of the latest government scholarships available after Class 10, along with their eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process, helping you choose the best option for your future.

1. National-Level Scholarships after Class 10 (Central Government)

When it comes to Government Scholarships After Class 10 in India, the first step for students is to explore the National-Level Scholarships offered by the Central Government. These scholarships are designed to provide financial help to deserving students across the country, ensuring that talent is not wasted due to financial challenges. Popular schemes like the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) and the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) support bright students in continuing their higher studies. Such national-level scholarships not only reduce the burden of school and college expenses but also encourage students to perform better academically and pursue their dreams with confidence.

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1.1 National Means‑cum‑Merit Scholarship (NMMS)

• Organizer: Ministry of Education via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
• Eligibility: Class 8–10 students; family income below ₹1.5 lakh–₹3.5 lakh per annum (varies by source).
• Benefit: ₹12,000 per year
• Purpose: Prevent dropout after Class 8/10
• How to Apply: Through NSP; exam-based selection

1.2 National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)

• Organizer: NCERT
• Eligibility: Class 10 students (state-level then national-level exam).
• Benefit: ₹1,250 per month for Class 11–12; ₹2,000/month for undergrad/postgrad.
• How to Apply: Through state education boards; notifications published annually

1.3 Pre‑Matric & Post‑Matric Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Disabled

• Organizer: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; SC/ST/OBC/Minority Welfare
• Eligibility: Students who passed Class 10; family income criteria:
  • Disability: ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year.
  • OBC/SC/ST: Varies by category
  • Minorities: Varies
• Benefit:
  • Disablement: Day scholars ₹500–₹800/month; hostellers ₹800–₹1,600; plus book grant ₹1,000; disability allowance ₹2,000–₹4,000.
  • SC/ST/OBC: Maintenance stipend + fee reimbursement.
  • Minority students Pre-Matric: ₹850/year + ₹600/month (hosteller) or ₹100/month (day scholar).
• How to Apply: Via NSP or respective State Scholarship Portals

1.4 CBSE Scholarships: Single Girl Child & SC/ST Merit

• Organizer: CBSE

1. Single Girl Child Scholarship
   • Eligibility: CBSE girl students who are the only child and scored ≥ 60
   • Benefit: ₹500 per month for two years (Classes 11–12)
2. Board’s Merit Scholarship (SC/ST)
   • Eligibility: SC/ST students scoring ≥ 85
   • Benefit: ₹12,000 per annum

1.5 AICTE PRAGATI & Saksham Scholarships

• Organizer: AICTE (Ministry of HRD)

1. PRAGATI
   • Eligibility: One girl per family; income ≤ ₹6 lakh; pursuing technical education (Polytechnic/Diploma/UG level).
   • Benefit: ₹30,000 tuition + ₹2,000/month for 10 months
2. Saksham (for disabled students)
   • Similar benefits, separate eligibility—via Ministry of HRD.

2. State-Level Scholarships (After Class 10)

Apart from national schemes, students can also apply for State-Level Scholarships (Post-Class 10), which form an important part of Government Scholarships After Class 10 in India. Each state government launches its own scholarship programs to support local students based on merit, financial need, or community categories. For example, states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra run special scholarship schemes to help students continue their higher education without financial stress. These state-level scholarships ensure that opportunities reach students in every corner of the country, making education more accessible and inclusive for all.

2.1 West Bengal

• Swami Vivekananda Merit‑cum‑Means (SVMCM)
  • Eligibility: ≥ 60
  • Benefit: Monthly stipend varying by education level
• Nabanna Scholarship
  • Eligibility: ≥ 60
  • Benefit: One-time grant
• Aikyashree (Minority)
  • Eligibility: ≥ 50
  • Benefit: Fee + maintenance allowance

2.2 Bihar

• Post‑Matric Scholarships (EBC/SC/ST/OBC/Disabled/Minority)
  • Eligibility: Passed Class 10; income criteria vary by category.
  • Benefit range: ₹2,000–₹15,000/year + maintenance/hostel fee reimbursement

2.3 Madhya Pradesh

• Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana
  • Eligibility: ≥ 75
  • Benefit: Full tuition fee for professional courses

2.4 Himachal Pradesh

• Swami Vivekananda Utkrisht Chhatravriti Yojana (General merit)
• Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship for SC/OBC/ST
• Kalpana Chawla & Thakur Sen Negi Scholarships for meritorious girls and tribal students.
  • Benefit ranges ₹8,000–₹50,000 depending on rank/category

3. Merit-based & Olympiad Exams (Post‑Class 10 Entry)

Another important category under Government Scholarships After Class 10 in India is the Merit-based & Olympiad Exams (Post-Class 10 Entry). These scholarships are specially designed for students who excel academically or perform well in national-level competitive exams. Programs like the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), various Olympiads in Science, Mathematics, and English, and other talent-based exams provide financial rewards, mentorship, and recognition to outstanding students. Such merit-based scholarships not only reduce the cost of higher studies but also motivate students to sharpen their skills, compete at higher levels, and build a strong foundation for future careers.

3.1 IOQM, NSEJS, etc.

• IOQM: Mathematics Olympiad qualifier for Class 8–12.
• NSEJS: Junior science Olympiad for Classes 9–10.

While primarily recognition-based, qualifying opens the door to further scholarships and training camps.

3.2 National Scholarship Exam & Siksha Abhiyan

• National Scholarship Exam (by NICE): Class 5–12; scholarships for top ranks.
• Siksha Abhiyan Scholarship: Merit-based for Class 8–12; prizes up to ₹50,000.

4. Other Central or NGO‑backed Scholarships

Along with government schemes, students can also benefit from Other Central or NGO-backed Scholarships under the broad category of Government Scholarships After Class 10 in India. Many reputed organizations, trusts, and NGOs collaborate with the government or run independent programs to support deserving students. Examples include scholarships offered by foundations like Tata, Aditya Birla, and Reliance, which provide financial aid, mentorship, and career guidance. These opportunities are especially helpful for students from economically weaker backgrounds who need extra support to continue their studies. Such central or NGO-backed scholarships widen the scope of financial assistance, ensuring that no talented student is left behind due to lack of resources.

• LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship
  • Eligibility: ≥ 60
  • Benefit: ₹15,000 annually
• Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship
  • Eligibility: ≥ 55–60
  • Benefit: ₹500–₹2,500/month
• JIO Scholarship
  • Eligibility: ≥ 70–85
  • Benefit: ₹35,000–₹55,000 per year

Here is the updated “Government Scholarships After Class 10 – Quick Reference Table” with an additional “Benefits” column showing the financial assistance or support provided by each scholarship:

Government Scholarships After Class 10 – Reference Table (with Benefits)

To simplify your search, here’s a quick reference guide on Government Scholarships After Class 10 in India with their main benefits. At the national level, schemes like NMMS and NTSE offer financial aid and stipends to meritorious students. State-level scholarships cover tuition fees, books, and hostel support for local students. Merit-based and Olympiad scholarships such as KVPY reward academic talent with cash prizes and mentorship. Additionally, NGO-backed programs like Tata and Aditya Birla foundations provide extra financial assistance. These scholarships ease expenses and encourage students to continue their studies confidently after Class 10.