In News:

With a vision of "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas", the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).

• Objective of PM-YASASVI:
  • The scheme aims to provide financial support and educational opportunities to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT).
  • The goal is to help these students overcome financial barriers and pursue quality education, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

• Consolidation of Earlier Schemes:
  • PM-YASASVI integrates multiple previous scholarship schemes:
  • Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship for EBCs.
  • Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for DNTs.
  • This consolidation aims to streamline the process and increase the impact on vulnerable groups.

• Key Components of the Scheme:
  • Pre-Matric Scholarship: For students in Class 9-10 with annual family income below ?2.5 lakh. Provides ?4,000 annually.
  • Post-Matric Scholarship: For students pursuing higher education, with academic allowances ranging from ?5,000 to ?20,000 based on course type.
  • Top Class School Education: For meritorious students, offering ?1.25 lakh annually for students from OBC, EBC, and DNT categories in Classes 9-12.
  • Top Class College Education: Covers tuition, living expenses, and educational materials for students in top institutions.
  • Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls: Provides hostel facilities to socially and educationally backward students near government institutions.

• Scope and Financial Allocation (2023-24):
  • Pre-Matric Scholarship: ?32.44 crore allocated to states and UTs for the year 2023-24, benefiting 19.86 lakh students.
  • Post-Matric Scholarship: ?387.27 crore allocated for the year, benefiting 27.97 lakh students.
  • Top Class School Education: ?6.55 crore for 2,602 students.
  • Top Class College Education: ?111.18 crore for 4,762 students.
  • Hostel Construction: ?14.30 crore allocated for the construction of hostels, accommodating 1,146 students.

• Key Benefits:
  • Financial Assistance: Reduces the financial burden on students from marginalized communities, enabling them to continue their education without financial stress.
  • Inclusive Education: Supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that they can access quality education from school through to higher education.
  • Promotion of Merit: Focuses on meritorious students, ensuring that academic excellence is supported at all levels, from school to top-class institutions.

• Selection Process:

• The YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for candidate selection under the scheme.
• Eligible students must appear for this test, and the results determine scholarship awards.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • The scheme is open to OBC, EBC, and DNT students with a family income not exceeding ?2.5 lakh annually.
  • Additional specific eligibility criteria may apply for different scholarships under the scheme.

• Application Process:
  • Interested students can apply for scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in), which is the official platform for application submission.