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Education & Learning; Social welfare & Empowerment

Free Coaching for SCs, OBCs and beneficiaries of PM CARES Children Scheme

To provide high-quality free coaching to economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and eligible beneficiaries of the PM CARES Children Scheme for competitive exams in public and private sector employment and admission into professional courses.

Authority

Central

Region

Central Government

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- Stipend | - ₹4,000 per month (up to a maximum of 12 months) | - Interview Incentive | - ₹15,000 for students who clear the mains stage of Central/State Civil Services (Class I & II) | - Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) | - All financial benefits (stipend & fees) are transferred directly to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account | - Course Fee Coverage are as follows: | CourseMaximum Total Course Fee in RupeesMinimum and maximum duration of course in monthsCivil Services Exam by UPSC/SPSCs₹75,000/-12 monthsSSC/RRB₹40,000/-6 months - 9 monthsBanking/Insurance/ PSU/CLAT₹50,000/-6 months - 9 monthsJEE/NEET₹75,000/-9 months - 12 monthsIES₹75,000/-9 months - 12 monthsCAT /CMAT₹50,000/-6 months - 9 monthsGRE/GMAT/SAT/ IELTS/TOFEL₹35,000/-3 months - 6 monthsCA-CPT/GATE₹75,000/-9 months - 12 monthsCPL Courses₹30,000/-6 months - 9 monthsNDA/CDS₹20,000/-3 months - 4 months

Who can apply

All beneficiaries of the PM CARES Children Scheme who have a certificate (with beneficiary ID) issued by the Central Government confirming their status as beneficiaries are eligible.; There will be no income or caste-related restrictions for such beneficiaries to avail of the benefits under this scheme.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

How is the scheme monitored and coordinated?

The Ministry, in association with DAF, monitors the scheme by obtaining periodic reports from Central Universities and conducting physical verifications.

An you elaborate on the establishment of the Online Learning Management System?

DAF is responsible for establishing an Online Learning Management System for knowledge sharing and coordination among different Central Universities.

What is the responsibility of Central Universities regarding eligibility of students?

Central Universities should verify the credentials of students and certify their eligibility; they are solely responsible for any ineligible students.

How is the shifting of students from one Central University to another managed?

If the number of students in a particular Central University is insufficient, with the consent of both universities and the student, they can be shifted to other entities.

Can Central Universities enroll students beyond the allocated slots?

Yes, they can enroll additional students beyond the allocated slots, but the Ministry does not provide funds for these extra students.

How are payments made to students under this scheme?

All payments are released through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in the Aadhar-enabled bank accounts of the students.

How is attendance of students monitored during coaching?

Central Universities record Aadhar-based biometric attendance and share it with DAF. Students absenting without valid reasons may have their candidature canceled.

What is the minimum duration of coaching for different courses?

The minimum duration of coaching varies for different courses, as specified in Annexure-A of the guidelines.

How is the selection of students carried out for coaching?

Central Universities issue advertisements inviting eligible students to apply for coaching. Only online applications are considered, and selection is based on a merit list prepared by the institution.

What is the process for renewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Universities?

The MoU with Central Universities is signed for a three-year period and can be renewed subject to performance criteria and willingness of the Central University.

What is the role of the Selection Committee in empaneling Central Universities?

The Selection Committee recommends Central Universities for selection based on their infrastructure and other requirements necessary for implementing the scheme.

How are Central Universities empanelled for this scheme?

Central Universities willing and capable of providing coaching apply online to DAF. The Selection Committee considers their applications based on specific criteria set by the Ministry.

Who is responsible for implementing the 'Free Coaching Scheme'?

The scheme is implemented by the Ministry with the assistance of Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) through Central Universities empanelled under the Scheme.

Why is having a valid Aadhar number important for students applying to this scheme?

A valid Aadhar number is essential as the payment will be disbursed to the Aadhar-seeded bank account of the student.

What is the income limit for students to be eligible for this scheme?

Students belonging to SCs and OBCs with a total family income of Rs. 8.00 lakh or less per annum from all sources are eligible.