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Introduction
Every year, thousands of students in India study hard, score well, but still struggle to continue their education because of money. The good news is that the Indian government offers several Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students that can help cover school fees, exam costs, and even daily expenses. Yet many families simply don’t know these scholarships exist — or they find the application process confusing.
This article is written to change that. If you are a student in Class 10 or 12, or a parent trying to support your child’s future, this guide will walk you through 10 real, government-backed scholarships available in 2025. No fake claims. No complicated language. Just clear, useful information.
Why Government Scholarships Matter for School Students
Most people think scholarships are only for college students. That’s not true.
There are specific Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students designed to support children right from their secondary school years. These scholarships help students stay in school during a critical period — a time when many families, especially in rural or low-income areas, are tempted to pull their children out of school due to financial pressure.
When a student gets a scholarship at this stage, it doesn’t just pay for books or fees. It sends a message: your effort is worth investing in.
Who Can Apply for These Scholarships?
Before jumping into the list, it helps to know the general eligibility criteria that most of these scholarships share.
Most Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students in India look at:
- Family income — usually below ₹2 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh per year
- Academic performance — minimum 50% to 60% marks in the previous class
- Category — SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or minority community students often get priority
- State of residence — some scholarships are state-specific
Always check the official scholarship portal for updated eligibility before applying.
10 Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students in India (2025)
1. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
This is one of the most well-known Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students in India. It is offered by the Ministry of Education and targets students from economically weaker sections.
Who can apply: Students in Class 8 who clear a state-level selection test. The scholarship continues through Class 12 if academic performance is maintained.
Amount: ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month)
How to apply: Through your state education department or the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in
2. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSS)
This scholarship is meant for Class 12 pass students who score in the top 20 percentile in their board exams. It is one of the rare Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students that continues into college.
Who can apply: Students from families earning less than ₹8 lakh per year who have scored very well in their Class 12 exams.
Amount: ₹10,000 per year for undergraduates
Note: The scholarship starts after Class 12 but the eligibility is based on Class 12 performance — so this is worth preparing for early.
3. Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students
This is a state-implemented, centrally-sponsored scholarship. It specifically targets SC and ST students studying in Class 9 and 10. If you belong to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe family, this is one of the most accessible Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students you should apply for.
Amount: Varies by state, but generally ₹150 to ₹750 per month plus maintenance allowance
Apply through: Your school or state social welfare department
4. Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students
Once a student passes Class 10 and moves to Class 11 or 12, this scholarship becomes available. It is funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Who can apply: SC/ST students whose family income is below ₹2.5 lakh per year
Amount: Depends on the course and hosteler/day scholar status. Day scholars can receive up to ₹5,000–₹7,000 per year.
Apply at: scholarships.gov.in — one of the most reliable portals for Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students
5. Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minorities
This scholarship is for students from minority communities — Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Zoroastrian — studying in Class 1 to 10.
Amount: ₹1,000 per year for day scholars, plus maintenance
Family income limit: Below ₹1 lakh per year
Why it matters: Many minority students drop out of school before Class 10. This scheme directly supports them to stay enrolled.
6. Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities
Similar to the above but for students in Class 11 and 12. This is another important Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students option from the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Amount: Up to ₹7,000 per year for day scholars
Condition: At least 50% marks in the previous academic year
7. Inspire Scholarship (For Science Students)
INSPIRE stands for Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research. This scholarship is meant for students who are in the top 1% of their Class 10 board results and choose to pursue Science in Class 11 and 12.
This is a great scholarship for science-minded students. The INSPIRE programme is one of the few Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students that also offers mentorship from senior scientists.
Amount: ₹80,000 per year
Administered by: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
More details are available at the DST INSPIRE portal
8. Pragati Scholarship (For Girls in Technical Education)
Technically this begins after Class 12 for technical courses, but its eligibility relies entirely on Class 12 performance. Girls who are planning to pursue engineering or technical diplomas should be aware of this scholarship.
Amount: ₹30,000 per year plus tuition fee reimbursement up to ₹20,000
Administered by: AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
Why it’s here: If you are a girl in Class 12 planning for engineering, this is one of the best Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students to target right now.
9. Vidyasaarathi Scholarship (State-Level Government Tie-Up)
Several state governments partner with the Vidyasaarathi platform to disburse scholarships to Class 10 and 12 students. It’s not directly run by the central government, but it distributes government-backed funds.
States like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have used this platform actively. Students from these states should check vidyasaarathi.co.in for current open scholarships.
10. State-Specific Merit Scholarships
Every Indian state has its own merit-based scholarship for students who score above a certain percentage in Class 10 or 12 board exams. For example:
- Bihar Board Protsahan Yojana — for girls who pass Class 10 or 12
- Maharashtra Government Scholarship — for students from economically weaker sections
- Rajasthan Mukhyamantri Uchha Shiksha Scholarship — for Class 12 students
These state-level Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students are often easier to get because there is less national competition.
How to Apply on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Most of the central government scholarships listed above can be applied for through the NSP. Here’s a quick walkthrough:
- Go to scholarships.gov.in
- Click “New Registration” and fill in your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Fill in your academic and income details carefully
- Upload required documents — marksheet, income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), bank passbook
- Submit before the deadline (usually September–October each year)
The NSP is one of the most trusted platforms for accessing Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students, and it’s completely free to use.
Documents You Will Usually Need
Most applications for Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students require:
- Previous year marksheet
- Family income certificate (issued by tehsildar or SDM)
- Caste certificate (for reserved category scholarships)
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details (must be in the student’s name or jointly with parent)
- School enrollment/bonafide certificate
Keep these ready before the window opens. Many students miss out simply because they were not prepared in time.
Common Mistakes Students Make
One thing I’ve noticed is that many students fill in their forms but forget to get school verification done. The school principal needs to verify and forward the application online — and if they delay, the student’s application can get rejected.
Another common issue: entering a bank account number that doesn’t match the Aadhaar. This small mistake can block your scholarship payment for months.
Take your time. Double-check everything. These Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students are real opportunities, and a small careless error shouldn’t cost you.
Final Conclusion
India has no shortage of Government Scholarships for Class 10 and 12 Students. The real challenge is awareness and timely action. Whether you are from an SC/ST background, a minority community, a science enthusiast, or simply a student with good marks and limited family income — there is likely a scholarship designed for you.
Start by visiting the National Scholarship Portal. Check deadlines. Talk to your school teacher or counsellor. And if you are a parent reading this, please share this information with other families in your area. A scholarship doesn’t just help one student — it changes the path of an entire family.
