Education remains the most powerful catalyst for social change. Recognizing this, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has introduced the PM Yashasvi Yojana, also known as the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (YASASVI). This initiative supports meritorious students from OBC, EBC, DNT, SC, and ST backgrounds, with family incomes not exceeding ₹2.5 lakh per annum. With generous scholarships ranging from ₹75,000 to ₹1,25,000 per year, this scheme empowers students in Class 9 and Class 11, enabling them to pursue quality education without financial barriers.
🎓 1. What Is PM Yashasvi Yojana?
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the yojana targets students in Class 9–12, focusing particularly on those entering Class 9 and Class 11. Selected based on their previous academic performance and sometimes through the Yashasvi Entrance Test (YET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The scheme’s core objective is to uplift students from socio‑economically disadvantaged communities by easing their access to educational resources—tuition, books, living expenses, and even smart devices.
💰 2. Scholarship Amounts & Coverage
The scheme offers two financial tiers:
- Class 9 & 10: ₹75,000 annual scholarship, covering tuition, school fees, books, and stationery .
- Class 11 & 12: ₹1,25,000 per year, supporting higher secondary education .
In broader educational streams (like diploma or vocational training), additional grants range between ₹10,000 to ₹2 lakh, depending on the course.
📋 3. Who Is Eligible?
The eligibility criteria include:
- Indian citizenship
- Studying in Class 9 or 11 at a recognized school
- Family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Belonging to OBC, EBC, DNT, as well as SC/ST/EWS categories.
- Minimum 60% marks in prior academic exams.
- Scheme benefits capped at two sons per family, with no such limit for daughters.
- 30% reservation for girls.
🧠 4. Selection Process: Exam & Merit
Initially, candidates needed to pass the Yashasvi Entrance Test (YET) administered by NTA. However, more recent sources suggest that admission and merit lists are now increasingly based on past academic marks, eliminating the need for an entrance exam .
Students are shortlisted state‑wise, with separate merit lists for boys and girls . Approximately 15,000 scholarships are awarded each year.
🧾 5. Documents & Application Procedure
Applicants must register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and provide details on NSP under the “PM Yasasvi Central Sector Scheme.” Required documents include:
- Aadhar card, caste & income certificates, domicile proof
- Class X/ XII mark sheets, passport photo, signature
- Bank account linked to Aadhar.
The general steps are:
- Visit scholarships.gov.in
- Register/login to NSP
- Choose the PM Yashasvi scheme
- Fill in details, upload docs, and submit.
- Institutions and State Governments verify applications
Key 2025 timeline (indicative):
- Application start: April–May 2025
- Last date: June–July 2025.
- Document verification: July–August 2025
- Disbursement: Starting August–September 2025.
⏳ 6. Delays & Student Experiences
There have been reports of delays in the verification process due to oversight in student slots and excess applications—leading to annexure demands, prolonging ministry clearance. Students are advised to follow up with their Institute Nodal Officers (INOs) or file Appeals under RTI if required.
🎯 7. Why This Scheme Matters
- Bridging inequality: Ensures that talented students from underprivileged backgrounds receive quality education without financial burden.
- Promoting girls’ education: With a 30% reservation, the scheme aligns with broader gender equity goals.
- Holistic support: Beyond tuition, it covers books, living expenses, devices, and boarding costs in top schools/institutes .
📝 8. Tips to Apply Effectively
- Keep key documents ready well before deadlines.
- Regularly follow up with school gatekeepers (INOs) to avoid delays.
- Ensure accurate, high-quality uploads of certificates and marksheets.
- Monitor NSP and NTA portals for updates on merit lists and disbursements.
- If delays occur, proactively file appeals through RTI or contact helplines.
🤝 Conclusion
The PM Yashasvi Yojana is a transformative initiative, offering ₹75,000–₹1,25,000 scholarships to meritorious students from socio‑economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Classes 9 & 11. With merit-based selection, transparent disbursements, and a gender-inclusive approach, it holds immense potential to uplift scores of students and help them build self-reliant futures.
If you’re a student—or a parent—eligible for this scheme:
- Mark your calendar for April–June 2025
- Prepare accurate documentation
- Apply via NSP
- Track your application diligently
Through this scholarship, the government’s vision is to empower India’s next generation of thinkers and achievers. Will you join this mission?