Umbrella Scheme of “SHREYAS” comprising 4 central sector sub- schemes

The umbrella scheme of “SHREYAS” which comprises 4 central sector sub- schemes namely “Top Class Education for SCs”, “Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs”, “National Overseas Scheme for SCs” and “National Fellowship for SCs”. Since all these sub-schemes are central sector schemes, state-wise data is not maintained for these schemes. The brief of the sub-schemes under SHREYAS along with the allocated budget, expenditure details and number of beneficiaries for the last 9 years i.e. since 2014-15 is as under:

1. Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs:

The objective of the Scheme is to provide coaching of good quality for economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates to enable them appear in competitive and entrance examinations for obtaining appropriate jobs in Public/Private Sector as well as for securing admission in reputed technical and professional higher education institutions. The ceiling of the total family income under the scheme is 8 lakhs per annum. 3500 slots are allotted per annum. The ratio of SC: OBC students is 70:30 and 30% slots are reserved for females in each category. In case of non-availability of adequate number of candidates in SC category the Ministry can relax this ratio. However, in no case, a less than 50% SC students shall be permitted.

From 2014-15 till 2022-23 a total of 109.77 crore rupees have been released to benefit 19,995 beneficiaries.

2. Top Class Education for SCs:

The Scheme aims at recognizing and promoting quality education amongst students belonging to SCs, by providing full financial support. The Scheme will cover SC students for pursuing studies beyond 12th class. The scholarship, once awarded, will continue till the completion of the course, subject to satisfactory performance of the student. The ceiling of the total family income under the scheme is 8 lakhs per annum. Presently, 266 higher education institutes which includes Government institutes and private institutes such as all the IIMs, IITs, NITs, IIITs, AIIMS, NIFTs, NIDs, NLUs, IHMs, CUs and institutes of national importance, NAAC A++ accredited institutes and top 100 National Institutional ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking institutes.

The overall number of scholarship would be capped at. 21,500 for the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26 (4100 for 2021-22, 4200 for 2022-23, 4300 for 2023-24, 4400 for 2024-25 and 4500 for 2025-26).

Under the scheme, (i) full tuition fee and non-refundable charges (there will be a ceiling of Rs. 2.00 lakh per annum per student for private sector institutions (ii) Academic allowance of Rs. 86,000 in the first year of study and Rs. 41,000 in every subsequent year, to take care of living and other expenses is provided.

From 2014-15 till 2022-23 a total of 398.43 crore rupees have been released to benefit 21,988 beneficiaries

(iii) National Overseas Scheme for SCs:

Under this scheme financial assistance is provided to the selected students from SCs (115 slots); De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (6 slots); landless agricultural labourers and traditional artisan categories (4 slots), for pursuing masters and Ph.D. level courses abroad. Presently, 125 slots are allotted under the scheme.

Such students can be benefitted under the scheme whose total family income including the candidate is less than Rs. 8 lakhs per annum, having more than 60% marks in the qualifying examination, below 35 years of age and secured admission in top 500 QS ranking foreign Institutes/ Universities. Under the scheme, total tuition fee, maintenance and contingency allowance, visa fee, to and fro air passage etc. are provided to the awardees.

From 2014-15 till 2022-23 a total of 197.14 crore rupees have been released to benefit 950 beneficiaries

(iv) National Fellowship for SC Students:

Under the scheme fellowship is provided to Scheduled Castes students for pursuing higher education leading to M.Phil/ Ph.D degrees in Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences in Indian Universities/Institutions/ Colleges recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC).

The scheme provides for 2000 new slots per year (500 for science stream and 1500 for Humanities and Social Sciences) who have qualified the National Eligibility Test- Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC and Junior Research Fellows for Science stream qualifying UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) Joint Test.

The rates of fellowship including HRA is as under: