PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Application Form & Last Date to Apply

Every year, lakhs of students in India stop their studies because their family cannot pay school or college fees. Money problems should never stop a bright student from learning. This is why the Government of India started a scholarship called PM YASASVI. If you or someone you know belongs to the OBC, EBC, or DNT community and is studying in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12, this scholarship can help pay your fees, buy books, and even give you money for daily needs.

In this blog, we will explain the PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026 in very simple words. We will talk about who can apply, how much money you can get, what documents you need, how to fill the form, and the last date to apply. Read this blog fully so that you do not miss any important step.

What is the PM YASASVI Scholarship?

PM YASASVI stands for Pradhan Mantri Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India. It is run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The main aim of this scheme is to help meritorious (talented) students from the OBC (Other Backward Classes), EBC (Economically Backward Classes), and DNT (De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes) communities to study in good schools and colleges without worrying about money.

Before, this scholarship used to have an entrance test called YET (YASASVI Entrance Test). Now, this entrance test has been removed. Selection is done only on the basis of the marks a student has scored in their previous class exam. This means if you study well and score good marks, you have a real chance to get this scholarship.

Why This Scholarship Is Important

Many talented students in India come from families where parents work as farmers, daily wage workers, small shop owners, or in other low-income jobs. These families often cannot afford the high fees of good schools. Because of this, many bright students are forced to either drop out or study in schools that do not have enough resources.

The PM YASASVI Scholarship tries to solve this problem. It gives money support so that these students can join well-known schools and colleges, called Top Class Institutions. This helps students get quality education, which can improve their whole future, including their career and their family’s life.

Types of PM YASASVI Scholarship

The PM YASASVI scheme is not just one scholarship. It actually has more than one part, based on the level of study:

• PM YASASVI Top Class School Education – for students studying in Class 9, 10, 11, and 12 in identified top-class schools.
• PM YASASVI Top Class College Education – for students who have finished Class 12 and are joining professional courses such as engineering, management, hospitality, and fashion designing in notified colleges.

In this blog, we are mainly focusing on the school-level scholarship, since it is the one most students and parents search for. However, we will also share basic details about the college-level scheme so you know what comes next after Class 12.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

Before filling the form, it is very important to check if you are eligible. If you apply without matching the eligibility rules, your form can get rejected. Here are the basic eligibility conditions for PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026:

• The student must belong to the OBC, EBC, or DNT category. A valid caste certificate is needed to prove this.
• The student must be studying in Class 9 or Class 11 in a school that is on the government’s list of Top Class Schools. (Class 10 and Class 12 students who are continuing from the same scheme can also get renewal benefits.)
• The yearly family income of the student should not be more than ₹2.5 lakh. This is checked using an income certificate.
• The student should have scored good marks in their previous class exam, since selection is now purely merit-based. Class 8 marks are checked for students applying in Class 9, and Class 10 marks are checked for students applying in Class 11.
• The student should be an Indian citizen.
• Only two children (siblings) from one family can take benefit of this scholarship at the same time. This rule does not apply to girl students, who do not have this sibling limit.

Because official cut-off marks and small rules can be updated by the government from time to time, it is always smart to double-check the latest eligibility details on the official National Scholarship Portal before you apply.

Income Certificate: Why It Matters

The income certificate is one of the most important documents in this scholarship. It proves that your family’s income is within the limit set by the government. This certificate should be issued by a proper government authority, such as the Tehsildar or a similar revenue officer in your area. Make sure the certificate is recent and not too old, as many schemes only accept certificates issued within the current financial year.

How Much Money Do You Get? (Scholarship Amount)

This is usually the first question every student asks: how much money will I actually get? The good news is that PM YASASVI gives a good amount of financial help, and the money is sent directly to the student’s or school’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This means there is no middleman, and the process is transparent.

Class / Level	Scholarship Amount (per year)
Class 9 and Class 10	Up to ₹75,000
Class 11 and Class 12	Up to ₹1,25,000

This money can be used to pay school fees, hostel fees (if the student stays in a hostel), and other approved academic expenses. For the college-level scheme (Top Class College Education), the support is even bigger. It can cover full tuition fees, along with extra help such as a monthly living allowance, money for books and stationery, and even one-time support for buying a laptop, which is very useful for students in technical courses.

Please remember that the exact amount a student receives can depend on the type of institution, the course, and the rules updated by the government each year. So always check the official notification for the latest figures before making any financial plans.

Documents Required for PM YASASVI Scholarship

Keeping your documents ready before you start filling the form will save you a lot of time and stress. Here is a list of documents you will usually need:

• Caste certificate (proving OBC, EBC, or DNT status)
• Income certificate of the family (showing income is under ₹2.5 lakh per year)
• Mark sheet of the previous qualifying class (Class 8 marks for Class 9 applicants, Class 10 marks for Class 11 applicants)
• Aadhaar card of the student
• Bank account passbook or bank details (the account should ideally be linked with Aadhaar)
• Recent passport-size photograph
• School ID or admission proof from a Top Class School
• Domicile or residence certificate, if asked by your state

Keep both the original documents and clear scanned copies ready. When you scan your documents, make sure the file size and format match what the National Scholarship Portal asks for. Blurry or oversized files are a common reason why applications get stuck or rejected.

How to Apply for PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step)

The whole application process happens online through the National Scholarship Portal, also known as NSP. You do not need to visit any office to submit this form. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Open the official National Scholarship Portal website, scholarships.gov.in, on your computer or mobile browser.
2. If you are a new user, click on ‘New Registration’ and complete your One Time Registration (OTR). This OTR is a one-time process where you enter your basic details, Aadhaar number, and mobile number, and verify it using an OTP.
3. Once your OTR is approved, log in to the portal using your OTR ID and password.
4. From the list of available scholarship schemes, find and select ‘PM YASASVI’ (Top Class Education in Schools for OBC, EBC and DNT Students).
5. Fill in your personal details, academic details (your school, class, and previous exam marks), and family income details carefully.
6. Upload the scanned copies of all the required documents in the correct format and size.
7. Recheck every detail you have entered. Even a small mistake, like a wrong date of birth or income figure, can cause problems later.
8. Submit the application form. After submission, note down your application number safely, as you will need it to check your status later.
9. Your form will then be checked by your school (Institute Verification) and later by the District or State Nodal Officer. Keep checking your application status on the portal from time to time.

Since the whole process is online, make sure you have a stable internet connection while filling the form. It is a good idea to fill the form at least a few days before the last date, in case the website becomes slow due to heavy traffic near the deadline.

Important Dates for PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026

Dates for government scholarships can sometimes be extended, so it is very important to treat the dates below as a general guide and always confirm the final date on the official National Scholarship Portal before you apply.

Activity	Expected Date (2026)
Start of online application	Around July 2026
Last date for students to apply	Around August to October 2026 (as notified)
School / Institute verification	Shortly after the student deadline
District / State Nodal Officer verification	After institute verification is complete

Because the exact closing date has changed in past years and can be extended by the government, our advice is simple: do not wait for the last day. Apply as early as possible once the portal opens. This also gives your school enough time to verify your form before the final deadline arrives.

How Are Students Selected?

Since the entrance test has been removed, the selection process is now much simpler and is based only on merit. Here is how it generally works:

• Students are ranked based on the marks scored in their previous qualifying class exam.
• Students with higher marks get preference when scholarship seats are limited.
• If two students have the same marks, the student with a lower family income is usually given preference.
• As mentioned earlier, 30% of the total seats are reserved for girl students. If enough girls do not apply to fill this reservation, the remaining seats can be given to eligible boys.

This merit-based system rewards students who work hard in school. So, if you are currently in Class 8 or Class 10 and hope to apply for this scholarship next year, the best thing you can do right now is focus on scoring good marks in your exams.

Girls’ Reservation and Sibling Rule

The government has added some special rules in PM YASASVI to support girl students. As mentioned above, 30% of the total scholarship seats are kept reserved for girls. This helps more girl students continue their education at good schools, even if their families have limited money.

Also, there is a rule that says only two children from one family can normally get this scholarship. However, this sibling limit does not apply to girls. This means a family can have more than two daughters benefiting from PM YASASVI at the same time, which is a positive step towards supporting girls’ education.

Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid

Every year, many good students lose their chance at this scholarship simply because of small, avoidable mistakes. Here are some common errors you should watch out for:

• Filling the form at the very last moment, when the website may be slow due to heavy traffic.
• Uploading blurry, unclear, or wrongly sized documents.
• Entering wrong Aadhaar number, bank account number, or IFSC code.
• Giving incorrect income figures that do not match the income certificate.
• Forgetting to complete the One Time Registration (OTR) before applying for the scheme.
• Not checking application status regularly, and missing an important correction request from the school or nodal officer.
• Applying under the wrong category or scheme that does not match the student’s class or eligibility.

A few extra minutes spent double-checking your form can save you from losing a scholarship worth thousands of rupees. Always ask a teacher, parent, or elder to review your form once before final submission.

Benefits of PM YASASVI Scholarship

Besides the direct money support, this scholarship offers several other benefits to students:

• Access to quality education in well-known Top Class Schools and Colleges.
• Money is transferred directly to the bank account through DBT, avoiding delays and middlemen.
• Reduces the financial burden on parents, especially those working in low-income jobs.
• Encourages students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities to aim for higher studies and better career options.
• Builds confidence in students, since they know their hard work in exams can directly lead to financial support.
• For college-level students, extra support like a laptop allowance and monthly living expenses makes daily life easier.

What Happens After Class 12?

If a student successfully studies under PM YASASVI Top Class School Education and completes Class 12, there is a good next step. The PM YASASVI Top Class College Education scheme supports students from the same OBC, EBC, and DNT categories who wish to study courses like engineering, management, hospitality, and fashion designing in notified institutions.

This part of the scheme can cover full tuition fees along with extra support such as a monthly allowance for daily living costs, money for books and stationery, and one-time help to buy a laptop or computer. This means the support does not stop at school; it can continue right through college as well, as long as the student keeps meeting the eligibility conditions.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Since PM YASASVI is now fully merit-based, here are some simple tips that can genuinely help your application:

• Focus on scoring the highest marks you can in your current class exam, since this directly affects your selection.
• Start collecting your documents, such as the caste certificate and income certificate, well before the application window opens.
• Complete your One Time Registration (OTR) on the National Scholarship Portal early, so you are ready to apply the moment the scheme opens.
• Ask your school’s scholarship in-charge or class teacher for guidance, since your school also plays a role in verifying your form.
• Keep a folder, either on your phone or computer, with all scanned documents saved and clearly named for quick uploading.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026?

Students from the OBC, EBC, or DNT category, studying in Class 9 or Class 11 in a recognised Top Class School, with a family income under ₹2.5 lakh per year, can apply.

2. Is there any entrance exam for PM YASASVI now?

No. The earlier entrance test, called YET, has been removed. Selection is now based only on the marks scored in the student’s previous class exam.

3. How much scholarship money will I get?

Class 9 and 10 students can get up to ₹75,000 per year, while Class 11 and 12 students can get up to ₹1,25,000 per year, depending on official rules.

4. Where do I apply for this scholarship?

You need to apply online through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. There is no offline or paper application process.

5. Is there any application fee?

No, there is no fee to apply for the PM YASASVI Scholarship. The application process is completely free.

6. What is the last date to apply in 2026?

The exact last date can change based on official announcements, but applications are generally expected to be open from around July 2026 until sometime between August and October 2026. Always check the official portal for the confirmed date.

7. Can both boys and girls apply for this scholarship?

Yes, both boys and girls can apply. However, 30% of total seats are specially reserved for girl students to encourage more girls to continue their education.

8. How many children from one family can get this scholarship?

Normally, only two children from a single family can receive this scholarship at the same time. This limit does not apply to girl students.

9. What happens after I submit my application?

After submission, your school verifies your details first, followed by verification from the District or State Nodal Officer. You can track each step by checking your application status on the portal.

10. Can I edit my form after submitting it?

Generally, once submitted, major changes are not allowed. If the verifying officer finds an error, they may send it back for correction, so it is best to check every detail carefully before you submit.

11. What if my school is not on the Top Class School list?

If your current school is not listed, you may not be eligible to apply for the school-level PM YASASVI scholarship from that school. Some families choose to move their child to a listed Top Class School so they can apply. You can check the official list of approved schools on the National Scholarship Portal or ask your school administration.

12. Will I get the scholarship money in cash?

No. The scholarship amount is not given in cash. It is transferred directly into the bank account of the student or the school through Direct Benefit Transfer, which is a safe and transparent method used by the government.

13. Do I need to reapply every year, or is it automatic?

You need to submit a renewal application every year on the National Scholarship Portal. It is not automatic. However, the renewal form is usually shorter than the first-time application, as your basic details are already saved in the system.

14. What if I belong to the SC or ST category?

PM YASASVI is specifically meant for OBC, EBC, and DNT category students. Students from SC or ST categories should look for other similar central or state government scholarship schemes that are designed for their category.

Understanding Some Common Terms

Government scholarship forms often use short forms and words that can feel confusing at first. Here is a simple explanation of the common terms you will come across while applying for PM YASASVI:

NSP: This stands for National Scholarship Portal. It is the single website, scholarships.gov.in, where students from all over India apply for almost every central government scholarship, including PM YASASVI.

OTR: This stands for One Time Registration. Before applying for any scheme on NSP, every student must complete this basic registration only once. After that, the same OTR ID can be used every year to apply for renewal or for new schemes.

DBT: This stands for Direct Benefit Transfer. It simply means that scholarship money is sent straight into the student’s or the school’s bank account, without passing through any other office or person.

Top Class School: This refers to a list of schools chosen by the government because of their good academic results, such as a full or near-full pass percentage in Class 10 and Class 12 board exams. Only students studying in these listed schools can apply for the school-level PM YASASVI scholarship.

Nodal Officer: This is a government official appointed at the district or state level whose job is to check and confirm that the details filled by the student and verified by the school are correct, before the scholarship money is released.

Renewal Application: If a student already received the scholarship last year and is moving to the next class, such as from Class 9 to Class 10, they usually need to fill a shorter ‘renewal’ form instead of a completely fresh application.

Renewing Your Scholarship Every Year

Many students believe that once they get the PM YASASVI scholarship, the money will keep coming automatically every year without any extra work. This is not correct. Students need to renew their application every year on the National Scholarship Portal to continue receiving the benefit.

The renewal process is usually shorter and simpler than a fresh application, since your basic details are already saved in the system from your first year. However, you will still need to update your latest marks, confirm your current class and school, and sometimes re-upload a fresh income certificate if the earlier one has expired.

A very important condition for renewal is that the student must keep passing their class exams with reasonable marks and must not have a long gap in attendance. If a student fails a class or has poor attendance without a valid reason, the scholarship may be stopped for that year. So, along with applying on time, it is equally important to stay regular and serious about studies throughout the year.

How to Check Your Application Status

After you submit your form, it is natural to feel curious about what is happening with your application. Thankfully, the National Scholarship Portal makes it easy to track your status online. Here is how you can do it:

10. Visit the official website, scholarships.gov.in.
11. Look for an option usually called ‘Application Status’ or ‘Track Status’ on the homepage.
12. Select the correct academic year and choose whether your application is ‘Fresh’ or ‘Renewal’.
13. Enter your application number, registration ID, or other requested details, along with the captcha code shown on the screen.
14. Click on submit or login to view the current stage of your application, such as pending at the school level, pending at the district level, approved, or if any correction is needed.

If your status shows that a correction is needed, do not panic. Simply log in again, make the requested change carefully, and resubmit the form as soon as possible. Delaying corrections is one of the main reasons students miss their scholarship even after applying on time.

Helpline and Support

Sometimes students and parents face small technical problems while filling the form, such as an OTP not arriving, a document not uploading, or the website loading slowly. In such situations, it always helps to have a support option ready.

• The National Scholarship Portal has a helpdesk section with a contact number and email ID, usually shown on the homepage or in the ‘Contact Us’ section.
• Your own school also has a scholarship in-charge teacher or nodal person who can guide you and even help verify your form faster.
• Cyber cafes or common service centres in your area can also help you scan documents or fill the form if you do not have a computer or scanner at home.

Never trust unofficial websites, agents, or middlemen who ask for money to ‘guarantee’ your scholarship. The PM YASASVI scholarship application is completely free, and no genuine government office will ever ask you to pay for approval.

A Simple Example to Understand Better

Let us look at a simple, made-up example to understand how this scholarship can help a real family. Imagine a student named Priya, who studies in Class 9 at a government school that is listed as a Top Class School. Her father works as a farmer, and the family’s total yearly income is around ₹1.8 lakh, which is well within the ₹2.5 lakh limit.

Priya belongs to the OBC category and scored good marks in her Class 8 final exam. Since the entrance test has been removed, her strong marks alone make her a good candidate for PM YASASVI. If her family completes the OTR, fills the online form correctly, and uploads all documents on time, Priya could receive up to ₹75,000 for that academic year. This money can be used to pay her school fees and buy books, reducing the financial pressure on her father.

This example shows why two things matter the most for every student: studying sincerely to score good marks, and being careful and timely while completing the online application process.

How PM YASASVI Compares With Other Scholarships

India has many scholarship schemes for students, and it is natural to feel confused about which one applies to you. PM YASASVI is specially designed for OBC, EBC, and DNT students studying in Top Class Schools and Colleges. Other schemes may be meant for SC or ST students, minority communities, students with disabilities, or students in specific states.

The good part is that most of these schemes, including PM YASASVI, are managed through the same National Scholarship Portal. This means once you understand how to use NSP for one scheme, applying for other central schemes in future years becomes much easier. However, always check the specific eligibility rules of each scheme separately, since income limits, categories, and required marks can be different for each one.

Role of Parents and Teachers

While the scholarship application is filled by or for the student, parents and teachers play a very important supporting role. Parents can help by keeping important documents, such as caste and income certificates, safe and updated every year. Teachers, especially the scholarship in-charge at school, can guide students on document formats, correct category selection, and deadlines.

It is a good habit for parents to sit with their child at least once while filling the form, especially to check bank details and personal information, since even one wrong digit in an account number can delay or block the scholarship transfer.

Why Studying in a Top Class School Matters

You may wonder why the government is so particular about students studying in ‘Top Class Schools’ for this scholarship. The reason is simple. These schools are chosen because they already have a strong record of good results, proper teaching staff, and better facilities compared to many other schools. By connecting the scholarship to these schools, the government makes sure that the financial help a student receives is combined with quality teaching, which together give the student a much stronger chance of building a good career.

If your current school is not on the Top Class list, do not lose hope. Many families make the decision to move their child to a listed Top Class School specifically so that the child can benefit from this scholarship and get access to better academic resources. It is worth checking the official list of Top Class Schools in your state and discussing with your parents whether this is a good option for your situation.

Building Good Habits While Waiting for Results

The gap between submitting your application and receiving the scholarship money can sometimes take a few weeks or months, since the form has to pass through school-level and district-level verification. During this waiting period, it is important not to lose focus on your studies. Continue attending classes regularly, complete your homework, and prepare well for your exams.

Remember that this scholarship is renewed every year based on your continued performance and attendance. So, the habits you build now, such as being regular, honest, and hardworking, will help you not only in getting this scholarship but also in keeping it for the coming years, and in life in general.

A Message for Students Who Feel Discouraged

Sometimes students feel that scholarships are only for a few ‘lucky’ students, or that the process is too complicated for them to handle. This is simply not true. Thousands of students across India, from small villages and towns, successfully receive the PM YASASVI scholarship every year. What sets successful applicants apart is not luck, but preparation: they study sincerely, keep their documents ready, and complete the online form carefully and on time.

If you belong to the OBC, EBC, or DNT category and your family income is within the limit, you already meet one of the biggest requirements. The rest depends on your own effort in your studies and your attention to detail while applying. Do not let confusion or fear stop you from trying. Ask your teachers, parents, or seniors for help if you get stuck at any step.

Final Words

The PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026 is a wonderful chance for students from OBC, EBC, and DNT communities to study in good schools and colleges without worrying too much about money. Since the entrance test has been removed, your regular class exam marks now truly matter for winning this scholarship. So, the best step you can take today is to study sincerely, keep your documents ready, and apply early once the application window opens.

Share this information with your classmates, friends, and juniors who may also benefit from this scheme. A small share from your side could help another student continue their education and build a brighter future.

Note: This blog is written to help students understand the PM YASASVI Scholarship in simple language. Rules, dates, and amounts can be updated by the government from time to time, so always confirm the latest details on the official National Scholarship Portal, scholarships.gov.in, before applying.