Application Form for PMS, Pre-Matric, and Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Students of SC-BC Category, Haryana: A Comprehensive Guide

The Government of Haryana offers various scholarships to support the education of students belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Backward Classes (BC) in the state. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden on students, ensuring they continue their studies without facing monetary constraints. Among the prominent schemes are the Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS), Pre-Matric Scholarship, and the Merit-cum-Means Scholarship. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the application process, eligibility criteria, benefits, and important instructions for these scholarships.

1. Overview of the Scholarships

Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS):
This scholarship is aimed at students who are already in the post-matriculation phase of their education. The objective of the PMS is to provide financial assistance to SC and BC students who wish to pursue higher education in government and recognized private institutions.

Pre-Matric Scholarship:
The Pre-Matric Scholarship is meant for students belonging to the SC and BC categories who are studying in classes 1 to 10. It aims to support the education of students from lower-income backgrounds during their school years.

Merit-cum-Means Scholarship:
This scholarship targets students from the SC and BC categories who have shown academic excellence but require financial assistance. It is designed to encourage talented students to pursue higher education without worrying about the cost of their studies.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Each Scholarship

Each of these scholarships has specific eligibility criteria that students must meet to apply:

For Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS):

• The student must belong to the SC or BC category.
• The applicant must be pursuing education at the post-matriculation level, i.e., from class 11 to Ph.D.
• The annual family income should not exceed the prescribed limit, which is typically around Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum.
• The student must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in the previous examination.

For Pre-Matric Scholarship:

• Students must be from the SC or BC category.
• The student must be studying in any recognized school (Government or private) from class 1 to 10.
• The family income should be below the set income limit, which is generally Rs. 2 lakh per year.
• The student should have a good academic record.

For Merit-cum-Means Scholarship:

• The applicant should belong to the SC or BC category.
• The student must be enrolled in a recognized institution at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional level.
• A minimum of 50% marks in the last qualifying examination is required.
• The income of the student’s family must be below a specified limit, which is usually Rs. 2.5 lakh annually.

3. Benefits of the Scholarships

The scholarships provide financial assistance to cover tuition fees, books, maintenance, and other essential expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:

• Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS):
  • Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and other expenses.
  • The financial assistance can vary based on the level of education, but it typically includes full support for students at higher education institutions.
• Pre-Matric Scholarship:
  • Provides funds for books, uniforms, and other educational materials.
  • The amount varies based on the class of the student and the institution.
  • A fixed monthly stipend is given to students, along with additional funds for specific needs like maintenance.
• Merit-cum-Means Scholarship:
  • Provides a fixed stipend to eligible students based on merit.
  • Helps with tuition fees and other academic expenses.
  • The amount may vary depending on the student’s course and financial needs.

4. How to Apply for the Scholarships

The application process for these scholarships is online, ensuring accessibility and ease of submission for all students. Here’s how you can apply:

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Visit the Official Scholarship Portal:
   • Go to the Haryana Government’s official scholarship website or the state’s dedicated scholarship portal.
2. Register on the Portal:
   • New users must create an account by providing basic details like name, address, contact number, etc.
3. Choose the Appropriate Scholarship Scheme:
   • Select the relevant scholarship scheme (PMS, Pre-Matric, or Merit-cum-Means Scholarship) from the options available.
4. Fill Out the Application Form:
   • Enter the required personal details, educational information, and family income details.
   • Ensure that all details are accurate to avoid any delays or issues in processing the scholarship.
5. Upload Required Documents:
   • Upload necessary documents, including:
     • SC/BC category certificate
     • Income certificate
     • Marksheets of the last qualifying examination
     • Admission proof from the institution
     • Bank details (for stipend deposit)
6. Submit the Application:
   • After filling out all sections and uploading documents, review your application form and click on the “Submit” button.
7. Print the Acknowledgement Slip:
   • Once submitted, take a printout of the acknowledgement slip for future reference.

Important Documents Required:

• Caste Certificate (SC/BC)
• Income Certificate (Family Income Certificate)
• Previous Academic Certificates/Mark Sheets
• Proof of Admission in the Current Course
• Bank Account Details (for stipend disbursement)
• Recent Passport-size Photographs

5. Important Dates

Stay updated with the important dates related to the scholarship application process. Typically, applications are open during the academic year’s initial months, with deadlines announced by the Haryana State Government. Students are advised to complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

6. Selection Process

After submission, the application forms are scrutinized, and the eligible candidates are selected based on the eligibility criteria, including family income, academic performance, and caste category. The final list of selected students will be displayed on the official portal, and the scholarship amounts will be credited directly to the students’ bank accounts.

7. Key Points to Remember

• Ensure all documents are valid and up to date to avoid delays in processing.
• Double-check the details provided in the application form before submission.
• The income certificate must be issued by a competent authority.
• Students should keep a copy of the application and acknowledgement slip for future reference.

8. Conclusion

The Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS), Pre-Matric Scholarship, and Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for SC-BC students in Haryana are excellent initiatives to promote education among backward communities. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden on students and encourage them to continue their studies. By following the application process carefully and meeting all the eligibility criteria, students can ensure they receive the support they need to pursue their education and achieve their academic goals.

Students are advised to visit the official scholarship portal regularly for updates on application deadlines and other important announcements. By applying on time, students can take full advantage of these government scholarships and pursue their dreams without financial constraints.