OBC, EBC, and DNT students make up a large share of India's student population - but awareness of scholarships available specifically for them remains surprisingly low. Many students assume scholarships are only for SC/ST communities or toppers. That is not the case.
This guide covers every major scholarship available for OBC, EBC (Economically Backward Class), and DNT (Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes) students - central government schemes, state portals, and how to apply correctly.
Who Qualifies as OBC, EBC and DNT
OBC (Other Backward Class) status is determined by the central or state government's backward class list. EBC refers to economically backward classes not covered under OBC. DNT covers communities that were historically notified as criminal tribes under British rule and have since been denotified.
Your caste or community certificate issued by the competent state authority determines eligibility. Central schemes use the central OBC list; state schemes may use the state list. Check which list applies before applying.
Central Government OBC/EBC/DNT Scholarships
Central government OBC scholarships are applied through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. Complete One Time Registration (OTR) using Aadhaar before applying for any scheme.
PM YASASVI Scholarship Scheme
PM YASASVI (PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India) is the flagship central scheme for OBC, EBC and DNT students. It covers Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, Top Class School and Top Class College Education levels. Family income must be up to ₹2.5 lakh/yr. The scheme provides ₹75,000/yr at the Class 9-10 level and ₹1,25,000/yr at the Class 11-12 level. Apply through NSP at scholarships.gov.in - check the portal for the current cycle window.
Post-Matric OBC Options on NSP
Central Post-Matric OBC scholarships are available through NSP - check scholarships.gov.in for the current scheme applicable to your state and category.
🎓State Government OBC Scholarships
State governments run their own OBC scholarship schemes, often with higher amounts and broader eligibility than central schemes. Apply through your state's official scholarship portal:
- Uttar Pradesh: scholarship.up.gov.in
- Maharashtra (MahaDBT): mahadbtmahait.gov.in
- Karnataka SSP: ssp.karnataka.gov.in
- West Bengal OASIS: oasis.gov.in
- Rajasthan SJE: sje.rajasthan.gov.in
- Telangana ePASS: telanganaepass.cgg.gov.in
- Gujarat (Digital Gujarat): digitalgujarat.gov.in
- Bihar: scholarships.bihar.gov.in
- Madhya Pradesh: scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in
- Tamil Nadu (TNSSP): ssp.tn.gov.in
- Delhi e-District: edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in
- Kerala DCE: dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in
- Odisha: scholarships.odisha.gov.in
- Haryana SCBC: haryanascbc.gov.in
- Goa CM Scholarship: cmscholarship.goa.gov.in
Use the Scholarship Finder above and filter by your state to find the right portal directly.
How to Apply - Step by Step
Central OBC scholarships follow the NSP process:
- Step 1: Visit scholarships.gov.in and complete One Time Registration (OTR) using your Aadhaar
- Step 2: Log in and select the scheme applicable to your category and education level
- Step 3: Fill in personal, academic, and bank details accurately
- Step 4: Upload required documents
- Step 5: Submit and ensure your institution's nodal officer verifies your application online
- Step 6: Track status on NSP - disbursement goes directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account
Documents You Need
- OBC/EBC/DNT certificate issued by competent state authority
- Income certificate from tehsildar or competent authority
- Previous year marksheet
- Aadhaar card (linked to bank account)
- Bank passbook (account number and IFSC)
- Bonafide certificate from current institution
- Domicile certificate (for state schemes)
Prepare all documents before starting - incomplete applications are rejected and deadlines are strict.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using state OBC certificate for central schemes: Central OBC list and state OBC list differ. Some communities are in the state list but not the central list. Verify before applying.
- Applying for two scholarships simultaneously: Most schemes require you to declare you are not receiving another scholarship. Check individual scheme rules.
- Aadhaar not linked to bank account: DBT payment fails without this link. Verify at your bank before applying.
- Missing institute verification: Your nodal officer must verify your application online. Follow up - missed verification means no scholarship that year.
- Applying after the deadline: NSP deadlines are strict. Apply as soon as the portal opens, typically August onwards.
Key Deadlines
Based on the data we have on file - always confirm the current cycle on the official portal:
- PM YASASVI (NSP): deadline varies each cycle - check scholarships.gov.in for the current window
- State OBC portals: Deadlines vary by state portal - check your state's official scholarship portal regularly for current cycle dates.
Deadlines vary by scheme and state - check scholarships.gov.in and your state portal regularly for current cycle dates.
🎓Disclaimer: Scholarship schemes, amounts, and deadlines change every academic year. Always verify current details on official portals before applying. This article reflects information available as of April 2026.