- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Central Government is strengthening higher education opportunities for students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) through the Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS). The scheme provides support for competitive examination coaching, higher education, overseas studies and advanced research.
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar said that approximately Rs 3,509.39 crore was spent under the four major components of SHREYAS between 2014-15 and 2025-26. During this period, the cumulative number of beneficiaries under these components stood at 1,18,248.
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SHREYAS Scheme: Free Coaching for SC, OBC Students
The Free Coaching component provides financial assistance to economically disadvantaged SC and OBC students preparing for competitive and professional examinations. The initiative aims to help eligible students compete for admission to reputed educational institutions and improve their employment opportunities.
Between 2014-15 and 2025-26, approximately Rs 145.10 crore was spent under this component, benefiting 23,208 students. In 2024-25, Rs 17.68 crore was spent for 2,136 beneficiaries, while Rs 9.87 crore was spent in 2025-26 for 854 beneficiaries.
Top Class Education Supports SC Students
The Top Class Education component provides financial assistance to meritorious SC students pursuing studies in premier educational institutions across the country. The support helps students meet the expenses associated with quality higher education.
From 2014-15 to 2025-26, around Rs 703.44 crore was spent under this component, benefiting 35,237 students. Annual expenditure increased from Rs 19.37 crore for 1,568 beneficiaries in 2014-15 to Rs 117.19 crore for 4,742 beneficiaries in 2025-26.
National Overseas Scholarship Helps Students Study Abroad
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) supports eligible SC students seeking higher education at reputed institutions abroad. The scheme aims to provide international academic exposure and access to advanced educational opportunities.
Between the selection years 2014-15 and 2025-26, approximately Rs 461.57 crore was spent under NOS. During this period, 764 beneficiaries went abroad for higher studies. The number reached a high of 114 in 2023-24, followed by 80 in 2024-25 and 67 in 2025-26.
National Fellowship Supports Advanced Research
The National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC) provides financial assistance to SC scholars pursuing higher education and research programmes. It supports students seeking careers in teaching, research and other knowledge-based fields.
From 2014-15 to 2025-26, approximately Rs 2,199.28 crore was spent under NFSC, benefiting 59,039 scholars. In 2025-26, Rs 213.45 crore was spent for 4,218 scholars, compared with Rs 209.50 crore for 4,143 beneficiaries in 2024-25.
Through these four components, SHREYAS provides educational support ranging from competitive examination preparation to premier higher education, overseas studies and advanced research.