First year higher secondary students belonging to the BPL category can now apply for the Merit-cum-BPL Scholarship. The scholarship amount is ₹5,000 per annum. Selection is strictly merit based and successful fresh applicants will continue to receive the scholarship in their second year as well, provided they meet the renewal conditions.
Eligibility
- Students from the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category studying in Higher Secondary — First Year.
- Students should have secured at least D+ grade in all subjects in their annual exam (as per the circular).
Scholarship Categories
- General category
- SC/ST community
- Sports / Arts / Differently-abled category
Selection Committee (School Level)
The selection at school level is done by a committee comprising:
- Principal (Chairperson)
- Headmaster / Headmistress
- PTA President
- Staff Secretary
- A representative of the teaching staff
At least one member of the committee shall be a woman.
Selection Criteria
WGPA (weighted GPA) from class 10 marks/grades is considered for selection. When applicants have equal marks, preference may be given based on social and family conditions such as:
- Orphaned students (parents deceased)
- Children of unwedded mothers
- Children whose single parent is alive (father alone alive)
- Parents suffering from serious/long-term illness (for example cancer, heart disease, TB, AIDS, kidney ailments, stroke-related paralysis, severe mental illness)
- Children of differently-abled parents
- Parents employed in traditional/low-income industries (coir, cashew, beedi, handloom, pottery, brick/tile, match industries, etc.)
- Parents without land or a house of their own
How to Apply
School authorities should inform eligible first-year higher secondary students about the scholarship and provide the application form. An Aadhaar-linked bank account is mandatory for beneficiaries, as funds will be credited directly.
Important dates (from circular)
Start Date: 29-10-2025
End Date: 07-11-2025
Downloads / Circulars
Official circulars and application formats are published by the Directorate / DHSE. Replace the placeholders below with the direct file URLs if you have them.
- BPL Scholarship 2025-26 — Instructions (download)
- BPL Scholarship 2025-26 — Application Form (download)
- BPL Scholarship Renewal Instructions (DHSE site)
Notes for Schools
The school selection committee must scrutinize applications carefully and maintain records of the selection. For SC/ST and Sports/Arts/Differently-abled categories, selected names may need to be forwarded to the district level review committee or Director, Higher Secondary Education for approval, as specified in the circular.
Tags: BPL scholarship, DHSE, higher secondary, scholarships