Pre-Matric Scholarship 2025–26 — First installment released for 2 lakh students. AY 2026–27 opens August 2026. Deadlines →
Class 1 to Class 10 · Std 1–10

Pre Matric Scholarship Gujarat 2026 — SC, ST, OBC Students

Quick Answer

Pre Matric Scholarship Gujarat is financial aid for students studying from Class 1 to Class 10 at recognised schools in Gujarat. It is available for SC, ST, OBC, Minority, and other categories. The amount ranges from ₹940 to ₹3,000 per year. Apply free at digitalgujarat.gov.in. The next window for AY 2026–27 is expected to open in August 2026.

✓ Verified: April 2026

What is Pre Matric Scholarship Gujarat?

Pre Matric Scholarships cover school-going students from Std 1 to Class 10 (also called Standard 1 to Std 10 or Class 1 to Matric). The word "pre-matric" means "before matriculation" — i.e., before completing the Class 10 board exam.

The scholarships are specifically designed to reduce dropout rates among students from economically weaker sections by covering a portion of their school-related expenses. They are administered through the Digital Gujarat portal and disbursed via direct bank transfer.

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Who it's for

School students from Class 1 to Class 10 belonging to SC, ST, OBC, Minority, and other backward categories who are permanent residents of Gujarat.

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Amount Range

₹940 – ₹3,000

Per year, depending on category, class level (day scholar vs. hostel), and scheme type.

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When to Apply

Applications typically open in August and close in November each year. AY 2026–27 window expected in August 2026.

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How to Apply

100% online at digitalgujarat.gov.in. Free of charge. No agents needed. Takes 20–30 minutes.

Key purpose: Gujarat's pre-matric scholarships are specifically designed to keep children from disadvantaged backgrounds in school. Research shows that financial support at the primary and middle school level is one of the most effective interventions against school dropout.

Pre-Matric Scholarships — All Schemes

Multiple pre-matric schemes exist on the Digital Gujarat portal. Find the one that matches your category.

SC — Girls

Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Girls

Specifically for girls from the Scheduled Caste category studying in government or government-aided schools from Std 1 to Class 10.

Amount
₹940–₹3,000/yr
Income Limit
₹2.5 Lakh
Level
Std 1 – 10
Gender
Girls Only
SC

Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students

For both boys and girls from the Scheduled Caste category. Covers maintenance allowance and is targeted at preventing school dropout.

Amount
₹940–₹3,000/yr
Income Limit
₹2.5 Lakh
Level
Std 1 – 10
Gender
All
ST

Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students

For Scheduled Tribe students studying in recognised schools. Administered by the Tribal Development Department with a focus on tribal areas.

Amount
₹940–₹3,000/yr
Income Limit
₹2.5 Lakh
Level
Std 1 – 10
Dept.
Tribal Dev.
OBC

Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students

For OBC category students studying in recognised schools. Non-Creamy Layer condition applies.

Amount
₹940–₹2,500/yr
Income Limit
₹1.5 Lakh
Level
Std 1 – 10
NCL
Required
Minority

Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minority Students

For students from Minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Jain) studying in Std 1 to Class 10.

Amount
Up to ₹25,000/yr
Income Limit
₹2.5 Lakh
Level
Std 1 – 10
Certificate
Religion Cert.
NTDNT

Pre-Matric Scholarship for NTDNT Students

For students from Nomadic Tribes, De-notified Tribes and NT communities studying from Class 6 onwards.

Amount
Up to ₹25,000/yr
Income Limit
₹2 Lakh
Level
Class 6 – 10
Certificate
NTDNT Cert.

Pre-Matric Scholarship Amount Details

Amounts are split by day scholars and hostel students, and by class level.

SchemeCategoryClass LevelDay Scholar (Annual)Hostel Student (Annual)
Pre-Matric (SC Girls)SC (Girls)Std 1–4₹940₹1,800
Pre-Matric (SC Girls)SC (Girls)Std 5–8₹1,500₹2,500
Pre-Matric (SC Girls)SC (Girls)Std 9–10₹2,000₹3,000
Pre-Matric (ST)STStd 1–4₹940₹1,800
Pre-Matric (ST)STStd 5–8₹1,500₹2,500
Pre-Matric (ST)STStd 9–10₹2,000₹3,000
Pre-Matric (OBC)OBCStd 1–8₹940–₹1,500₹1,800–₹2,500
Pre-Matric (OBC)OBCStd 9–10₹1,800₹2,500
Pre-Matric (Minority)MinorityStd 1–10Up to ₹25,000
Pre-Matric (NTDNT)NTDNTClass 6–10Up to ₹25,000

* Amounts are indicative based on scheme guidelines. Actual disbursement depends on government approval and annual budget allocation. Verify at digitalgujarat.gov.in.

Who Is Eligible for Pre-Matric Scholarship?

All four core conditions must be met. If any one is not met, the application will be rejected.

CriteriaRequirement
ResidencyPermanent resident of Gujarat — valid domicile certificate from Mamlatdar
CategorySC, ST, OBC, SEBC, Minority, NTDNT — valid caste/category certificate
Income LimitSC/ST: ≤ ₹2,50,000 | OBC: ≤ ₹1,50,000 | NTDNT: ≤ ₹2,00,000 | Minority: ≤ ₹2,50,000
Education LevelEnrolled in Std 1 to Class 10 at a recognised school in Gujarat
MarksMinimum 40% marks in previous exam (except for Std 1–3 where no minimum applies)
AttendanceRegular attendance — usually 75% minimum in the current academic year
School TypeGovernment school, Government-aided school, or recognised private school
Parents apply on behalf of young students: For students in Std 1–5, the parent or guardian typically fills the application on the Digital Gujarat portal using their own mobile number and email, mentioning the student's details.
Not eligible if: The student is already receiving a scholarship from another central or state scheme for the same purpose. Students cannot receive duplicate scholarships covering the same expenses from multiple sources.

How to Apply for Pre-Matric Scholarship

The process is the same as all Digital Gujarat scholarships — online and free.

  • 1

    Verify eligibility for your child / ward

    Confirm the student's category certificate is valid, family income is within the limit, and the child is enrolled at a recognised school. Also check that the application window is open — typically August to November.

  • 2

    Register or log in at digitalgujarat.gov.in

    For new users, click New Registration. Enter the parent's/guardian's mobile number and email. Students in Std 6 and above may register using their own number.

  • 3

    Complete profile and select scheme

    Fill in all mandatory profile fields. Go to Services → Scholarship Services. Select the correct pre-matric scheme for your category. Choose financial year 2025–26 (or 2026–27 when it opens).

  • 4

    Fill form and upload documents

    Enter student's personal, academic, and bank details. Upload all required documents in PDF/JPG, each under 200 KB. See the documents checklist →

  • 5

    Submit and track status

    Review all information, accept terms, and click Submit. Note the reference number. Track status at digitalgujarat.gov.in → Scholarship Services → Status column.

Full Step-by-Step Guide →

Pre-Matric Scholarship — Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Pre-Matric Scholarship covers students from Std 1 (Class 1) onwards. For very young students in Std 1–3, the parent or guardian applies on their behalf on the Digital Gujarat portal. There is no minimum marks requirement for Std 1–3 students. The main requirements are: valid category certificate, income within the limit, and enrollment at a recognised school.
For Class 9 and Class 10 students: SC and ST day scholars receive approximately ₹2,000 per year. Hostel students receive approximately ₹3,000 per year. OBC students receive ₹1,800 (day scholar) to ₹2,500 (hostel). Minority students may receive up to ₹25,000 depending on the specific national scheme they qualify for. Exact amounts are verified at digitalgujarat.gov.in each year.
Pre-Matric Scholarship covers students from Std 1 to Class 10 (before their matriculation/SSC exam). The amounts are smaller (₹940–₹3,000/yr) as school costs are lower. Post-Matric Scholarship covers students from Class 11 to PhD (after their matriculation). The amounts are significantly higher (₹25,000 to ₹2,00,000/yr) as college tuition and living costs are much greater. Both are on the same Digital Gujarat portal and share similar eligibility criteria.
Yes, provided the private school is recognised by the Government of Gujarat. Government-recognised private schools are included. However, unrecognised private schools or international schools are generally not covered. Check with your school's administration whether they are on the government's approved list. Your child's school enrollment is verified by the institution during the verification process.
Based on the historical pattern, the Pre-Matric Scholarship for AY 2026–27 is expected to open in August 2026 and close in November 2026. Sign up for free deadline alerts at our deadlines page to be notified the moment the portal opens. The Pre-Matric window for 2025–26 has already closed — check digitalgujarat.gov.in for any reopened windows.

Ready to Apply for Pre-Matric Scholarship?

Online applications open in August each year. Get free alerts so you never miss it.

Apply at digitalgujarat.gov.in → 🔔 Get Deadline Alerts