Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) for OBC & Others

By PIB Delhi

The scheme Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme-SHREYAS has been proposed to be implemented during 2021-22 to 2025-26 by placing two ongoing Central Sector schemes for OBC and others namely –

1. National Fellowship for OBC
2. Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs).

The main objective of the schemes is the Educational Empowerment of OBC & EBC students by way of awarding fellowships (financial assistance) in obtaining quality higher education and interest subsidies on educational loans for overseas studies.

The Scheme comprises the following two components

Component 1. National Fellowship for OBC students

The scheme aims at providing financial assistance to OBC students in obtaining quality higher education leading to degrees such as M.Phil and Ph.D. in universities, research institutions, and scientific institutions.

The scheme is designed to provide a total number of 1000 Junior Research Fellowships per year to undertake advanced studies and research leading to an M.Phil. /Ph.D. Degrees, who have qualified in the following tests:

1. National Eligibility Test  – Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC (for Humanities/Social Sciences) or
2. UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF Joint Test (for Sciences)

The scheme covers all universities/institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is implemented by the UGC itself on the pattern of the scheme of UGC Fellowships being awarded to research students pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D.

Salient features of the Scheme:

•  The scheme is now  implemented by the Ministry through the designated Central Nodal Agency; National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (A Govt. of India Undertaking, under the administrative control of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
• All universities/institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Eligibility conditions are as per notification for UGC-NET and CSIR-UGC-NET examinations.
• The rate of fellowship for JRF level has been increased and w.e.f. 01.01.2023, it is Rs. 37000/- per month, and for SRF level it is Rs. 42000/- per month, besides contingencies amount.
• Out of 1000 slots available under this scheme, 750 will be allocated for the subjects under the National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC and the remaining 250 UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NETJRF joint test (for Science streams).
• These 1000 slots will be over and above the OBC Students selected under the normal reservation policy of the Government.
• At least 5% of the total seats should be reserved for students with disabilities while making a selection of candidates for the award of fellowships by the UGC.

Achievements: Rs. 50.90 crore has been released during 2023-24 (as of 04.01.2023)

Component 2:  “Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs)”

This is a Central Sector Scheme to provide interest subsidy to the students belonging to the OBCs and EBCs on the interest payable for the period of the moratorium for the Education Loans for overseas studies to pursue approved courses of studies abroad at Masters, M.Phil. and Ph.D. level.

Salient features of the Scheme:

• The scheme is implemented through the Canara Bank (the Nodal bank for the scheme).
• The Scheme is applicable for higher studies abroad. The interest Subsidy shall be linked with the existing Educational Loan Scheme of the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and restricted to students enrolled for courses at the Master, M.Phil, and Ph.D. levels.
• The students should have secured admission in the approved courses at Master, M.Phil, or Ph.D. levels abroad for the courses listed in the guidelines. 
• For OBC candidates, total income from all sources of the employed candidate or his/her parents/guardians in case of the unemployed candidate shall not exceed the present Creamy Layer criteria.
• For EBC candidates, the total income from all sources of the employed candidate or his/her parents/guardians in case of the unemployed candidate shall not exceed Rs.5.00 lakh per annum
• 50% of the total financial assistance is reserved for women candidates.
• Under the scheme, 100% interest payable by the students availing the education loans of the IBA for the period of moratorium (i.e. course period, plus one year or six months after getting a job, whichever is earlier) as prescribed under the Education Loan Scheme of the IBA, shall be borne by the Government of India.
• After the period of moratorium is over, the interest on the outstanding loan amount shall be paid by the student, in accordance with the existing Educational Loan Scheme as may be amended from time to time.
• The candidate will bear the Principal installments and interest beyond the moratorium period.
• The maximum limit of the loan is Rs 20 Lakhs

Achievements: Rs. 24.11 crore has been released during 2023-24 (as of 04.01.2023)