In a country as diverse and competitive as India, access to high-quality coaching often determines success in examinations that open doors to government jobs, professional courses, and higher education. For students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC), financial constraints have historically limited opportunities. The Central Sector Scheme of Free Coaching for SCs, OBCs and beneficiaries of the PM CARES Children Scheme addresses this gap directly. In 2026, the scheme continues to provide quality coaching support, stipends, and structured guidance, helping economically disadvantaged students prepare for competitive examinations and secure admission to reputed institutions.
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Background and Objectives
Empowerment of weaker sections has remained a priority of successive governments since Independence. The Free Coaching Scheme evolved over the years under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Its latest form includes beneficiaries of the PM CARES Children Scheme (from 2024-25 onwards) and is implemented through the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) via Dr. Ambedkar Centres of Excellence (DACE) established in empanelled Central Universities.
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| SC and OBC Free Coaching Scheme 2026 |
The core objective is clear: to deliver good-quality coaching to economically disadvantaged SC and OBC students, as well as PM CARES beneficiaries, so they can compete effectively in examinations for public- and private-sector jobs or gain entry into technical and professional higher education institutions. By removing the financial barrier of expensive private coaching, the scheme aims to level the playing field and promote social inclusion through education.
In 2026, the scheme remains active. The Ministry has confirmed its ongoing implementation, with universities continuing to run batches for civil services, entrance exams, and recruitment tests. Approximately 3,500 students are selected annually across the centres.
SC and OBC Free Coaching Scheme Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Beneficiaries | SC, OBC & PM CARES children |
| Income Limit | ≤ ₹8 lakh (SC/OBC); None for PM CARES |
| Annual Seats | ~3,500 |
| Stipend | ₹4,000 per month (max 12 months) |
| Fee Support | Up to ₹75,000 (depending on course) |
| Implementation | Through DACE in ~19 Central Universities |
| Key Exams | UPSC, State PSC, JEE, NEET, SSC, Banking etc. |
| Application | Online via respective university portals |
Implementation Structure
The scheme operates as a Central Sector Scheme. Funds are not allocated state-wise or district-wise. Instead, the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation coordinates with about 19 empanelled Central Universities that host DACE centres. Each university can admit up to 100 SC and OBC students (excluding PM CARES beneficiaries, who face no numerical cap in the same manner). The prescribed ratio is 70:30 between SC and OBC candidates, with the share of SC students not falling below 70 per cent (relaxable in exceptional cases to a minimum of 50 per cent). Many centres also maintain a horizontal reservation of around 30 per cent for female candidates.
Universities conduct their own screening processes—often entrance tests based on relevant syllabi—for SC and OBC applicants. PM CARES beneficiaries are generally exempt from screening and are admitted on the basis of their certified status. Coaching is typically residential or classroom-based at the university centres, with durations ranging from a few months to one year depending on the course.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is designed to target those who need support most:
- SC and OBC students: Annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh. Candidates must belong to the SC or OBC category (OBC candidates usually need a non-creamy layer certificate where applicable). SC/OBC students belonging to minority communities are directed to similar schemes under the Ministry of Minority Affairs or state governments.
- PM CARES Children Scheme beneficiaries: No income or caste restrictions apply. They must possess a valid certificate with beneficiary ID issued by the Central Government.
- Academic requirements: For exams requiring Class 12 qualification, candidates should generally have passed or be appearing in Class 12. Some guidelines specify minimum marks (for example, at least 50 per cent in the relevant qualifying examination) to ensure a basic academic foundation. Age and other conditions may vary by the target examination and the university’s admission notice.
Students can generally avail the benefit not more than twice. Attendance requirements are strict; stipends are often linked to a high minimum attendance percentage (commonly 75–90 per cent).
Benefits and Financial Assistance
Selected students receive substantial support that covers both coaching costs and living expenses:
- Course fee: The government reimburses or pays the coaching fee up to prescribed ceilings. Examples include up to ₹75,000 for Civil Services (UPSC/State PSCs), JEE/NEET, or GATE; ₹50,000 for Banking/Insurance/PSU/CLAT; ₹40,000 for SSC/RRB; and lower amounts for shorter courses such as NDA/CDS. The actual or prescribed fee, whichever is lower, is covered.
- Monthly stipend: ₹4,000 per month for the duration of the course, subject to a maximum of 12 months. Payment is made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Interview incentive: A one-time amount of ₹15,000 is provided to candidates who clear the Mains stage of Central or State Civil Services examinations (Class I and II posts) to support interview preparation.
These benefits significantly reduce the financial burden that often forces talented students from marginalized backgrounds to abandon competitive preparation.
Courses and Examinations Covered
The scheme supports coaching for a wide range of competitive examinations, including:
- Civil Services: UPSC and State Public Service Commissions
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) examinations
- Banking, Insurance, and Public Sector Undertaking recruitments
- Engineering and medical entrances: JEE and NEET
- Management and law entrances: CAT, CMAT, CLAT
- Other professional tests: GATE, CA-CPT, GRE, GMAT, SAT, IELTS, TOEFL
- Defence examinations: NDA and CDS
- Commercial Pilot Licence courses and other approved examinations.
This broad coverage allows students to pursue diverse career paths—administrative services, technical education, banking, defence, or professional courses—according to their aptitude and aspirations.
Application Process and Selection in 2026
Applications are accepted only in online mode. There is no single national portal for all seats; instead, individual empanelled Central Universities issue their own admission notifications for DACE batches, usually through their official websites or dedicated Google Forms/portals. Interested candidates must monitor announcements from universities such as those in Allahabad, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha, and others.
Typical steps include online registration, payment of a nominal application fee (often lower or waived for SC/PwD candidates), uploading of caste certificate, income certificate, educational marksheets, Aadhaar, and other documents, followed by a screening/entrance test conducted by the university. Results and counselling lead to final admission. Deadlines vary by university and batch; in 2026, several centres have already run or announced cycles for civil services and other courses.
Prospective applicants should regularly check the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment website (socialjustice.gov.in), the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation pages, and the websites of empanelled Central Universities. Authentic income and caste certificates issued by competent authorities are essential.
List of Empanelled Central Universities (Dr. Ambedkar Centres of Excellence – DACE)
As per the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (February 2026), the Free Coaching Scheme for SCs, OBCs and PM CARES beneficiaries is currently implemented through 19 empanelled Central Universities:
- Allahabad University, Allahabad
- Manipur University, Imphal
- Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur
- North Eastern Hill University, Shillong
- Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala
- Central University of Kerala, Kasargod
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
- Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh
- Central University of Punjab, Bathinda
- Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer
- Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha
- Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar
- Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar (Madhya Pradesh)
- Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna (HNB) Garhwal University, Srinagar (Uttarakhand)
- Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow
- Central University of Odisha
- Tezpur University, Assam
- Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh)
- Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh
Note: Each university generally offers up to 100 seats for SC/OBC students (PM CARES beneficiaries are additional). Students must apply directly through the respective university’s DACE admission notifications. The list is subject to periodic review by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
Significance and Impact
The scheme goes beyond financial assistance. By locating coaching centres within Central Universities, it offers structured academic environments, experienced faculty, peer learning, and institutional credibility. Many students who would otherwise struggle with the high costs of metropolitan coaching institutes gain access to focused preparation closer to home or in supportive residential settings.
For SC and OBC communities, representation in civil services, technical professions, and higher education remains an important marker of social mobility. Quality coaching increases the probability of success in highly competitive examinations where even small margins decide outcomes. Inclusion of PM CARES beneficiaries further extends the safety net to children who have lost parents to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2026, the continuation of the scheme, combined with coordination between the Ministry, DAF, and universities, signals sustained governmental commitment. Complementary efforts—such as online coaching partnerships or state-level schemes—further expand the ecosystem of support.
Looking Ahead
While the scheme has clear strengths, effective awareness, timely notification dissemination, and consistent quality across centres remain important for maximum impact. Students and parents are encouraged to verify information only from official sources and prepare documents well in advance. Success ultimately depends on the student’s dedication, regular attendance, and serious engagement with the coaching provided.
The SC and OBC Free Coaching Scheme 2026 stands as a practical instrument of affirmative action in education. By combining fee support, stipends, and quality instruction delivered through university centres, it equips marginalized students with the tools needed to compete on more equal terms. For thousands of young aspirants each year, it represents not merely free coaching but a tangible pathway toward dignified employment, professional growth, and fuller participation in the nation’s progress. Eligible students should watch for the latest university notifications and seize the opportunity that the scheme offers.
FAQs – SC & OBC Free Coaching Scheme 2026
Q. What is the SC and OBC Free Coaching Scheme?
It is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that provides free quality coaching to economically weaker SC, OBC students and PM CARES children beneficiaries for competitive exams and professional course admissions.
Q. Who can apply under this scheme?
SC and OBC students with annual family income up to ₹8 lakh, and all beneficiaries of the PM CARES Children Scheme (no income or caste limit) are eligible.
Q. How many students are selected every year?
Around 3,500 students are selected annually. Each empanelled Central University can take up to 100 SC/OBC students (excluding PM CARES beneficiaries).
Q. What financial benefits are given?
Students get coaching fee support (up to prescribed limits, e.g. ₹75,000 for UPSC/JEE/NEET), a monthly stipend of ₹4,000 (maximum 12 months), and ₹15,000 interview incentive after clearing Civil Services Mains.
Q. Which exams are covered under the scheme?
The scheme covers UPSC, State PSC, SSC, RRB, Banking, Insurance, PSU, JEE, NEET, CAT, CLAT, GATE, NDA, CDS and other approved competitive examinations.
Q. How can students apply in 2026?
Applications are accepted only online through the admission portals or notices of the empanelled Central Universities running Dr. Ambedkar Centres of Excellence (DACE). There is no single central application form.
Q. Is the scheme still active in 2026?
Yes. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment continues to implement the scheme in 2026 through Dr. Ambedkar Foundation and selected Central Universities.