Archive · 17 Sep 2026
India Announces SHREYAS Education Support for SC, OBC Students
The Central Government has introduced several education supports for SC and OBC students through a scheme called SHREYAS.
Some students can receive free coaching for competitive and professional examinations.
Meritorious SC students can get help paying for studies at leading institutions.
Eligible SC students may also receive support to study in other countries.
Another programme provides fellowships for SC students doing advanced research.
These measures are intended to reduce the money-related difficulties of higher education.
They also aim to help students qualify for education and employment opportunities.
The government said more than 1.18 lakh students benefited from four components between 2014-15 and 2025-26.
The Central Government announced higher education, free coaching and fellowship support for SC and OBC students through SHREYAS.
The free coaching component assists economically disadvantaged SC and OBC students preparing for competitive and professional examinations.
The top class education component supports meritorious SC students studying in premier institutions across India.
The National Overseas Scholarship Scheme helps eligible SC students pursue higher studies at institutions abroad.
The government reported expenditure of Rs 3,509.39 crore under four components from 2014-15 to 2025-26, benefiting more than 1.18 lakh SC and OBC students.
- Who
- The Central Government, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and eligible SC and OBC students.
- What
- The government announced education support through SHREYAS, including free coaching, scholarships, overseas study assistance and research fellowships.
- When
- The reported expenditure covers 2014-15 to 2025-26; the announcement does not specify a separate date.
- Where
- Support covers premier institutions across India, overseas institutions and competitive-examination preparation.
- Why
- To reduce financial barriers and improve access to higher education, research, examinations and employment opportunities for eligible SC and OBC students.
- Scheme
- Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS)
- Beneficiaries
- Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Classes students
- Main support areas
- Free coaching, top class education, overseas scholarships and research fellowships
- Reported expenditure
- Rs 3,509.39 crore
- Reported period
- 2014-15 to 2025-26
- Reported beneficiaries
- More than 1.18 lakh SC and OBC students
- Announced by
- Dr Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment