Government Schemes

PM YASASVI Scholarship — How to Apply, Eligibility & Benefits

Complete guide to PM YASASVI scholarship – eligibility, scholarship amount, application process, exam pattern for OBC, EBC, SC, ST and DNT students.

CitizenNest Editorial Team7 min read
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Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide. We are NOT affiliated with any government body. Always verify on official websites.

PM YASASVI (Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India) is a central government scholarship scheme for students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT/NT/SNT). Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, it supports meritorious students from Class 9 onwards with substantial financial assistance for their education.

What is PM YASASVI?

PM YASASVI is an umbrella scholarship scheme that replaced several earlier individual scholarship programmes. It provides financial support to students from disadvantaged social categories to pursue quality education from Class 9 through post-graduation. The scheme is merit-cum-means based, with selection through the YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Who is Eligible?

  • Category: Must belong to OBC, EBC, or DNT/NT/SNT communities
  • Family income: Annual family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh
  • Education: Students entering Class 9, Class 11, or pursuing higher education at top institutions
  • Domicile: Indian citizen
  • Age: Born between specific date ranges as notified for each academic year
  • Must score at least 35% in the YASASVI Entrance Test (for Class 9 and 11 scholarships)
  • Must not be receiving any other centrally-funded scholarship

Scholarship Amount

Level Annual Scholarship
Class 9 ₹75,000
Class 11 ₹1,25,000
Top Class College (UG) Up to ₹2,00,000 (tuition + maintenance)
Top Class College (PG) Up to ₹2,00,000 (tuition + maintenance)

The scholarship covers tuition fees, hostel charges, and a maintenance allowance. Exact amounts vary based on the institution and course.

Documents Required

  • Aadhaar card
  • Category certificate (OBC/EBC/DNT/NT/SNT) issued by competent authority
  • Family income certificate (annual income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh)
  • Marksheet of qualifying examination (Class 8 for Class 9 entry; Class 10 for Class 11 entry)
  • School/institution bonafide certificate
  • Bank account details (Aadhaar-linked, in student's name)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Domicile/residence certificate
  • Disability certificate (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Application Process

For Class 9 and Class 11 Scholarships (via YET)

  1. Visit the NTA YASASVI portal at yet.nta.ac.in
  2. Register by creating an account with your email and mobile number
  3. Fill the application form with personal, educational and category details
  4. Upload photograph, signature and required documents
  5. Submit the application form (no application fee for the exam)
  6. Download your admit card when released by NTA
  7. Appear for the YASASVI Entrance Test at the allotted centre
  8. Check results on the NTA portal after the exam
  9. If selected, scholarship amount is disbursed directly to your bank account via DBT

For Top Class College Scholarships

  1. Visit the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in
  2. Register/Login with your credentials
  3. Search for PM YASASVI Top Class College scholarship
  4. Fill the application with institution, course and income details
  5. Upload all required documents including admission letter
  6. Submit for verification by the institution and district authority
  7. Once verified, scholarship is credited to your account

Exam Pattern (YASASVI Entrance Test)

Aspect Details
Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration 2.5 hours
Questions 100 MCQs
Subjects Maths, Science, Social Science, General Awareness
Marking 1 mark per correct answer; no negative marking
Qualifying marks 35%
Medium English and Hindi

Processing Time

  • Application period: As notified by NTA (typically July–August)
  • Exam: Usually conducted in September
  • Results: Within 30–45 days of the exam
  • Scholarship disbursement: Within 2–3 months of result declaration

Important Tips

  1. Apply early — the application window is limited and NTA does not extend deadlines
  2. Ensure your income certificate is current — certificates older than one year may be rejected
  3. Prepare well for the entrance test — focus on Class 8/10 NCERT syllabus depending on your level
  4. Keep your Aadhaar linked to your bank account for smooth DBT
  5. Renewal is required annually — maintain minimum attendance and academic performance to continue receiving the scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any application fee for PM YASASVI?

No. The application and entrance test are completely free for all eligible candidates.

Can SC/ST students apply for PM YASASVI?

PM YASASVI is primarily for OBC, EBC and DNT categories. SC and ST students have separate scholarship schemes like the Post-Matric Scholarship. However, check the latest notification as eligibility criteria may be updated.

What is the difference between PM YASASVI and National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship?

PM YASASVI targets OBC/EBC/DNT students specifically, while the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) is for economically weaker students regardless of caste studying in Class 8. Both are merit-based but have different target groups and scholarship amounts.

Can students from private schools apply?

Yes. Students from both government and recognised private schools can apply, provided they meet the category and income criteria.

Is PM YASASVI scholarship renewable?

Yes. The scholarship is renewable each year subject to maintaining satisfactory academic performance and meeting attendance requirements. Fresh applications or renewal must be submitted annually.

How will I know if I am selected?

Results are published on the NTA YASASVI portal (yet.nta.ac.in). Selected candidates also receive communication via registered email and mobile number.


This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with any government body. Visit yet.nta.ac.in for official details.