Under the Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS), a total of 1,628.89 crore rupees have been disbursed from 2014-15 to 2022-23, benefiting 21,326 beneficiaries. SHREYAS encompasses four central sector sub-schemes, including the Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs, Top-Class Education for SCs, National Overseas Scheme for SCs, and National Fellowship for SC Students. These schemes aim to provide quality education and financial support to economically disadvantaged students, particularly from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), enabling them to access higher education, both in India and abroad, and pursue their academic aspirations.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Central Sector Sub-Schemes: Programs funded entirely by the central government to ensure uniform implementation across the country.
- Free Coaching Scheme: Offers coaching to economically disadvantaged SC and OBC candidates for competitive and entrance exams and admission to technical and professional higher education institutions.
- Top-Class Education: Provides full financial support to SC students pursuing higher education beyond the 12th grade in prestigious institutes, covering tuition fees and academic expenses.
- National Overseas Scheme: Offers financial assistance to SC, De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes for pursuing master’s and Ph.D. level courses abroad in top-ranked foreign institutes.
- National Fellowship: Provides fellowships to SC students pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees in various fields in Indian universities, with a focus on research and academic excellence.
