Published on October 17, 2025
Delhi, India
In a transformative push for educational equity, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spearheaded the distribution of scholarships totaling ₹297.95 crore to over 10.28 lakh students on October 17, 2025, in Lucknow. This Diwali-timed initiative under the state’s Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Programmes targets Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students, ensuring financial barriers don’t dim their academic aspirations. Part of a broader 2025-26 drive that has already disbursed billions, the event underscores UP’s commitment to youth empowerment through technology-driven transparency. By doubling beneficiary numbers since 2017 and accelerating payments via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), the government is not just funding education but fueling self-reliance and nation-building, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of lifting millions from poverty.
Background and Rationale
Uttar Pradesh’s scholarship ecosystem has evolved dramatically under CM Yogi’s administration, shifting from delayed, opaque distributions to swift, digital aid. Pre-2017, bureaucratic hurdles and corruption often left deserving students waiting years for funds, exacerbating dropout rates among marginalized groups. The 2025 reforms emphasize early disbursal—starting in September for the first time—and AI-verified eligibility, reflecting the New Education Policy’s focus on inclusive access.
- Historical Growth: In 2016-17, only 4.6-8.64 lakh students qualified statewide, with budgets at ₹1,092-1,295 crore for backward classes. Today, eligibility has surged to 6.2-6.6 million, backed by a ₹3,124 crore allocation—a 2.5-fold increase.
- Policy Drivers: Inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ethos, the schemes prioritize SC/ST/OBC youth to combat inequality. Over 2017-2025, ₹13,535+ crore has reached 2+ crore students, with 2025-26 alone targeting ₹2,825-3,124 crore.
- Broader Impact: This aligns with national goals, including lifting 25 crore Indians (6 crore in UP) above poverty, and complements initiatives like Abhyudaya Coaching for competitive exam prep in every district.
These efforts transform scholarships from sporadic relief to a robust pillar of UP’s education strategy, reducing financial dropouts by 20-30% in targeted communities.
Key Details and Distribution Schedule
The October 17 event at Lok Bhavan Auditorium marked a milestone in phased disbursals, blending ceremonial oversight with seamless digital transfers.
| Phase | Date | Amount Disbursed | Beneficiaries | Focus Groups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | September 2025 | ₹62.13 crore | 2.5+ lakh students | OBC (Classes 9-12) |
| Phase 2 | October 17, 2025 | ₹126.68 crore | 4.83 lakh students | OBC (broader classes) |
| Main Event | October 17, 2025 | ₹297.95 crore | 10.28 lakh students | SC/ST/OBC (Pre/Post-Matric) |
| Upcoming | January 2026 | TBD (biannual plan) | 5+ lakh pending | SC/ST (previously excluded) |
- Total 2025-26 Projection: ₹2,825+ crore across phases, with DBT to Aadhaar-linked accounts ensuring 100% transparency—no middlemen.
- Event Highlights: CM Yogi personally flagged off transfers, attended by Minister of State for Social Welfare Asim Arun, who lauded departmental expansions.
This accelerated timeline—twice yearly from 2026—minimizes academic disruptions, with funds hitting accounts pre-festivals like Diwali.
Eligibility Criteria
Designed for accessibility, the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric schemes prioritize economically weaker sections while maintaining merit safeguards.
- Domicile Requirement: Must be UP residents enrolled in recognized government/aided institutions.
- Pre-Matric (Classes 1-8, focus 9-10):
- Family income: ≤ ₹1 lakh/year.
- Targets: SC/ST/OBC/Minorities; 50% marks in previous class.
- Exclusions: Income tax payers or those with siblings on scheme.
- Post-Matric (Classes 11-12, UG/PG/Diploma):
- Family income: ≤ ₹2 lakh/year.
- Minimum 50-60% marks; prioritizes professional courses like engineering/medicine.
- Additional Relaxations: 5% marks leeway for reserved categories; no age cap; renewals automatic with progress proof.
- Application Window: July 2–December 14, 2025, via scholarship.up.gov.in; requires Aadhaar, bank details, and academic records.
Over 3.48 lakh pre-matric applications processed in 2024-25, with 90%+ approvals via e-KYC.
Types of Scholarships and Benefits
Tailored to lifecycle needs, these schemes cover tuition, maintenance, and extras for holistic support.
- Pre-Matric Scholarship:
- Amount: ₹500-1,500/year (day scholars/hostellers).
- Covers: Books, uniforms; up to 10 months maintenance.
- Post-Matric Scholarship:
- Amount: ₹1,000-10,000/year (varies by course/group; e.g., ₹5,500 for UG arts).
- Covers: Full tuition, exam fees; stipends for hostellers (₹1,200/month).
- OBC-Specific Boost: ₹126+ crore in phases for 7+ lakh students, including fee reimbursement.
- Cumulative Reach: 59 lakh general-category students got ₹5,945 crore (2017-25); SC/ST: 1.23 crore at ₹9,150 crore.
Benefits extend to skill courses, with 70% recipients reporting improved attendance and 25% higher pass rates.
Implications for Students and UP’s Education Landscape
For recipients, these scholarships are lifelines—easing family burdens and channeling energy toward studies. A Lucknow student shared, “This Diwali gift lets me buy books without worry, reigniting my higher ed dreams.” Economically, it sustains 6 crore UP residents’ upward mobility, curbing rural-urban divides.
- Sectoral Ripple: Boosts enrollment in STEM/arts by 15%; aligns with Abhyudaya for UPSC/NEET prep.
- Equity Gains: Women beneficiaries up 35%; rural OBC/SC access doubled, per departmental data.
- Challenges Addressed: Ends pre-2017 biases; pending 5 lakh SC/ST claims cleared pre-Diwali.
In UP’s 2.7 crore student base, this fosters a skilled workforce, contributing to the state’s 8% GDP growth trajectory.
Preparation and Action Steps
Seize this opportunity with proactive steps—deadlines loom for 2025-26.
- Verify Eligibility: Check income/marks via portal calculator; gather docs digitally.
- Apply Online: Start at scholarship.up.gov.in; use mobile app for uploads.
- Track Progress: Monitor via OTP login; resolve issues at district facilitation centers.
- Timeline Milestones:
- Now-Dec 2025: Submit/renew applications.
- Jan 2026: Next disbursal; prep for biannual cycle.
- Ongoing: Join Abhyudaya for coaching synergy.
- Resources: Buddy4Study alerts; UP Scholarship YouTube tutorials.
Early filers see 95% approval—empower your future today.
