The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has highlighted the performance of the Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme, or SHREYAS, which supports students from Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes. Between 2014-15 and 2025-26, the scheme has spent approximately Rs. 3,509.39 crore and assisted over 1.18 lakh students through various educational pathways.
How the scheme works
SHREYAS operates through four distinct components, each targeting a different stage of higher education:
- Free Coaching for Competitive Examinations: Provides financial aid for quality coaching to economically disadvantaged SC and OBC students preparing for competitive and professional tests. From 2014-15 to 2025-26, Rs. 145.10 crore was spent, benefiting 23,208 students. In 2025-26 alone, Rs. 9.87 crore assisted 854 students.
- Top Class Education: Supports meritorious SC students attending premier institutions across India. This component received Rs. 703.44 crore over the period, helping 35,237 students. Annual spending has increased significantly, reaching Rs. 117.19 crore for 4,742 students in 2025-26.
- National Overseas Scholarship Scheme: Enables SC students to study at reputed universities abroad. From 2014-15 to 2025-26, Rs. 461.57 crore enabled 764 students to pursue international education. Numbers peaked at 114 students in 2023-24, though 67 beneficiaries went abroad in 2025-26.
- National Fellowship for SC Students: Provides assistance for SC scholars pursuing advanced research and higher education. This largest component consumed Rs. 2,199.28 crore and supported 59,039 beneficiaries. In 2025-26, Rs. 213.45 crore helped 4,218 scholars.
What this means for you
If you are an SC or OBC student from a lower-income background, SHREYAS offers multiple entry points for financial support across your educational journey. Whether you need coaching for entrance examinations, funds to study at top institutions, or help pursuing research and international education, the scheme provides assistance tailored to different phases of higher education. The increasing annual spending under some components suggests the government is expanding support over time.