Context:

• The SHREYAS scheme has benefited more than 21,000 SC students since its inception in 2014. Over 2300 crore rupees have been allocated for the scheme during this period.

About  SHREYAS scheme:  

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

• SHREYAS scheme has four sub-schemes:

• Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs: 

• • • This scheme provides coaching to economically disadvantaged SCs and OBCs candidates for competitive and entrance examinations.
    • The ratio of SC: OBC students is 70:30 and 30% of seats are reserved for females in each category. (3500 seats available).

• Top-Class Education for SCs: 

• • • SHREYAS Scheme aims at recognizing and promoting quality education amongst students belonging to SCs, by providing full financial support.
    • SHREYAS scheme provides scholarships to SC students for pursuing studies beyond the 12th class in top-ranked educational institutions in India. Such as IITs, NITs, AIIMs, IIMs etc.

• National Overseas Scheme for SCs: 

• • • This scheme provides financial assistance to SC students for pursuing master’s and Ph.D. level courses abroad. (Presently 125 slots are available).
    • Under SHREYAS scheme, total tuition fees, maintenance and contingency allowance, visa fees, to and fro air passage, etc. are provided to the awardees.

• National Fellowship for SC Students: 

• • SHREYAS scheme provides fellowship to SC students for pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D. degrees in  Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences India by the University Grant Commission(UGC).

Source: PIB