A new government initiative launched on June 20, 2025, offers free coaching to SC/ST students for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and JEE. Aimed at bridging educational disparities, the scheme provides expert guidance, study materials, and stipends. Implemented across states, it seeks to empower underprivileged students to secure government jobs and higher education opportunities.
Government Rolls Out Free Coaching for SC/ST Students
On June 20, 2025, the Indian government introduced a nationwide Free Coaching Scheme targeting Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students preparing for competitive examinations. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to provide equitable access to quality education and career opportunities for marginalized communities.
The scheme covers a range of competitive exams, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services, Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exams, Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), and other national-level tests. Eligible students will receive expert coaching, comprehensive study materials, and access to test series at no cost. Additionally, select state programs under this initiative offer monthly stipends to support students financially during their preparation.
In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme extends support to SC, ST, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students under specific criteria, providing financial aid for UPSC coaching. The state’s program includes ₹20,000 for candidates preparing for UPSC interviews, disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Similarly, Tamil Nadu’s Naan Mudhalvan Scheme offers ₹7,500 monthly for 10 months to UPSC aspirants, with additional funding of ₹25,000 for mains and ₹50,000 for interview preparation.
In Delhi, the Jai Bheem Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana has expanded to include General category students alongside SC, ST, and OBC candidates, offering free or subsidized coaching for exams like JEE, NEET, and UPSC. Gujarat’s Coaching Assistance Scheme, managed by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, focuses exclusively on SC students, providing tailored training for recruitment exams.
The initiative has also gained traction in other states. In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, a free coaching program for SC/ST students will commence on July 7, 2025, offering preparation for state services, banking, railway, and SSC exams. Facilities include hostels, libraries, and digital classrooms to ensure a conducive learning environment. Osmania University in Telangana has announced free coaching for UPSC Civil Services, Group-1, and Group-2 exams for its students, starting in the 2025-26 academic year.
The scheme aligns with broader efforts to enhance educational access for underprivileged communities. For instance, the CBSE Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship 2025, launched around the same time, provides ₹12,000 annually for undergraduate studies and ₹20,000 for postgraduate studies to meritorious students. While not directly tied to coaching, such scholarships complement the free coaching initiative by alleviating financial burdens.
Officials have emphasized that the scheme is designed to empower talented students who face economic and social barriers. Limited seats are available, and students are encouraged to apply promptly through designated portals like scholarships.gov.in or state-specific websites. The initiative has been lauded for its potential to transform lives by enabling SC/ST students to compete on a level playing field.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from government announcements, news reports, and reliable sources like Times Now, The Hindu, and posts on X. Details may vary by state, and readers are advised to verify eligibility and application processes through official portals.