Education is the most powerful tool to uplift any community and for students from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), financial support is often the bridge between ambition and achievement. To empower these students, the Government of India, along with state bodies, offers several dedicated scholarships.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top OBC Scholarships in India 2025, including the Pre-Matric Scholarship, Post-Matric Scholarship, and the National Fellowship for OBC (NF-OBC). We’ll cover everything eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply so you can confidently fund your education.
Why Are OBC Scholarships Important in 2025?
Every year, thousands of OBC students drop out of school or college due to financial limitations. To break this cycle, these scholarships:
Reduce dropout rates
Encourage higher education
Empower financially weaker families
Create equal academic opportunities
That’s why OBC Scholarships in India 2025 are more important than ever.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students 2025
This scholarship is designed for students studying in Class 1 to 10 from OBC families with limited income.
Key Details:
Eligibility:
Must belong to the OBC category
Studying in Class 1 to 10
Annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh
Benefits:
₹500 per month for hostellers (Class 3 to 10)
₹100 per month for day scholars
Documents Required:
Caste certificate
Income certificate
School ID or bonafide certificate
Where to Apply:
National Scholarship Portal: scholarships.gov.in
This is a great starting point for young OBC students. You can read the detailed post we’ve written here:
Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students – 2025 Guide
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students 2025
This scholarship supports students from Class 11 to postgraduate level. It covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other expenses.
Key Details:
Eligibility:
OBC students studying in Class 11 to postgrad (PG)
Family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh per year
Benefits:
₹750–₹1,200 per month (maintenance)
Reimbursement of non-refundable tuition fees
Study tour and book allowance
Documents Required:
Caste and income certificate
Fee receipt and bonafide certificate
Bank account in the student’s name
Where to Apply:
scholarships.gov.in
If you’re in higher secondary or college, this scholarship is a must.
Check out our full post here:
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students – 2025 Full Guide
National Fellowship for OBC Students (NF-OBC) 2025
This fellowship supports OBC candidates pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D. in any subject at a recognized university.
Key Details:
Eligibility:
Passed postgraduation
Enrolled in M.Phil or Ph.D.
Must belong to OBC category
Income should be less than ₹8 lakh per year
Benefits:
₹31,000/month (JRF for 2 years)
₹35,000/month (SRF from 3rd year)
HRA & contingency grants
Duration:
Up to 5 years
Where to Apply:
University Grants Commission (UGC) portal
This fellowship helps OBC students pursue research careers without worrying about money.
Key Deadlines for 2025
Scholarship Name Application Start Deadline
Pre-Matric OBC August 2025 October 2025
Post-Matric OBC August 2025 October 2025
NF-OBC October 2025 December 2025
Note: These are expected dates based on previous years. Always verify on the National Scholarship Portal and UGC official site as announcements roll out.
Documents Required for All OBC Scholarships
To apply for any OBC scholarship in 2025, you typically need:
Aadhaar card
Caste certificate (OBC)
Income certificate
Previous academic mark sheets
Bonafide certificate
Bank passbook (student’s name)
Passport-sized photo
Make sure your documents are scanned clearly for online submission.
How to Apply for OBC Scholarships 2025
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the official portal:
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Or relevant UGC/state portal
- Track your application status on the portal.
- Register using your mobile/email.
- Fill out the application form with correct details.
Upload the required documents.
Submit and take a print of the confirmation page.
Final Thoughts: Why You Shouldn’t Miss These OBC Scholarships in 2025
The OBC Scholarships in India 2025 are not just financial aid they’re a path toward equal opportunity and academic success. Whether you’re in school, college, or aiming for a Ph.D., there’s something here for you.
Don’t wait for the deadline to creep up. Start preparing your documents, set reminders, and apply on time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best OBC scholarship available in 2025?
There isn’t a single “best” OBC scholarship, as it depends on your education level. For school students, the Pre-Matric OBC Scholarship is ideal. For college and university students, the Post-Matric OBC Scholarship and NF-OBC (National Fellowship for OBC Students) offer generous benefits, including monthly stipends and tuition coverage.
Do I need an income certificate to apply?
Yes, applicants must submit a valid OBC certificate and a parental income certificate (typically under ₹1 lakh for Pre-Matric and ₹2.5 lakh for Post-Matric/NF-OBC) during application.
Where can I apply for these scholarships?
Most OBC scholarships are available on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Others like NF-OBC may be published on the UGC website. Keep an eye on the official announcements for 2025.