Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2026-27 is a Central Sector scholarship for eligible students with benchmark disabilities studying in Classes 9 and 10. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) states that eligible students can receive a maintenance allowance of ₹500 per month for day scholars or ₹800 per month for hostellers, plus a ₹1,000 annual book grant and a disability allowance of ₹2,000 or ₹4,000 a year depending on the disability category. The family-income ceiling is ₹2.50 lakh per year.
The current National Scholarship Portal (NSP) listing shows the 2026-27 student application window open until 30 September 2026. Defective-application and institute verification are shown through 15 October, while DNO/SNO/MNO verification is scheduled through 31 October. Students should complete OTR and submit early because application submission is followed by verification.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2026-27: Quick Overview
| Particular | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities |
| Academic level | Classes IX and X |
| Disability requirement | Benchmark disability of 40% or more |
| Family income limit | ₹2.50 lakh per year |
| Day-scholar maintenance | ₹500 per month for 12 months |
| Hosteller maintenance | ₹800 per month for 12 months |
| Book grant | ₹1,000 per year |
| Disability allowance | ₹2,000 or ₹4,000 per year, depending on disability category |
| Application portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| 2026-27 student deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Institute verification | 15 October 2026 |
| DNO/SNO/MNO verification | 31 October 2026 |
The current DEPwD scheme page confirms the Class IX-X coverage, 40% benchmark-disability requirement, Aadhaar and UDID requirements, ₹2.5 lakh income ceiling, maintenance rates and DBT/PFMS payment route. The live NSP scheme listing confirms the 2026-27 application and verification dates.
What Is the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities?
This scholarship is part of the Government of India’s scholarship support for students with disabilities. It is designed specifically for students in Classes IX and X and helps meet recurring education-related costs while they continue school.
The scheme should not be confused with the Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2026-27, which covers Class XI and XII and eligible higher courses. The pre-matric component is the school-level opportunity for students in Classes 9 and 10.
Applications are processed through NSP. The Department’s current guidance also emphasizes the importance of the UDID Card and Aadhaar, while the scholarship is disbursed through the Direct Benefit Transfer/PFMS mechanism.
How Much Scholarship Will You Get?
₹500 per month for day scholars
A day scholar can receive a maintenance allowance of ₹500 per month. The Department’s current scheme page states that this monthly support is provided for 12 months.
On the stated annual rate, the maintenance component alone is ₹6,000 for a full 12-month period. The total benefit can be higher because the scheme also provides the book grant and applicable disability allowance.
₹800 per month for hostellers
For eligible hostellers, the maintenance allowance is ₹800 per month for 12 months. At the stated rate, this equals ₹9,600 for the annual maintenance component before adding the book grant and disability allowance.
₹1,000 annual book grant
The scheme provides a ₹1,000 book grant per year. This is separate from the monthly maintenance allowance and is intended to support education-related book costs.
₹2,000–₹4,000 disability allowance
The disability allowance varies according to the disability category. The DEPwD’s scheme information lists an annual allowance of ₹4,000 for visually impaired or intellectually disabled students and ₹2,000 for other eligible disability types.
Therefore, it is better to describe the scholarship as a combination of maintenance, book and disability components rather than advertising one single fixed cash amount for every student.
Pre-Matric Scholarship Eligibility 2026-27
1. You must be studying in Class 9 or 10
The current DEPwD page identifies the scholarship as a pre-matric benefit for students in Class IX or Class X. Students in Class 11 and above should look at the post-matric component instead.
2. You must have benchmark disability of at least 40%
The scheme is intended for students with a benchmark disability of 40% or more. This is a core eligibility condition. Applicants should ensure that the disability details in their official records and scholarship application are consistent.
3. You must be an Indian national
The Department’s current scheme information states that the scholarship is available to Indian nationals. Citizenship and identity details should therefore match the records used during NSP registration.
4. Family income must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh
The annual family-income ceiling is ₹2.50 lakh. The income condition applies to the parents/guardian household as prescribed under the scheme. Keep the required income certificate ready and make sure the income period and details are correct.
5. You should not be receiving another scholarship or stipend
The current DEPwD guidance says the student should not receive another scholarship or stipend. Do not assume that two central scholarships can automatically be combined. Check the scheme rules and the declarations in your NSP application before selecting or accepting another benefit.
6. UDID and Aadhaar details are important
The Department’s current page specifically lists the UDID Card and Aadhaar Card among the required records. Make sure the name, date of birth and other identifying information are consistent across the documents used for the application.
Who Is the Scholarship For?
The most important way to understand this scheme is by combining the class, disability and income tests. A student generally needs to be in Class 9 or 10, have a benchmark disability of at least 40%, satisfy the income ceiling and meet the other scheme conditions.
The scholarship is not restricted to one particular school board simply because the student is in a government school or private school. However, the student’s school and application must satisfy the applicable NSP and scheme verification requirements. The school/institute stage is important because an application that is never verified cannot progress normally to scholarship processing.
2026-27 Important Dates
The National Scholarship Portal currently shows 30 September 2026 as the student application closing date for the Pre Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities. The same listing shows 15 October 2026 for defective-application and institute verification and 31 October 2026 for DNO/SNO/MNO verification.
| Application stage | 2026-27 date shown on NSP |
|---|---|
| Scheme opened | 1 June 2026 |
| Student application closes | 30 September 2026 |
| Defective application verification closes | 15 October 2026 |
| Institute verification closes | 15 October 2026 |
| DNO/SNO/MNO verification closes | 31 October 2026 |
These dates are for the current 2026-27 NSP listing. Because scholarship schedules can be revised, students should confirm the live scheme page before submission rather than relying on an old article, screenshot or social-media post.
How to Apply on the National Scholarship Portal
Step 1: Generate or confirm your OTR
NSP requires a One-Time Registration (OTR) for scholarship applications. The portal describes OTR as a unique 14-digit number that remains applicable throughout the student’s academic career. Complete OTR before trying to submit the scholarship form.
Step 2: Log in to NSP
Use the official National Scholarship Portal. Log in using your OTR credentials and open the scholarship application area for the current academic year.
Step 3: Select the correct disability scholarship
Make sure the selected scheme is the Pre Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities. Do not accidentally select the post-matric or Top Class component simply because the names appear similar.
Step 4: Enter personal and academic information
Fill in your school, class, identity, category and other details exactly as they appear in official documents. Avoid spelling variations in names and other fields that may later create a verification mismatch.
Step 5: Provide disability and income information
Enter the information supported by your UDID/disability documentation and income certificate. The ₹2.5 lakh annual family-income ceiling is a key eligibility test, so do not enter an estimate that conflicts with the certificate you will use for verification.
Step 6: Complete the required declarations and submit
Review every field before final submission. The portal may require declarations concerning other scholarships or stipends. Submit before the 30 September deadline and keep a copy of the final application or acknowledgement for your records.
Step 7: Follow the verification status
After submission, check whether your school/institute has completed verification and whether the application is marked defective or requires correction. The current NSP schedule gives the institute verification stage until 15 October 2026.
Documents to Keep Ready
- UDID Card or applicable official disability documentation.
- Aadhaar Card and identity details used for OTR.
- Recent family-income certificate within the ₹2.5 lakh ceiling.
- Current Class 9 or 10 school/admission details.
- School or institute identification and verification details, where requested.
- Bank account information suitable for DBT/PFMS processing.
- Any additional certificate or declaration requested by NSP or the school.
The exact document fields shown in your live NSP application should always take priority. If the portal requests a particular format, certificate period or verification step, follow that instruction instead of relying on a generic checklist.
How the Scholarship Is Paid
The Department states that scholarship support is provided through DBT/PFMS. This means bank and identity details matter even after the application has been submitted. An applicant should make sure the account information is correct and that required Aadhaar-seeding or bank-linking conditions are satisfied.
Students should also understand that the maintenance amount, book grant and disability allowance are separate components. The headline rates are scheme ceilings/rates, while final processing remains subject to eligibility, verification and the applicable scholarship rules.
How to Avoid Rejection or Verification Problems
Do not leave OTR until the last day
OTR is mandatory for NSP scholarship applications. Completing it early gives you time to address identity or authentication issues before the scholarship deadline.
Check the disability percentage and records
The 40% benchmark-disability requirement is central to eligibility. Make sure the disability information entered in the application is supported by the official record used for verification.
Keep the income certificate current and consistent
An income certificate that exceeds the scheme limit or does not match the information entered on NSP can create a problem at verification. Review the certificate before submission.
Do not assume another scholarship can be combined
The DEPwD page says the student should not receive another scholarship or stipend. If you are applying for multiple schemes, read the conditions carefully and follow the declarations on NSP.
Check your application after submitting
Submission does not automatically mean approval. Defective applications may require action, and school/institute verification is part of the process. Check your NSP status rather than assuming the application is complete.
Pre-Matric vs Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
The two schemes serve different education stages. The pre-matric scholarship is for Classes 9 and 10. The post-matric scholarship starts from Class 11 and can extend to recognized diploma, degree and postgraduate study subject to its own conditions.
| Feature | Pre-Matric | Post-Matric |
|---|---|---|
| Education level | Classes 9–10 | Class 11 onward, including eligible higher courses |
| Income ceiling | ₹2.5 lakh | ₹2.5 lakh |
| Benchmark disability | 40% or more | 40% or more |
| Monthly maintenance | ₹500 day scholar / ₹800 hosteller | Higher rates under the post-matric schedule |
| Application platform | NSP | NSP |
Our separate Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2026-27 guide covers the higher-education component.
Other 2026-27 Scholarships on NSP
Students and families often compare several scholarships before deciding which one fits their circumstances. Our PM YASASVI Scholarship 2026-27 guide covers the OBC/EBC/DNT Top Class School component, while our NMMSS 2026-27 guide covers the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship.
Do not compare only the headline amount. Each scheme has different class, income, community, disability, school, merit and renewal conditions. The correct scholarship is the one for which the student actually satisfies the applicable rules.
Practical Eligibility Checklist for 2026-27
- I am an Indian national.
- I am studying in Class 9 or Class 10.
- I have benchmark disability of at least 40% under the applicable rules.
- I have the required UDID/disability documentation.
- My family income is within the ₹2.5 lakh annual ceiling.
- I have Aadhaar and the identity details needed for OTR.
- I am not receiving another scholarship or stipend that conflicts with this scheme.
- My school and academic details are correct.
- My bank/DBT information is ready and accurate.
- I will submit before 30 September 2026.
- I will monitor institute verification after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date for the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2026-27?
The current NSP listing shows 30 September 2026 as the student application deadline. Institute verification is shown through 15 October and DNO/SNO/MNO verification through 31 October.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Eligible Indian students studying in Classes 9 or 10 who have benchmark disability of 40% or more and satisfy the ₹2.5 lakh family-income ceiling and other scheme conditions can apply.
How much does a day scholar receive?
The maintenance allowance is ₹500 per month for 12 months. A ₹1,000 annual book grant and applicable disability allowance are additional components.
How much does a hosteller receive?
The hosteller maintenance allowance is ₹800 per month for 12 months, plus the applicable book grant and disability allowance.
What is the disability allowance?
The current DEPwD information lists ₹4,000 per year for visually impaired or intellectually disabled students and ₹2,000 per year for other eligible disability types.
Is UDID mandatory?
The current DEPwD scheme page lists the UDID Card as a required document for the scholarship. Applicants should keep their UDID information ready and follow the exact verification requirements shown on NSP.
Can I get another scholarship at the same time?
The DEPwD’s current guidance says the student should not receive another scholarship or stipend. If you are considering another scheme, check its rules and the declarations in NSP before proceeding.
Where do I apply?
Applications are made online through the official National Scholarship Portal. OTR is required before the scholarship application can be submitted.
Is the scholarship only for government schools?
The DEPwD’s current pre-matric scheme page does not state that eligibility is limited only to government schools. Follow the live NSP and institute-verification requirements for your school.
Official Sources and Final Advice
The best places to verify the scholarship before applying are the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities’ Pre-Matric Scholarship page and the NSP scheme listing. The DEPwD page provides the current eligibility and benefit summary, while NSP provides the live 2026-27 application status and dates.
The Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities 2026-27 is particularly important for eligible Class 9 and 10 students because it combines monthly maintenance support with a book grant and disability allowance. The central checks are straightforward but must all be satisfied: Class 9 or 10, benchmark disability of at least 40%, family income up to ₹2.5 lakh, required identity/UDID records and compliance with the no-other-scholarship condition.
For the current cycle, remember the 30 September 2026 student deadline. Complete OTR early, prepare the income and disability documents, submit before the closing date and continue checking the application until school/institute verification is complete. A correct application is only the first step; verification and final processing still matter.
Families should also keep a simple record of the application process. Save the OTR number, application acknowledgement, important certificate copies and any correction request generated by NSP. If the school asks the student to correct a field, make the correction within the period allowed by the portal and then check the status again. Do not assume that a submitted application is automatically verified just because the final-submit button worked.
It is equally important to distinguish the scholarship’s eligibility rules from its payment components. The ₹500 and ₹800 monthly rates are maintenance allowances, while the ₹1,000 book grant and disability allowance are separate components. A student’s actual scholarship processing depends on the applicable rules, verified records and successful completion of the NSP workflow. This is why the safest approach is to use the official DEPwD and NSP pages as the final authority whenever a third-party article, school notice or older PDF shows a different date or amount.
Students moving from Class 10 to Class 11 should also plan ahead. The pre-matric scholarship ends with the applicable school stage, so a student who remains eligible for support after Class 10 should review the separate post-matric scholarship rules rather than assuming the pre-matric application will automatically continue. Keeping documents current before the next academic year can make that transition easier.
Finally, submit as early as practical. A deadline is not just a date for filling the form; it is the point by which the student must have a valid application in the portal. Starting early leaves time for OTR authentication, certificate checks, school corrections and technical issues. For students who meet the conditions, careful preparation is the simplest way to reduce avoidable verification problems and protect the opportunity to receive the scholarship.
