A government scheme for education is any initiative launched by the Government of India to make learning accessible, affordable, and skill-driven for students at every level — from school to higher education and vocational training.
These schemes cover scholarships, digital learning, skill development, and financial aid. Below is a clear summary of the top central programs active in 2025.
List of Major Government Education Schemes (2025)
| Scheme Name | Target Group | Type of Support | Implemented By |
| Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan | School students (Classes 1–12) | Infrastructure, teacher training, inclusive education | Ministry of Education |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | Students from school to postgraduate level | Direct benefit scholarships | Ministry of Education |
| National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) | Meritorious students from low-income families | ₹12,000/year scholarship | Department of School Education & Literacy |
| Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) | Youth (10th pass and above) | Free skill training & certification | Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship |
| AICTE Pragati & Saksham Schemes | Girls and special-needs students in technical courses | ₹50,000/year scholarship | AICTE, MoE |
| PM e-Vidya | Students (K–12 & Higher Education) | Free digital learning resources | Ministry of Education |
| Mid-Day Meal Scheme / PM POSHAN | School students (Govt. schools) | Free nutritious meals | Ministry of Education |
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana | Girl children below 10 years | Savings for education & marriage | Ministry of Finance |
| National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) | ITI & diploma students | Paid on-job training | Ministry of Skill Development |
What Are Government Schemes for Education?
In India, government education schemes are policy programs funded by central or state ministries to ensure equal access to schooling, higher education, and skills.
They aim to:
- Reduce dropout rates
- Provide financial help to poor and minority students
- Promote digital and vocational learning
- Encourage girl child education
Key ministries involved:
- Ministry of Education (MoE)
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- Ministry of Minority Affairs
Central Government Schemes for Education (2025)
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
Launched / Implemented by: Ministry of Education, 2018
Target Group: Students from pre-primary to Class 12 in government and aided schools
Objective: To provide inclusive and equitable quality education across India.
Key Benefits:
- Funding for school infrastructure, libraries, labs, and ICT-based classrooms.
- Teacher training and inclusive education for children.
- Integration of early childhood and digital learning components under NEP 2020.
Eligibility: All students enrolled in government or aided schools.
Application Process: Implemented through state education departments; no direct application by students.
Latest Update (2025): Focus on foundational literacy (FLN Mission) and teacher digital training under NEP roadmap.
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Launched / Implemented by: Ministry of Education, 2016
Target Group: Students from Class 1 to Ph.D. in recognized institutions
Objective: To centralize all government scholarships under one digital platform.
Key Benefits:
- Access to over 100 central and state scholarship schemes.
- Direct transfer of funds (DBT) to students’ bank accounts.
- Transparency through real-time application tracking.
Eligibility: Based on merit and family income (typically under ₹8 lakh/year).
Application Process: Register and apply through scholarships.gov.in.
Latest Update (2025): AI-enabled verification and Aadhaar-linked DBT validation introduced for faster disbursal.
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)
Launched / Implemented by: Department of School Education & Literacy, 2008
Target Group: Meritorious students from economically weaker families (Class 8 onward)
Objective: To reduce dropouts and encourage secondary education among low-income groups.
Key Benefits:
- ₹12,000 per year till Class 12 for eligible students.
- Renewal based on maintaining 55% marks or higher.
- Promotes continuation of education beyond middle school.
Eligibility: Parental income ≤ ₹3.5 lakh per annum; must study in government or aided schools.
Application Process: Apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Latest Update (2025): Scholarship increased to ₹1,000/month for Class 9–12; expanded online verification via NSP.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
Launched / Implemented by: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, 2015
Target Group: Youth aged 15–45 years (minimum Class 10 preferred)
Objective: To provide free short-term skill training for employment and entrepreneurship.
Key Benefits:
- Free certification in 30+ trades including electrical, computer, retail, and construction.
- Financial reward upon certification.
- Placement and apprenticeship assistance through NSDC partners.
Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 15–45; priority for school/college dropouts.
Application Process: Register via skillindia.gov.in or PMKVY training centers.
Latest Update (2025): PMKVY 4.0 launched with industry partnerships and focus on green jobs and digital trades.
AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls
Launched / Implemented by: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under MoE
Target Group: Girl students pursuing technical diploma or degree programs
Objective: To promote technical education among women through financial assistance.
Key Benefits:
- ₹50,000 per year for tuition, books, and living expenses.
- 10,000 scholarships awarded annually.
- Renewable for up to 4 years based on performance.
Eligibility: Family income ≤ ₹8 lakh/year; admission in AICTE-approved institutions.
Application Process: Apply online through aicte-pragati-saksham-gov.in.
Latest Update (2025): Preference given to NEP-aligned technical and emerging technology programs.
AICTE Saksham Scholarship for Special-Needs Students
Launched / Implemented by: AICTE, Ministry of Education
Target Group: Students with ≥40% disability pursuing technical education
Objective: To support special-needs students in achieving higher technical qualifications.
Key Benefits:
- ₹50,000 annual scholarship for course duration.
- Covers tuition, books, and hostel fees.
- Equal opportunity initiatives for inclusive learning environments.
Eligibility: Disability certificate (≥40%), family income ≤ ₹8 lakh/year.
Application Process: Apply online via aicte-pragati-saksham-gov.in.
Latest Update (2025): Extended eligibility to postgraduate technical programs under NEP policy alignment.
PM e-Vidya
Launched / Implemented by: Ministry of Education, 2020
Target Group: Students from Class 1 to higher education level
Objective: To ensure multi-mode access to digital education nationwide.
Key Benefits:
- Access to DIKSHA e-learning platform and Swayam Prabha TV channels.
- One Class–One Channel initiative for all grades.
- Radio and podcast content for rural learners.
Eligibility: Open to all students enrolled in recognized schools or colleges.
Application Process: Access free through diksha.gov.in and SWAYAM portal.
Latest Update (2025): Added 12 new regional language e-content libraries and AI-based adaptive learning features.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN)
Launched / Implemented by: Ministry of Education, 1995 (renamed PM POSHAN in 2021)
Target Group: Students in Classes 1–8 studying in government and aided schools
Objective: To improve nutritional status and school attendance among children.
Key Benefits:
- Free cooked meals for over 12 crore children.
- Nutritional balance of calories, protein, and micronutrients.
- Promotes enrolment and retention in schools.
Eligibility: All government and aided school students in Classes 1–8.
Application Process: Implemented at school level; no individual registration required.
Latest Update (2025): Inclusion of pre-primary (Balvatika) children under PM POSHAN 2.0 framework.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
Launched / Implemented by: Ministry of Finance, 2015 (under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao)
Target Group: Parents/guardians of girl children below 10 years
Objective: To encourage savings for girl child education and future expenses.
Key Benefits:
- 7.6% annual interest; tax-free returns under Section 80C.
- Account maturity at 21 years; partial withdrawal allowed for higher education.
- Min deposit ₹250; max ₹1.5 lakh per year.
Eligibility: Girl child must be under 10 years; Indian resident.
Application Process: Open account at post office or authorized bank branch.
Latest Update (2025): Digital account opening enabled via post office portal.
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
Launched / Implemented by: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, 2016
Target Group: ITI, diploma, and technical students seeking industry experience
Objective: To promote apprenticeship training and bridge skill gaps in industries.
Key Benefits:
- Government pays 25% of apprentice stipend (up to ₹1,500/month).
- Incentive for employers to hire apprentices.
- Recognition certificate upon completion.
Eligibility: Indian citizen aged 16+; enrolled or passed from technical/vocational course.
Application Process: Apply via apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
Latest Update (2025): Expanded to 30 new industry sectors and MSME participation increased under NAPS 2.0.
State Govt Schemes for Education (2025)
While central schemes cover the entire nation, some states run unique programs aligned with them:
| State | Notable Scheme | Key Benefit |
| Tamil Nadu | Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Scheme | ₹1,000 monthly incentive for girl students |
| Maharashtra | Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship | Fee reimbursement for minority students |
| Uttar Pradesh | Free Laptop Scheme | Laptops for Class 12 merit students |
| Kerala | Vidyajyothi Scheme | Aid for special-needs school students |
| Rajasthan | Gargi Award Scheme | Cash award for girls scoring 75%+ in Class 10 & 12 |
Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Scheme – Tamil Nadu
Launched / Implemented by: Department of Higher Education, Tamil Nadu, 2022
Target Group: Girl students in government schools pursuing higher education
Objective: To reduce dropout rates among girls after Class 12 and encourage college enrolment.
Key Benefits:
- ₹1,000 monthly incentive for every eligible girl student in higher education.
- Direct transfer to student’s bank account.
- Supports first-generation learners in rural Tamil Nadu.
Eligibility: Girl students who studied from Class 6 to 12 in government schools and are pursuing higher education.
Application Process: Apply via penkalvi.tn.gov.in.
Latest Update (2025): Over 3 lakh beneficiaries covered; extended to diploma students this year.
Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship – Maharashtra
Launched / Implemented by: Department of Higher and Technical Education, Maharashtra
Target Group: Minority and economically weaker students pursuing higher education
Objective: To reimburse tuition fees and reduce financial burden.
Key Benefits:
- 100% tuition fee reimbursement for eligible students.
- Applicable for professional and non-professional courses.
- Renewal based on academic performance.
Eligibility: Annual family income ≤ ₹8 lakh; domicile of Maharashtra.
Application Process: Apply via mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in.
Latest Update (2025): Introduced fast-track digital verification for universities under MAHADBT portal.
Free Laptop Scheme – Uttar Pradesh
Launched / Implemented by: Department of Secondary Education, Uttar Pradesh
Target Group: Meritorious Class 12 students in UP Board schools
Objective: To promote digital learning and bridge the technology gap for students.
Key Benefits:
- Free laptops provided to top-performing students.
- Aims to strengthen online and e-learning participation.
Eligibility: Class 12 UP Board students with 65%+ marks.
Application Process: Registration through the UP-government education portal when announced.
Latest Update (2025): Laptops now preloaded with NCERT e-content and coding tutorials.
Vidyajyothi Scheme – Kerala
Launched / Implemented by: Department of Social Justice, Kerala
Target Group: School students with physical disabilities
Objective: To ensure inclusive education by providing financial support for assistive tools and study materials.
Key Benefits:
- Grants ranging from ₹2,000–₹25,000 depending on disability category.
- Covers aids like wheelchairs, braille kits, hearing aids, and special tuition fees.
Eligibility: Children aged 6–18 with disability certificate issued by state medical board.
Application Process: Apply through sjd.kerala.gov.in.
Latest Update (2025): Scheme coverage extended to students enrolled in inclusive private schools.
Gargi Award Scheme – Rajasthan
Launched / Implemented by: Department of Women and Child Development, Rajasthan
Target Group: Girl students scoring 75%+ in Class 10 and continuing in Class 11 or 12
Objective: To motivate girls toward higher secondary education and academic excellence.
Key Benefits:
- ₹3,000 award for Class 10 achievers; ₹5,000 for Class 12 achievers.
- Direct bank transfer under DBT mode.
Eligibility: Must study in recognized schools within Rajasthan.
Application Process: Apply through wcd.rajasthan.gov.in.
Latest Update (2025): Extended to include state open school students; awards distribution now fully digital.
How to Apply for Government Education Schemes (Step-by-Step)
- Identify your eligible scheme – based on age, income, or course type.
- Visit official portals:
- scholarships.gov.in for all scholarships
- aicte-india.org for technical schemes
- skillindia.gov.in for PMKVY and skill training
- Register with Aadhaar and bank details.
- Upload documents: income proof, caste certificate, previous marksheets.
- Submit online and track status through your login dashboard.
Caution: Avoid third-party “agents.” Always check .gov.in domains.
Impact of Government Education Schemes in India
- Over 3.7 crore students benefitted from NSP scholarships in 2023–24.
- PMKVY trained over 1.3 crore youth since 2015.
- Samagra Shiksha improved enrolment ratio in secondary education to 80%.
- Digital initiatives like DIKSHA and SWAYAM reached millions during COVID-19, bridging rural-urban learning gaps.
Together, these programs form the foundation of India’s Education for All mission under NEP 2020.
Final Words
India has hundreds of education schemes — yet millions of students miss out due to lack of awareness.
By exploring verified government portals and staying updated, every student can access free learning support, scholarships, and digital resources.
These programs are more than aid — they’re stepping stones to empowerment and skill-based growth.
Explore next:
- High Salary Jobs After 10th
- Polytechnic Courses After 10th
- Government Jobs After 10th Without Exam
- Best Diploma Courses After 10th
FAQs
Samagra Shiksha, NSP, NMMS, PMKVY, AICTE Pragati, and PM e-Vidya are the key ones.
Students from economically weaker sections or merit-based categories, studying in recognized institutions.
Visit the official portal — scholarships.gov.in — and apply online with verified documents.
Yes. Sukanya Samriddhi, Pragati Scholarship, and NSIGSE support female education.
Yes. AICTE, PMSSS, and NSP offer scholarships for undergraduate and technical courses.
Many are open to private or aided institutions, provided they are recognized by government boards.
Himanshu is a seasoned digital marketing professional with expertise in SEO and social media marketing. With his insightful blogs and articles, Himanshu has been guiding students and professionals in choosing the right career. He shares useful insights and current trends on career choices that help readers choose the right profession.
