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Home / IAS Preparation / SHRESHTA Scheme

SHRESHTA Scheme: Objectives, Eligibility, Features & Benefits - UPSC Notes

Last Updated on Apr 03, 2025
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The SHRESHTA Scheme is a government initiative designed to provide quality education to students from the Scheduled Castes (SC) community. It gives SC students the opportunity to attend residential schools that come with modern facilities. These schools offer not just education but also essential services like food, accommodation, and security. The goal is to help SC students concentrate fully on their studies and ensure they have the same opportunities for success as others.

This scheme is significant for the UPSC General Studies Paper II, which covers subjects like social justice, governance, and welfare programs in India. As a part of efforts to improve education and social equality for SC students, the scheme plays a vital role in promoting social welfare and justice.

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Syllabus

General Studies - Paper II

Topics for Prelims

Welfare Schemes, Social Justice

Topics for Mains

Empowerment of Marginalized Groups, Government Policies and Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

About the SHRESHTA Scheme

The SHRESHTA Scheme was introduced to provide SC students with access to better educational opportunities. These residential schools offer students the chance to study in a safe and supportive environment. The scheme is designed to give students access to quality education in schools they may not otherwise have access to in their local areas. The government’s aim is to equip these students with the resources they need to succeed academically and in life.

Objectives of the SHRESHTA Scheme

The primary goals of the SHRESHTA Scheme include:

  • Offering SC students access to quality education, ensuring they can compete equally with other students.
  • Providing a place to live, food, and education under one roof so students can focus on their studies.
  • Helping students prepare for critical exams like JEE (engineering) and NEET (medical), giving them the opportunity to attend top colleges.
  • Empowering SC students with skills and knowledge that will help them secure good jobs in the future.
  • Ensuring that SC students, regardless of their background, have equal chances to succeed.

Read the article on Social Exclusion!

Eligibility for the SHRESHTA Scheme

Students must meet these requirements to apply for the SHRESHTA Scheme:

  • SC Category: Only SC students are eligible to apply.
  • Age: Applicants should be between 13 and 16 years old.
  • Education Level: The student must have completed 8th grade and be ready to start 9th grade.
  • Income: The family’s income should be below a certain threshold set by the government.
  • Location: The scheme targets students from rural or underdeveloped areas with limited access to good schools.

Read the article on the List of Latest Government Schemes of India!

Key Features of the SHRESHTA Scheme

Here are some of the main features of the SHRESHTA Scheme:

  • Students are provided accommodation in residential schools where they can live and study.
  • Scholarships are offered to cover tuition, food, and lodging expenses.
  • Students have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities like sports and music, promoting overall development.
  • Schools have excellent facilities such as modern classrooms, libraries, and sports amenities.
  • Students are given training and resources to prepare for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
  • Teachers in these schools are specially trained to offer the best education to SC students, supporting their success.

Read the article on the Marginalised Sections in Higher Education!

Implementation of the SHRESHTA Scheme

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment oversees the SHRESHTA Scheme. This ministry collaborates with state governments and private institutions to establish and manage the schools. The process of implementation includes:

  • SC students are selected based on criteria such as academic performance and family income.
  • Residential schools are built with necessary facilities to support student learning.
  • Teachers are trained to understand the needs of SC students and provide them with effective education.
  • The government regularly monitors student progress and education quality to ensure the scheme is successful.

Read the article on Human Resource Development (HRD)!

Benefits of the SHRESHTA Scheme

The SHRESHTA Scheme brings several advantages for SC students and society:

  • SC students gain access to quality schools they might not otherwise be able to attend.
  • Scholarships help cover expenses like tuition, food, and accommodation, easing financial burdens on families.
  • By receiving a good education, SC students can secure better job opportunities and improve their lives.
  • The scheme reduces the dropout rate, ensuring more students complete their education.
  • It provides equal opportunities for both boys and girls, promoting gender equality.
  • Helping SC students succeed benefits their families and communities in the long term.

Read the article on Vulnerable Children!

Other Major Government Initiatives for SCs

In addition to the SHRESHTA Scheme, the Government of India has launched other programs to support SC students:

  • Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme: Financial assistance for SC students pursuing studies after high school.
  • Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Scheme: Provides financial support for SC students wishing to pursue higher education abroad.
  • National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC): Offers financial aid for education and skills development for SC students.
  • Dr. Ambedkar Foundation: Organizes programs to promote education and improve the lives of SC communities.
  • Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme: Supports SC students in their early educational years, helping them finish school.

Key Takeaways on the SHRESHTA Scheme for UPSC Aspirants

  • Target Group: The SHRESHTA Scheme benefits Scheduled Caste (SC) students, ensuring they can access quality education in residential schools.
  • Objective: The scheme aims to provide SC students with education in schools with excellent infrastructure, focusing on their overall development, including academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.
  • Government Support: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides scholarships for tuition, accommodation, and other student needs under the scheme.

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SHRESHTA Scheme UPSC FAQs

The scheme offers residential schooling, scholarships, modern infrastructure, and preparation for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

The SHRESHTA scheme helps SC students access quality education in residential schools.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is in charge of the SHRESHTA Yojana.

The SHRESHTA scheme was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

SC students aged 13-16 who have completed 8th grade and meet income requirements can apply for the SHRESHTA Scheme.
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