SHREYAS SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: The scheme Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme-SHREYAS, has been proposed to implement during the 2021-22 to 2025-26 by placing two ongoing Central Sector schemes for OBC and others

SHREYAS Scheme

• Objective: The main goal is to empower OBC & EBC students through fellowship awards and interest subsidies on educational loans for overseas studies.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Components
• National Fellowship for OBC Students:
• Objective: To provide financial assistance to OBC students pursuing M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees in recognized universities, research, and scientific institutions.

oOffers 1000 Junior Research Fellowships annually for advanced studies and research.

oFellowships awarded to students qualifying through specific tests like UGC-NET or UGC-CSIR NET-JRF Joint Test.

• Implementing by: UGC
• Key Features:

oFinancial assistance provided through the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation.

oFellowship rates set at Rs. 31,000 per month for JRF and Rs. 35,000 per month for SRF, in addition to contingencies.

oReservation of seats for students with disabilities and additional slots beyond reserved government quotas.

Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for OBCs & EBCs:

• Objective: To provide interest subsidies on educational loans for OBCs and EBCs pursuing approved courses abroad at the Masters, M.Phil, and Ph.D. levels.
• Implementation: The scheme is implemented through Canara Bank and is applicable for higher studies abroad, linked with existing Educational Loan Schemes.
• Eligibility Criteria: Income restrictions based on Creamy Layer criteria for OBC candidates.
• Income cap of Rs. 5.00 lakh per annum for EBC candidates.
• Features: 50% of financial assistance reserved for women candidates, The government bears 100% interest payable during the moratorium period, after which the student assumes responsibility for loan repayments.