Introduction
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has unveiled a landmark central scheme that offers free coaching for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) students preparing for competitive examinations across India. Announced on 5 February 2026, the initiative is designed to dismantle financial barriers that have historically limited access to high‑stakes exams such as the UPSC Civil Services, Staff Selection Commission (SSC) tiers, Bank Probationary Officer (PO) tests, and various engineering and medical entrance examinations. By partnering with a network of accredited coaching centres and reputable private institutes, the programme seeks to level the playing field, boost skill development, and increase the representation of marginalized communities in higher education and professional sectors. Early pilot data from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu indicate a 25 percent rise in pass rates among SC and OBC participants, underscoring the scheme’s potential to drive inclusive growth and empower thousands of aspirants.
Eligibility and Application Process
To ensure that the benefits reach the intended audience, the scheme enforces clear eligibility criteria. Applicants must be citizens belonging to the SC or OBC category, possess a valid domicile certificate of their respective state, and meet the central government’s income threshold—generally not exceeding ₹8 lakh per annum. Candidates who have completed their undergraduate studies or are in the final year of study are eligible to apply. The application window opened on 10 February 2026 and will close on 30 March 2026. Prospective candidates submit their academic transcripts, domicile proof, and a concise personal statement outlining career aspirations through the official portal (https://www.education.gov.in/freecoaching). Following submission, a merit‑based selection process evaluates academic performance, socio‑economic background, and the relevance of the chosen competitive exam to the applicant’s intended career path. Shortlisted candidates are notified via email and the portal, after which they complete a brief verification of documents before enrollment.
Coaching Centers and Partner Institutions
The scheme identifies 150 coaching centres across 30 states and union territories, ensuring geographic equity and reducing travel burdens for candidates from remote regions. Each centre is equipped with modern classrooms, digital laboratories, high‑speed internet, and seasoned faculty members who specialize in preparing students for a wide array of examinations, including UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, JEE, and NEET. Partner institutions comprise premier coaching houses such as Narayana, Allen Career Institute, and regional powerhouses like Career Launcher and Vibrant Academy, all of which have demonstrated track records of producing top‑rankers. The partnership model also incorporates public sector undertakings (PSUs) that provide logistical support, scholarship funds, and mentorship from industry professionals. Each centre accommodates a minimum of 200 students per batch, allowing for personalized attention, regular doubt‑solving sessions, and peer‑learning groups that foster collaborative success. 
Curriculum and Support Services
The curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover the full syllabus of targeted competitive exams, emphasizing quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, general awareness, and subject‑specific knowledge. Classroom instruction is supplemented with interactive online resources, weekly mock test series, and one‑on‑one doubt‑resolution sessions conducted by senior faculty. To further enrich the learning experience, the programme includes quarterly career‑counselling workshops that guide participants on higher‑education pathways, scholarship opportunities, and emerging employment prospects in sectors such as civil services, banking, and engineering. A dedicated helpline operates round the clock, offering assistance with logistics, travel arrangements, and accommodation for students who need to relocate for coaching. Additionally, selected candidates receive access to a digital library of e‑books, video lectures, and previous year question papers, ensuring that learning can continue beyond the classroom walls.
Financial Incentives and Additional Benefits
Beyond free coaching, the scheme provides a monthly stipend of ₹2,500 to cover incidental expenses such as study materials, transportation, and meals. Selected beneficiaries also receive a one‑time grant of ₹10,000 designated for the purchase of laptops or tablets essential for digital learning, thereby bridging the technology gap that has hampered remote preparation for many. The stipend is disbursed directly to the beneficiary’s bank account after verification of attendance and academic progress, ensuring transparency and accountability. High‑performing students are eligible for additional rewards, including guaranteed interview calls from partner recruitment firms, internship placements with leading public sector enterprises, and merit‑based scholarships for postgraduate studies. These incentives not only alleviate financial strain but also motivate candidates to excel and transition smoothly into the workforce.
Impact Assessment and Monitoring
The Ministry has instituted a robust monitoring framework to evaluate the scheme’s effectiveness and ensure optimal utilisation of resources. Key performance indicators (KPIs) include enrollment numbers, graduation rates, exam pass percentages, and post‑scheme employment outcomes. An independent third‑party audit is conducted annually to assess financial transparency, implementation fidelity, and adherence to procedural norms. Preliminary findings from the pilot phases reveal a 25 percent increase in pass rates among SC and OBC participants compared with previous cycles, a surge in female enrolment by 18 percent, and higher rates of internship placements in PSUs. These metrics underscore the scheme’s capacity to generate measurable socio‑economic upliftment and inform future policy refinements.
Government’s Vision and Future Prospects
The launch of the free coaching initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Government of India to achieve equitable access to quality education and to harness the demographic dividend through skill enhancement. Officials emphasize that empowering SC and OBC youth with competitive exam skills will not only uplift individual lives but also contribute to national development by expanding the pool of skilled professionals in critical sectors such as governance, finance, and technology. The Ministry plans to expand the scheme’s coverage to include additional exam categories—such as state civil service examinations and professional licensing tests—while introducing mentorship programmes that link students with alumni networks of successful candidates. By fostering a pipeline of talent from historically marginalized communities, the government aims to create a more inclusive, merit‑driven civil service and private sector.
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