The Government of India has launched the PM CARES Scheme to provide free coaching facilities for students preparing for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, and UPSC Civil Services. This initiative aims to support students from various backgrounds by offering high-quality coaching, eliminating caste and income restrictions. In this article, we will delve into the details of the PM CARES Scheme and the categories of students eligible for these benefits.
Understanding the PM CARES Scheme
Launched on May 29, 2021, the PM CARES for Children Scheme is designed to support those children who lost their parents, legal guardians, or adoptive parents due to the COVID-19 pandemic between March 11, 2020, and February 28, 2022. Each eligible student receives financial assistance of ₹50,000 per year for up to four years for degree programs and three years for diploma courses. This amount is essentially a one-time grant that covers college fees, computers, stationery, books, equipment, software, and more.
Eligible Exams for Free Coaching
The PM CARES Scheme covers various competitive exams for students seeking free coaching, including:
| Exam Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Civil Service Exams | UPSC, State PSCs |
| Banking & Insurance Recruitment | PSU Officer-Level Exams |
| Entrance Exams | JEE, NEET, CAT, CLAT |
| International Studies Exams | GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, SAT |
| Defense Exams | NDA, CDS |
Selection Criteria for Coaching
Each year, a total of 3,500 students will be selected under this scheme. The allocation of seats is as follows:
- 70% of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC)
- 30% of seats reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- 30% of seats in each category for women
If there aren’t enough female applicants in any category, the remaining seats will be filled by male candidates. There is no limit on the number of PM CARES beneficiaries eligible for admission.
Income Criteria and Selection Process
To qualify for the scheme, the annual family income of SC and OBC candidates must not exceed ₹8 lakh. Additionally, candidates should have passed their board examinations with a minimum of 50%. A panel consisting of representatives from central universities will review the applications and prepare a shortlist based on merit. PM CARES beneficiaries will be directly admitted without undergoing any selection process.
Additional Benefits for Students
The government will fully cover the coaching fees, which typically range from ₹20,000 to ₹75,000, depending on the course. To aid in living expenses, students will receive a monthly stipend of ₹4,000 for 12 months. Moreover, candidates who qualify for the main exam stages of civil and state services will receive an additional ₹15,000 to assist in their interview preparation.
Related Information: Learn more about various educational programs, internships, and more opportunities available for students today.