Bihar Post Matric Scholarship 2025: Eligibility Criteria and Application Deadlines

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Bihar Post Matric Scholarship 2025: Eligibility Criteria and Application Deadlines

The Bihar Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) 2025 is a vital initiative by the Government of Bihar aimed at supporting students from economically weaker and marginalized communities in pursuing higher education after completing their matriculation (Class 10). Administered by the Education Department in collaboration with the Backward and Extremely Backward Class Welfare Department and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Welfare Department, this scholarship provides financial assistance to students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes (BC), and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC). Below is a detailed overview of the eligibility criteria and application deadlines for the 2025 academic session, based on the latest updates available as of March 23, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Bihar Post Matric Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:

  1. Residency:
  • The applicant must be a permanent resident of Bihar. Only students domiciled in the state are eligible.
  1. Educational Qualification:
  • Candidates must have passed their Class 10 (Matric) examination from a recognized board (e.g., Bihar School Examination Board or equivalent).
  • They must be enrolled in a post-matric course (Class 11 and above) for the academic year 2024-25, including:
    • Intermediate (Class 11 and 12)
    • Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) degrees
    • ITI, Polytechnic, or 3-year Diploma courses
    • Professional courses like B.Ed., Medical, Engineering, Law, Management, Agriculture, etc.
  • The institution must be recognized by the state or central government and located within Bihar (exceptions may apply for central government institutions or National Law University).
  1. Category:
  • Applicants must belong to one of the following categories:
    • Scheduled Castes (SC)
    • Scheduled Tribes (ST)
    • Backward Classes (BC)
    • Extremely Backward Classes (EBC)
  • A valid caste certificate issued by a competent authority in Bihar is mandatory.
  1. Income Limit:
  • The total annual family income (including the applicant’s own income, if any) must not exceed ₹3,00,000 (3 lakhs).
  • Income proof, such as an income certificate issued by a competent authority (e.g., Circle Officer or equivalent), is required during application.
  1. Academic Performance:
  • Some sources suggest a minimum of 50% marks in the previous qualifying examination (e.g., Class 10 or the last class attended), though this may vary by category or course. Check the official notification for confirmation.
  1. Exclusivity:
  • Applicants must not be receiving any other scholarship or financial assistance for the same course from any other source (government or private). This ensures the scholarship targets those solely reliant on PMS.
  1. Course Enrollment:
  • Students must be pursuing their studies in a government-recognized institution within Bihar. This includes state-run colleges, universities, ITIs, polytechnics, and certain central government institutions like National Law University, provided they are located in Bihar.

Application Deadlines

The deadlines for the Bihar Post Matric Scholarship 2025 are based on the academic session 2024-25, with updates reflecting extensions and official announcements as of March 23, 2025. Here’s the latest information:

  1. Application Start Date:
  • Online applications for the 2024-25 session began on January 7, 2025, as per multiple reliable sources and posts on X.
  1. Last Date for Submission:
  • Initial Deadline: The original deadline for Backward Classes (BC) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) was set earlier, but it has been extended.
  • Extended Deadline: The last date to apply online is now May 10, 2025, for all categories—SC, ST, BC, and EBC—based on official updates from the Bihar government and posts on X (e.g., @BC_EBC_Bihar on March 18, 2025).
  • This extension applies to both student applications and institutional verifications, ensuring ample time for submission.
  1. Key Notes:
  • The deadline may differ slightly for SC/ST and BC/EBC students in practice, as separate portals are used (see below). However, the unified extended date of May 10, 2025, has been widely cited.
  • Applicants are advised to check the official PMS portal regularly for any further extensions or category-specific updates, as deadlines have been adjusted in past years based on demand and technical issues.

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online and must be completed through the official PMS Online Portal. Here’s a brief guide:

  1. Visit the Official Website:
  • For SC and ST students: scstpmsonline.bihar.gov.in
  • For BC and EBC students: pmsonline.bihar.gov.in
  • Institutions use: instpmsonline.bihar.gov.in for verification.
  1. Register:
  • Click on “Student Registration,” provide details (name, mobile number, email, Aadhaar number, category, etc.), and verify with an OTP.
  1. Login and Fill the Form:
  • Use the generated User ID and Password to log in, then complete the application with personal, educational, and income details.
  1. Upload Documents:
  • Required documents include:
    • Aadhaar card
    • Caste certificate
    • Income certificate
    • Class 10 mark sheet/certificate
    • Admission proof (e.g., bonafide certificate or fee receipt)
    • Bank account details (passbook copy)
    • Passport-size photograph
  • Ensure documents meet size and format specifications (typically PDF/JPG, 50-200 KB).
  1. Submit:
  • Review the application, submit it, and save the acknowledgment receipt or Application ID for tracking.
  1. Verification:
  • Institutions and district authorities verify applications post-submission. No hard copy submission is required by students.

Scholarship Benefits

  • Amount: Varies by course and institution:
  • Maintenance allowance: Up to ₹13,500 annually for SC/ST students (including hostel/day scholar rates).
  • Tuition fees and other compulsory fees are reimbursed as per course norms.
  • Additional allowances (e.g., books, study tours) may apply for specific categories or courses.
  • Disbursement: Funds are transferred directly to the student’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Important Tips

  • Apply Early: Avoid last-minute technical glitches by submitting well before May 10, 2025.
  • Track Status: Use your Application ID to check status on the PMS portal under “Verify Student Application Status.”
  • Helpline: For assistance, contact +91-9534547098 or +91-8986294256, or email support via the portal.

Conclusion

The Bihar Post Matric Scholarship 2025 offers a lifeline for SC, ST, BC, and EBC students to continue their education without financial strain. Eligible candidates must be Bihar residents, post-matric students in recognized institutions, and from families earning less than ₹3 lakh annually. With the application window open until May 10, 2025, now is the time to prepare your documents and apply via pmsonline.bih.nic.in or scstpmsonline.bihar.gov.in, depending on your category. Stay updated through the official portal for any changes, and seize this opportunity to secure your academic future!

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