ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 10th August. Click Here for more information.
Source- This post is based on the article “SHRESHTA Scheme: 2,564 Scheduled Castes students admitted in CBSE/State Boards affiliated 142 Private Residential Schools for academic session 2023-24 ” published in “PIB” on 28th December 2023.
Why in the News?
Under the SHRESHTA Scheme, a total of 2,564 students from Scheduled Castes have enrolled in 142 private residential schools affiliated with CBSE/State Boards for the academic session 2023-24.
What is SHRESTHA Scheme?
Specifications | Details |
Full form | The Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA) |
Objective | To provide high-quality education for meritorious but poor Scheduled Castes (SC) students in CBSE-affiliated reputed residential schools across the country. |
Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. |
Eligibility | SC students studying in class 8th and 10th in the current academic year. |
For more information on SHRESTHA Scheme Click Here to read |
How is the Scheme being Implemented?
The scheme is being implemented in two Modes:
1) Mode 1: SHRESHTA schools
a. Under this, around 3000 SC students are admitted in the best private residential schools affiliated by CBSE/State Boards in classes 9th and 11th for completion of education till 12th standard.
b. SC students, with parents’ annual income up to 2.5 lakh, are selected through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) to be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
c. Total fee for the student would be borne by the Department, including the school fee (including tuition fees) and hostel fee (including mess charges).
2) Mode 2: NGO operated Schools/ Hostels
a. Schools/ Hostels operated by NGOs and other voluntary organizations with classes up to 12, receiving Grant-in-aid from government, will persist based on satisfactory performance.
b. Grants under the scheme will be provided for School fee and residential charges for the SC admitted in the schools with a condition that if other than those are admitted, the school shall be allowed to collect the fee from such students.
UPSC Syllabus- Schemes and Programmes