In a significant move towards enhancing educational opportunities and employability among Indian youth, the Ministry of Human Resource Development had launched the Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) on 27th February, 2019. This umbrella initiative integrates several central sector sub-schemes aimed at transforming the higher education landscape and fostering skill development across the country.
Key Sub-Schemes
1. Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs
The Free Coaching Scheme under SHREYAS targets economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Its primary objective is to provide high-quality coaching to prepare SC and OBC candidates for competitive examinations, enabling them to secure jobs in the public and private sectors. The scheme allocates 3500 coaching slots annually, with a significant focus on maintaining a balanced representation between SCs and OBCs, ensuring 30% reservation for females in each category. Implemented by the Dr. BR Ambedkar Foundation through empanelled Central Universities, the scheme supports candidates with a family income ceiling of Rs 8 lakhs per annum.
2. Top Class Education for SCs
Another integral part of SHREYAS is the Top Class Education scheme for SCs. This initiative aims to recognize and promote quality education among meritorious SC students pursuing studies beyond the 12th grade. Selected students receive comprehensive financial support covering full tuition fees and non-refundable charges up to Rs 2.00 lakh per annum for private sector institutions. Additionally, students are provided with an academic allowance of Rs 86,000 in the first year and Rs 41,000 annually in subsequent years to cover living and other expenses. Currently operational across 266 prestigious higher education institutes including all IIMs, IITs, NITs, AIIMS, NIFTs, NIDs, NLUs, IHMs, and other institutes of national importance, the scheme aims to ensure holistic development aligned with national educational standards.
3. National Overseas Scheme for SCs
For SC students aspiring to pursue higher studies abroad, SHREYAS offers the National Overseas Scheme. This scheme provides comprehensive financial assistance covering tuition fees, maintenance costs, visa fees, and to-and-fro airfare. Eligible candidates include SC students with a family income below Rs 8 lakhs per annum, who have secured admission in top 500 QS-ranked foreign universities. With 125 slots currently allotted under this scheme, it aims to support SC students in accessing global educational opportunities and fostering international academic collaborations.
4. National Fellowship for SC Students
Under the National Fellowship scheme, SHREYAS supports SC students pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Indian universities and institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The scheme offers monthly stipends of Rs 37,000 for Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Rs 42,000 for Senior Research Fellows (SRF) effective from January 1, 2023. Aimed at nurturing research talents among SC students, the scheme allocates 2000 new fellowship slots annually, reinforcing the government’s commitment to promoting research and academic excellence in critical disciplines.
5. Integration with National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS):
In alignment with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), SHREYAS introduces BA/BSc/BCom (Professional) courses in higher educational institutions. This integration aims to promote apprenticeship as an integral component of education, enhancing students’ employability by providing them with practical skills aligned with industry requirements. The initiative targets to cover 50 lakh students by 2022 across various sectors including Banking Finance Insurance Services (BFSI), Retail, Healthcare, Telecom, Logistics, Media, Management services, ITeS, and Apparel, with plans to expand to other sectors based on emerging apprenticeship demands and curriculum adjustments.
Benefits and Implementation
SHREYAS stands as a cornerstone initiative in the government’s efforts to empower youth through education and skill development. By fostering closer collaborations between academia and industry, the scheme aims to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, thereby enhancing the employability of Indian youth. Implemented through strategic partnerships with central ministries, sector skill councils, and esteemed educational institutions, SHREYAS ensures equitable access to quality education and skill enhancement opportunities across diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, SHREYAS will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s educational landscape by addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education and skill development. With a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and excellence, the scheme is poised to empower generations of young Indians to achieve their fullest potential and contribute meaningfully to nation-building endeavors.
The launch of SHREYAS marks a significant stride towards building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that can contribute effectively to India’s socio-economic growth. By investing in education and fostering talent development, the government aims to equip youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a competitive global environment. As the scheme evolves, continued enhancements and expansions are expected to further amplify its impact, paving the way for a brighter future for the youth of India.
