Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for College Students: Delhi

The “Merit-cum-Means Linked Financial Assistance Scheme” is a scholarship for college students for pursuing higher education in State Universities in Delhi is sponsored by the Directorate of Higher Education. This scholarship program is designed to support meritorious and needy students enrolled in undergraduate programs at Delhi State Public Universities or colleges/institutes affiliated with them.

Objective of the Merit-cum-Means Linked Financial Assistance Scheme

The primary objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to meritorious and economically disadvantaged students in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Through this scheme, the Delhi Higher Education Trust, via the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), GNCTD, will fully or partially reimburse the tuition fees paid by eligible students.

Extent of Tuition Fee Reimbursement

The reimbursement is structured as follows:

1. 100% Tuition Fee Reimbursement: For meritorious students from economically weaker sections, specifically those whose parents are beneficiaries under the National Food Security Scheme.
2. 50% Tuition Fee Reimbursement: For meritorious students with an annual family income up to Rs. 2.50 Lakh who are not covered under the National Food Security Scheme.
3. 25% Tuition Fee Reimbursement: For meritorious students with an annual family income above Rs. 2.50 Lakh but below Rs. 6 Lakh.

This scheme aims to increase the participation of economically disadvantaged but meritorious students in quality higher education, which they might otherwise be unable to afford.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Merit-cum-Means Linked Financial Assistance Scheme, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Enrollment: Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at any of the Delhi State Public Universities or affiliated colleges/institutes.
2. Income and Academic Performance: Students must meet the income and academic performance criteria as specified for each category:
   • Category 1: Beneficiaries under the National Food Security Scheme with a valid card and a minimum of 60% aggregate marks. Eligible for 100% financial assistance.
   • Category 2: Students with a family income up to Rs. 2.50 Lakh per annum and a minimum of 60% aggregate marks. Eligible for 50% financial assistance.
   • Category 3: Students with a family income above Rs. 2.50 Lakh but not exceeding Rs. 6 Lakh per annum and a minimum of 60% aggregate marks. Eligible for 25% financial assistance.

A 5% relaxation in the qualifying aggregate percentage of marks is provided for SC/ST category students.

Required Documents

Students must submit an application each year of their course/program along with the following self-certified documents:

1. Copy of the mark sheet/certificate for class XII or the qualifying examination.
2. SC/ST category certificate issued by a competent authority.
3. Copy of the student’s bank account passbook or e-statement, which should be Aadhaar-seeded.
4. Previous mark sheets/certificates from the current program’s university/institution.
5. A declaration (as per Annexure “A”) affirming that no other financial support is being availed for the course/program.

Additional Documents for this Scholarship for college students:

• 100% Financial Assistance: Copy of the valid card issued under the National Food Security Scheme.
• 50% Financial Assistance: Copy of a valid annual family income certificate issued by the SDM/competent authority.
• 25% Financial Assistance: Copy of the full Income Tax Return for both parents for the previous financial year, or an affidavit for a non-working parent certified by the SDM/competent authority along with a family income certificate.