The Central Government is advancing the educational empowerment of students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) through the Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS).

Union Minister of Social Justice And Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar said that from 2014-15 to 2025-26, a cumulative expenditure of approximately Rs. 3,509.39 crore has been recorded under the four major components of SHREYAS adding that during this period, the cumulative beneficiary count reported under these components was 1,18,248.

The Minister said the Scheme brings together targeted interventions aimed at reducing financial barriers and improving access to academic and professional opportunities.

Its major components provide free coaching for competitive examinations, financial assistance for studying in premier institutions, support for higher education abroad and fellowships for advanced research, he added.

Stating that the Free Coaching component provides financial assistance for quality coaching to economically disadvantaged SC and OBC students appearing for competitive and professional examinations,

Dr Kumar said the initiative seeks to enable eligible students to compete for admission to reputed educational institutions and secure opportunities in public and private employment.

Dr Kumar informed that between 2014-15 and 2025-26, expenditure of approximately Rs. 145.10 crore was reported under this component, with a cumulative beneficiary count of 23,208.

He added that in 2024-25, the expenditure stood at Rs. 17.68 crore, benefiting 2,136 students. During 2025-26, an expenditure of Rs. 9.87 crore was reported, covering 854 beneficiaries, Dr Kumar added..

The Union Minister said the Ministry’s Top Class Education component supports meritorious Scheduled Caste students pursuing studies in premier educational institutions across the country.

He said the financial assistance helps eligible students meet the costs associated with quality higher education and pursue professional and academic programmes without being constrained by their economic circumstances.