What you get
1. Coaching Fees: | The actual course fee of the institute in which the student is applying, which the institute charges from general students, or the prescribed course fee by the Ministry as per the Annexure of the Scheme, whichever is less. This is subject to the limits for fees and duration of the course. The maximum total course fee for various courses is as follows: | S. No.CoursesMax. Total Course Fee in RupeesMin. Duration in months1Civil Services Exam by UPSC/SPSCs ₹1,20,000/-9 months (4 months prelim + 5 months mains)2SSC/RRB ₹40,000/-6 months3Banking /Insurance/ PSU/ CLAT₹50,000/-6 months4JEE/NEET₹1,20,000/-9 months (not exceeding 12 months)5IES₹80,000/--do-6CAT /CMAT₹60,000/--do-7GRE/GMAT/SAT/TOFEL₹35,000/-3 months8CA-CPT/ GATE₹75,000/-9 months9CPL Courses₹30,000/-6 months10NDA/CDS₹20,000/-3 monthsA minimum physical coaching of 16 hours per week is mandatory for all the above courses. | If the course fee is more than the admissible amount, the candidate has to arrange for the remaining funds from his/her own sources. | 2. Stipend: | A monthly stipend is provided for attending coaching classes. | - For local students: ₹1,500/- per month. | - For outstation students: ₹3,000/- per month. | - The stipend will be paid for the duration of the course or for one year, whichever is less. | 3. Special Allowance: | Students with disabilities (having a valid disability certificate of 40% or more disability) are eligible for a Special Allowance of ₹2,000 per month. This allowance is towards reader allowance, escort allowance, helper allowance, etc., and is in addition to the regular stipend. | 4. Courses for Coaching: | The coaching will be imparted for the following courses, with specified minimum durations: | - Group A and B examinations are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and the various Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). | - Group A and B examinations are conducted by the State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs). | - Officers’ Grade examinations conducted by Banks, Insurance Companies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). | - Premier Entrance Examinations for admission in (a) Engineering (e.g., IIT-JEE), (b) Medical (e.g., NEET), (c) Professional courses like Management (e.g., CAT, CMAT) and Law (e.g., CLAT), and (d) Any other such disciplines as the Ministry may decide from time to time. | - Eligibility tests/examinations like SAT, GRE, GMAT and TOEFL. | - Entrance examination tests for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) courses/ National Defence Academy (NDA), and Combined Defence Services (CDS). | - Indian Engineering Services (IES). | - Chartered Accountant - Common Proficiency Test (CA-CPT)/Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). | 5. Number of Benefits: | The benefits under the Scheme can be availed by a particular student not more than twice, irrespective of the number of chances he/she may be entitled to take in a particular competitive examination. | 6. Coaching for Multi-Stage Examinations: | Where the competitive examination is conducted in two stages, namely Preliminary and Mains, the candidates will be entitled to free coaching for both examinations. They will be entitled to free coaching up to two times each for Preliminary and Main examinations as per their convenience. However, there will be no restriction on the number of chances for coaching for the Interview if the candidate is selected for the interview. | 7. Distribution of Slots: | Of the total selected students, 40% shall be earmarked for competitive exams having eligibility condition as Class 12 (e.g., NEET, JEE, CLAT etc.). The remaining 60% students shall be for competitive exams having eligibility condition as Graduation (e.g., CAT, Civil Services Examination, etc.). | Mode of Disbursement: | - Coaching Fees: The course fee shall be released directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the beneficiary candidate in two installments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. | - The first instalment of 50% of the eligible amount will be released immediately after the candidate uploads the admission confirmation/assurance from the coaching institute on the online portal. | - The remaining fee will be reimbursed after receiving proof of joining the institute by the candidate and deposition of the amount released as the first instalment by the candidate to the institute. | - Stipend: The stipend to each student shall be paid directly by the Ministry through DBT.1. Special Allowance: The special allowance will be paid directly by the Ministry through DBT along with the stipend. | Expected Time of Disbursement: | - First Installment of Fees: Immediately after the candidate uploads the admission confirmation/assurance from the institute on the online portal. - Second Installment of Fees: After receiving proof of joining the institute and the deposition of the first installment by the candidate to the institute. - Stipend and Special Allowance: Monthly, till the duration of the course or for one year, whichever is less. | Validity: | - The candidate will be required to join the selected course within 6 months of the release of the first installment of the fee. If the first installment of the fee amount is not paid to the selected institute within a period of 6 months, this amount will have to be returned to the Government and the second installment will not be eligible.
Who can apply
Required Paperwork
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Income Certificate
- Residence Proof (Domicile)
Common Questions
What is the primary objective of the Free Coaching Scheme for DNT candidates?
The main objective of this scheme is to provide quality coaching to De-Notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic (DNT) candidates to help them succeed in competitive examinations and secure jobs in both public and private sectors.
Which government entity is responsible for implementing the Free Coaching Scheme for DNT candidates?
The Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) is responsible for implementing this scheme.
What specific competitive examinations are covered under this Free Coaching Scheme?
The scheme covers Group A and B examinations by UPSC, SSC, RRBs, State Public Service Commissions, Officers’ Grade exams by Banks/Insurance/PSUs, Premier Entrance Exams (Engineering, Medical, Management, Law), eligibility tests like SAT/GRE/GMAT/TOFEL, and entrance exams for CPL courses/NDA/CDS.
What is the maximum total course fee covered for the Civil Services Exam by UPSC/SPSCs under the scheme?
The maximum total course fee covered for the Civil Services Exam by UPSC/SPSCs is ₹1,20,000.
What is the minimum duration of coaching provided for SSC/RRB examinations?
The minimum duration of coaching provided for SSC/RRB examinations is 6 months.
Are there specific coaching duration limits for JEE/NEET under this scheme?
Yes, the minimum duration for JEE/NEET coaching is 9 months, but it should not exceed 12 months.
What is the maximum total course fee covered for JEE/NEET under this scheme?
The maximum total course fee covered for JEE/NEET is ₹1,20,000.
What is the maximum total course fee for Banking, Insurance, PSU, and CLAT examinations?
The maximum total course fee for Banking, Insurance, PSU, and CLAT examinations is ₹50,000.
Is a minimum physical coaching attendance mandatory for the courses, and if so, how many hours per week?
Yes, a minimum physical coaching of 16 hours per week will be mandatory for all the courses covered under the scheme.
What is the annual family income limit for a DNT student to be eligible for benefits under the scheme?
Only DNT students having a total family income from all sources of ₹2,50,000 or less per annum are eligible.
What is the eligibility condition for students applying for coaching for Class 12th level competitive exams?
For competitive exams where the qualifying exam is Class 12th, benefits are available only if the candidate has passed Class 12th or is studying in Class 12th as on the date of receiving the benefit.
What is the eligibility condition for students seeking coaching for bachelor-level competitive exams?
Only students/candidates who have completed their bachelor's level course or are studying in the final year of the bachelor's degree course at the time of receiving benefits are eligible.
How many students will the Development and Welfare Board for De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) select each year?
The DWBDNC will select a total of 1,250 students each year.
What is the distribution of slots for coaching based on the qualifying examination level?
60% of the total available slots are allotted to courses where the qualifying exam is graduation (Bachelor’s level), and 40% are for courses where the qualifying exam is Class 12.
What is the process for submitting applications for the Free Coaching Scheme?
Applicants are required to apply online on the department's portal, along with details of the course they intend to join.
When does the online application portal for the scheme remain open for receiving applications?
The portal remains open for one month, twice a year, specifically during the months of July and January, for receiving applications.