Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri, has conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Zoology upon Mrs. Fozia Choudhary following the successful conduct of her final viva voce held on October 30, 2025.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Mrs. Choudhary carried out her doctoral research on the topic “Studies on Diversity and Ecology of Rhabditid Roundworms of District Reasi, J&K UT, India” under the joint supervision of Dr. M. A. Hannan Khan and Dr. A. A. Shah, Head of the Department of Zoology and Dean, School of Biosciences & Biotechnology, BGSBU, Rajouri.
Her research offers significant insights into the diversity, ecology, and biological importance of Rhabditid roundworms — a highly functional group of soil microfauna that play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, enhancing soil fertility, and serving as valuable models in biological and medical research.
One notable species, Caenorhabditis elegans, has achieved global recognition as a model organism in biomedical science, forming the foundation of research that has led to five Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine. Mrs. Choudhary’s findings add valuable regional data from District Reasi, expanding scientific understanding of nematode biodiversity across the northwestern Himalayas and showcasing the ecological significance of these microscopic organisms.
Congratulating her, Dr. A. A. Shah praised the scholarly quality and relevance of her work, noting that the Department of Zoology at BGSBU continues to explore the region’s microscopic biodiversity, contributing meaningfully to both national and international research literature.
The BGSBU fraternity extended its warm felicitations to Dr. Fozia Choudhary, wishing her continued success in her future academic and research pursuits.
As of November 2, 2025, the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Others remains one of India’s most impactful central sector programs for promoting educational equity. Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), this scheme supports over 20 lakh students annually, focusing on reducing dropouts among marginalized groups. Below is a complete, consolidated article drawing from official government sources (MoSJE guidelines, NSP portal, and state notifications for 2025-26). This covers eligibility, benefits, application, updates, and FAQs in exhaustive detail—serving as your one-stop resource.
Education is a fundamental right, yet financial barriers often sideline students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and vulnerable families. Launched in 1977-78 and revised multiple times (latest in 2022-23), the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students 2025-26 addresses this by providing financial aid for schooling from Classes I to X. It operates as a centrally sponsored scheme, with 100% funding from the central government, implemented via state/UT administrations.
Key Details
Description
Scheme Full Name
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Castes and Others (Classes I-X)
Launching Authority
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India
Implementing Body
Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE); executed through State/UT Social Welfare Departments
Target Beneficiaries
SC students (Classes IX-X); Children of parents in unclean/hazardous occupations (Classes I-X)
The scheme has two distinct components to cater to different needs, ensuring broad coverage without overlap.
🎯 Core Objectives
Educational Access: Provide monetary support to cover incidental expenses, enabling SC and vulnerable students to complete pre-matric education.
Dropout Prevention: Target high-risk groups, reducing secondary school attrition (e.g., from Class VIII to IX) from 10-15% in SC communities.
Social Inclusion: Support families in “unclean” occupations (e.g., manual scavenging under the 2013 Prohibition Act), irrespective of caste/religion.
Equity and Empowerment: Boost enrollment in government-recognized schools, with special provisions for differently-abled (Divyang) students.
Long-Term Impact: Facilitate transition to post-matric schemes, contributing to skill development and poverty alleviation.
🧾 Detailed Components and Eligibility
The scheme is divided into two components, with benefits as a single academic allowance (no separate reimbursement for tuition/books since 2022-23 revisions).
Component 1: Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students This targets older SC students facing transition challenges. ✅ Full Eligibility Criteria
Domicile: Resident of India (scholarship awarded by state/UT of residence).
Category: Belong to Scheduled Caste (SC), verified by caste certificate.
Academic: Enrolled full-time in Class IX or X in a government/government-aided/recognized school (no private coaching or non-recognized institutions).
Income: Annual family/guardian income ≤ ₹2.50 lakh (from all sources; certificate from Tehsildar/SDM required).
Other: At least 50% attendance; not availing other similar scholarships; bonafide student status.
Exclusions: Students in fully residential schools (e.g., Eklavya Model Schools) or those receiving full fee waivers.
For students with >40% disability (UDID card required).
Total Possible
3,850
7,700
DBT to Aadhaar-linked account.
Component 2: Top-Up Scholarship for Children of Parents in Unclean/Hazardous Occupations A “top-up” to existing aid, focusing on the most deprived. Applicable for Classes III-X only. ✅ Full Eligibility Criteria
Academic: Enrolled full-time in Classes I-X (benefits from III-X) in a recognized school.
Parental Occupation: Parent/guardian engaged in notified unclean/hazardous work, e.g.:
Manual scavenging (as per 2013 Act).
Tanning/flaying (leather work).
Waste collection/picking/scavenging.
Hazardous cleaning/drain work.
Verified by certificate from District Magistrate/SDO/District Social Welfare Officer.
Income: No limit—purely occupation-based.
Other: Irrespective of caste/religion; not receiving other central scholarships; Indian resident.
Exclusions: If parent no longer in occupation or student in fully funded residential school.
🎓 Benefits Breakdown
Category
Day Scholars (₹/Annum)
Hostellers (₹/Annum)
Notes
Academic Allowance
8,000
8,000
Consolidated support for essentials; higher for day scholars to offset home costs.
Additional for Divyang Students
+800 (10%)
+800 (10%)
UDID verification mandatory.
Total Possible
8,800
8,800
Can combine with state aid if non-duplicative.
General Notes on Benefits:
Allowances are non-refundable and disbursed in one installment post-March exams.
Number of awards: Unlimited, subject to budget (priority to hostellers).
30% reservation for girls in each category.
For 2025-26: No rate hikes announced, but enhanced DBT tracking via PFMS (Public Financial Management System).
📄 Complete Documents Checklist
All uploads must be in JPG/PDF (max 200KB, 100-500 DPI). Mandatory Aadhaar seeding for DBT.
Identity/Proof: Aadhaar Card (or Enrolment ID if pending); PAN (if available).
Category: SC Caste Certificate (issued by competent authority, e.g., Tehsildar).
Income: Family Income Certificate (for Component 1; valid for current FY).
Academic: Bonafide Certificate from school (on letterhead, with enrollment details); Last year’s marksheet (min. 50% for renewal).
Banking: Bank Account Passbook/Statement (Aadhaar-linked, in student’s/parent’s name); IFSC code.
Occupation-Specific (Component 2): Certificate from District Social Welfare Officer confirming parent’s work.
Disability (if applicable): UDID Card/Sertificate from Medical Board.
Other: Mobile/Email for OTP; OTR (One Time Registration) on NSP; Self-declaration for no-duplicate benefits. Tip: Use NSP’s “Document Upload” preview to avoid rejections (common issues: mismatched names, expired certs).
🖥️ Step-by-Step Application Guide for 2025-26
Applications are 100% online; no offline mode. Fresh/renewal both via NSP. Expected launch: April 1, 2025 (monitor for state variations).
Pre-Registration (OTR): Visit scholarships.gov.in > “Student Login” > Complete One Time Registration (name, DOB, Aadhaar, biometrics if required). Takes 10-15 mins.
Scheme Selection: Log in > “Scholarship” tab > Search “Pre-Matric SC” (Scheme ID 125) > Click “Apply”.
Form Filling:
Personal: Name, contact, address.
Academic: School details, class, roll no., previous results.
Family: Income, occupation, siblings’ education.
Bank: Account no., branch, IFSC.
Select component (1 or 2).
Document Upload: Scan and attach as per checklist; use NSP’s format checker.
Preview & Submit: Auto-save enabled; e-sign with Aadhaar OTP. Download acknowledgment (application ID for tracking).
Post-Submission:
Institute Verification: School head signs digitally (within 7 days).
District/State Scrutiny: Random checks; resolve queries via NSP dashboard.
Approval: By November 2025 for early applicants; funds by December-January 2026.
Track: Use “Check Status” with app ID; SMS alerts enabled.
State-Specific Nuances:
Integrated Portals: E.g., UP (Scholarship UP), Maharashtra (MAHADBT)—forward NSP data.
Helplines: NSP Toll-Free: 0120-6619540; State SW Depts (e.g., Delhi: 011-23392149).
Common Pitfalls: Late uploads, income mismatches—apply by July for timely processing.
🌟 Advanced Features and 2025-26 Updates
💰 DBT Integration: 100% via PFMS; zero leakage, with Aadhaar-PAN linkage.
🌍 Coverage: All 28 states + 8 UTs; special focus on aspirational districts (e.g., 117 backward areas).
🧩 Inclusivity: 10% Divyang quota; gender parity push (girls’ awards up 15% in 2024-25).
🕵️ Monitoring: AI-based fraud detection on NSP; annual audits by CAG.
📊 Impact Stats (2024-25): 22.5 lakh beneficiaries; ₹1,450 crore disbursed; dropout reduction by 8% in SC cohorts.
New for 2025-26: Enhanced mobile app for NSP (Android/iOS); biometric verification in 10 states; extended deadlines for conflict areas (e.g., J&K till March 2026). No major eligibility changes.
Sustainability: Tied to NEP 2020 goals for foundational literacy.
🙌 Broader Significance
This scheme isn’t mere aid—it’s a bridge to social mobility. By investing ₹3,500-8,800 per student, it yields multipliers: higher literacy (SC rate rose from 66% in 2011 to 75% in 2021), reduced child labor, and empowered futures. Stories abound of beneficiaries cracking UPSC or starting businesses, underscoring its role in Ambedkar’s vision of education as liberation.
❓ Exhaustive FAQs
Can I apply for both components? No—choose one; Component 2 is occupation-specific and can supplement state aid.
What if my income exceeds ₹2.50 lakh? Ineligible for Component 1; check state merit scholarships.
Hosteller Definition? Students in school hostels (not home-stay); certificate from warden required.
Deadlines for 2025-26? Central: Oct 31, 2025; states extend (e.g., Tamil Nadu: Dec 2025; check NSP).
Grievance Redressal? NSP “Grievance” tab or email scholarships-udise@nic.in; resolution within 30 days.
For NRI/Abroad Studies? No—only Indian schools.
Tax Implications? Exempt under Section 10(16); no TDS.
COVID/Disaster Extensions? Yes, as in 2024 (e.g., +3 months for flood-hit areas).
How to Verify Scheme Authenticity? Only via official NSP/MoSJE sites; beware scams.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students 2025-26 embodies India’s commitment to affirmative action, turning potential into progress. With straightforward online access and robust support, it’s easier than ever to apply. Parents/guardians: Act now—complete OTR, gather docs, and monitor NSP from April 2025. For personalized help (e.g., sample forms), reach out to local SC/ST cells.
Sources: MoSJE Guidelines (2022 revision, updated 2025); NSP User Manual; State Notifications (e.g., Delhi Gazette 2025). Last verified: Nov 2, 2025)
As part of the celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji and to commemorate National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas), the NSS Unit of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) organized an Essay Writing Competition on the theme “Life and Legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.”Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The competition aimed to inspire students to learn about the remarkable contributions of Sardar Patel, the Iron Man of India, who played a pivotal role in the integration of the nation and the strengthening of its unity.
A large number of students and NSS volunteers participated enthusiastically, presenting thoughtful essays highlighting Sardar Patel’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to national integrity.
On the occasion of National Unity Day, faculty members and students of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University including NSS volunteers, led by Registrar Sh. Abhishek Sharma, IAS, enthusiastically participated in the ‘Run for Unity’ organized by the District Administration Rajouri.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
In an inspiring achievement that has brought immense pride to Jammu and Kashmir, a young girl from Srinagar, Absaar Aejaz, has scored a perfect 800 out of 800 in the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) — one of the world’s toughest and most competitive examinations.
The SAT, taken by thousands of students across the globe, is a key qualification for admission to top universities in countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Absaar’s outstanding performance has placed her among the world’s highest achievers, setting a remarkable example for students from the Valley.
Despite the challenges that students in Kashmir often face, Absaar’s determination, discipline, and hard work have proven that perseverance can overcome all odds. Her success has been widely celebrated on social media, with people calling her an inspiration for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking about her journey, Absaar expressed gratitude to her parents and teachers for their continuous support and encouragement. She said her dream is to pursue higher studies abroad and represent Kashmir on a global platform.
Educational experts have lauded her accomplishment, saying it highlights the growing talent and academic potential of Kashmiri youth who continue to excel in national and international arenas.
Absaar Aejaz’s perfect SAT score not only showcases her personal brilliance but also reflects the spirit of resilience and ambition that defines the new generation of Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the National Law University (NLU) in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to start functioning from April next year from rented accommodation and that Ompura in Budgam could be the primary location for the varsity.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Speaking in the Assembly over the resolution brought by MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, CM Omar, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the government has plans to come up with the National Law University (NLU) as the grant of Rs 50 crore has already been kept for it.
As the resolution was passed in the House, the Chief Minister stated that they expect that the classes at the university would start from April next year.
“Although there has been no decision on the location yet, I have asked my colleagues to identify an apt location for it. However, at present, we have a space available in Ompura, Budgam, which is lying vacant. We have an option to come up with the varsity there as well,” he said.
Bhat brought the resolution to the House, seeking construction of the NLU in Bandipora constituency. MLA Sonwari, Hilal Akbar Lone, however, brought amendment in this regard, seeking the university to come up in his constituency—(KNO)
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the Annual Day function of Sainik School Manasbal and promised that the government will continue to strengthen the school’s education system and facilities. He shared his happiness to visit the school again after many years and remembered the good memories he had with the institution.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Speaking at the event, Omar Abdullah praised Sainik School Manasbal for its great contribution in developing discipline, character, and leadership skills among students. He said the school has produced many successful individuals who are serving the nation with pride — in the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and different government departments. According to him, this success shows how special and strong the school’s foundation is.
Omar Abdullah, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Body of the school, said that today’s world is full of competition. Students must be trained well to succeed in higher education, civil services, and other exams. He assured that the government is fully committed to providing modern facilities and best opportunities so that students can perform at the highest level.
He announced that the school’s sports ground will be upgraded with synthetic turf for football and athletics. This improvement, he said, is part of the government’s promise to support the school in every possible way.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the academic environment of Sainik School Manasbal. He said that the school teaches more than books — it builds confidence, responsibility, and strong values. Teachers here motivate students to become better human beings and future leaders of Jammu and Kashmir. He called the school a true symbol of excellence and integrity.
Omar Abdullah encouraged students to work hard and prepare themselves for bigger responsibilities in life. He said that Sainik School Manasbal will continue to shape the future of the region with dedicated and courageous young minds.
On the occasion, Education Minister Sakina Itoo also spoke. She said that education has the power to change societies. She remembered Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, the founder of the school, and said that such institutions must continue to help students from all backgrounds, especially those who come from underprivileged families.
Before the cultural program, the Chief Minister took the salute during the impressive March Past by school cadets. He also inaugurated an Art and Science Exhibition, where students presented creative and innovative projects.
The event was attended by local officials, teachers, parents, and many students who celebrated the school’s achievements with pride and joy.
The Training & Placement Cell (TPC) of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, in collaboration with the University Polytechnic, organized a Career Counseling Session for Polytechnic and Management students. Over 50 students participated in the session.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Mr. Mohd Arif, Managing Director, AIM International Trade & Tourism, New Delhi, interacted with the students and discussed career opportunities in India and abroad. He also announced that AIM International will soon organize an on-the-spot Job Placement Drive at BGSBU.
The session focused on enhancing student employability and building industry readiness through exposure to global career avenues. Faculty members and representatives from AIM International attended the program.
As part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Week, the NSS Unit of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) organized a cleanliness drive within the university campus. The initiative aimed to promote the values of integrity, responsibility, and public participation in creating a clean and transparent environment.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from NSS volunteers who actively engaged in cleaning various areas of the campus, spreading the message of cleanliness and accountability.
Present on the occasion were Dr. Javid Iqbal, Coordinator NSS, along with Dr. Zaheer Abass, Dr. Sachi Sood, Dr. Dil Pazir, and Mrs. Sharuti Sharma, Dr. Shreekar Pant, Programme Officers NSS.
A 24-year-old NEET-UG aspirant from Odisha, studying in Kota, was found dead in his hostel room on Saturday. The incident took place in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, a popular area in Kota where many students preparing for competitive exams stay.
The student, identified as Roshan Kumar Patra, belonged to Ganjam district in Odisha. He had moved to Kota with hopes of clearing the medical entrance exam and making a successful future in medicine. Roshan was staying in the hostel with his cousin and other friends.
Father Says His Son Was Happy
The news has left the family shocked and heartbroken. Roshan’s father, Radhashyam Patra, strongly rejected the idea that his son could have died by suicide. Speaking to NDTV, he said that Roshan was happy during their last conversation on Friday night.
“He spoke to us for about 40 minutes on both audio and video call. He seemed perfectly fine and cheerful,” the father said. He also added, “My son was a topper. He would never take such a step.”
What Happened on Saturday Morning?
According to the police and hostel staff, Roshan and his friends studied late into Friday night. The next morning, when he did not open his room door, his cousin and friends first thought he was still asleep.
But when he did not come out even for lunch, they became worried and informed the warden. The warden opened the door with a duplicate key and found Roshan lying face down on the bed, unresponsive. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Police said that further investigation is underway. Roshan’s father has claimed that his cousin saw his body covered in blood and that he was undressed when the door was broken open. These details have raised more questions in the minds of the grieving family.
Investigation Continues
The police are now trying to understand what exactly happened in the room. The reason for his death has not been confirmed yet. Officials have sent the body for post-mortem examination to find out the cause.
Kota, known as the coaching hub of India, has seen many such tragic cases over the years, putting a spotlight on academic pressure and student mental health. However, Roshan’s father insists that this was not a case of suicide.
The family is asking for a fair and detailed investigation so they can get justice and find out the truth behind their son’s sudden death.
