The government has revamped its free coaching initiative to support students under the PM CARES scheme alongside those from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Initially launched during the Sixth Five-Year Plan, this scheme has been periodically updated to improve its reach and impact.

 

The latest revision expands the scheme’s benefits to PM CARES beneficiaries, eliminating caste and income restrictions for them. It provides coaching for various competitive exams, including Civil Services (UPSC & State PSCs), officer-grade recruitment in banks, insurance firms, and PSUs, as well as entrance tests for IIT-JEE, NEET, CAT, CLAT, and international exams like GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, and SAT.

 

Additionally, coaching will be available for defence-related exams such as NDA and CDS. The scheme will admit 3,500 students annually, reserving 70% of seats for SC candidates and 30% for OBCs, with 30% of each category allocated to female candidates. If female candidates do not fill their quota, male candidates from the same category will be considered. PM CARES beneficiaries face no cap on admissions.

 

To qualify, SC and OBC students must belong to families with an annual income of ₹8 lakh or less and must have secured at least 50% in their previous board exams. The selection process will be conducted online through empanelled Central Universities, which will shortlist students based on merit. However, PM CARES beneficiaries will be exempt from this selection process and will receive direct admission.

 

The government will fully fund coaching fees, which range from ₹20,000 to ₹75,000, depending on the course. Students will also receive a ₹4,000 monthly stipend for up to 12 months. Additionally, those clearing the mains stage of Civil Services and State Services exams will receive ₹15,000 to aid in interview preparation.

 

The scheme will be executed by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) in partnership with Central Universities. Coaching centres under this program will function as Dr. Ambedkar Centres of Excellence (DACE), with each university required to enrol at least 50 students while offering a maximum of four different courses.

 

To ensure accountability, coaching institutions must maintain biometric attendance records and submit monthly progress reports. The government will also introduce an Online Learning Management System for faculty verification, attendance tracking, and sharing study materials. Institutions failing to meet performance benchmarks, such as success rates in competitive exams, may face funding cuts or removal from the scheme.