New Delhi, India — The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the opening of applications for its Single Girl Child Merit Scholarship 2025-26, aiming to support academically bright girls who are the only child of their parents, as they pursue higher secondary education.
Key Highlights
- Purpose: The scheme is meant to encourage girls who are single child in their families to continue their studies through Classes XI and XII under CBSE, by reducing financial constraints.
- Application Period: For the 2025-26 cycle, the last date for submitting fresh applications and renewals is October 23, 2025. Schools must verify submissions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all of the following conditions:
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Single Girl Child | Must be the only child of her parents (no brothers or sisters). Twins born together are also considered under single girl child status. |
| Academic Performance | Must have passed CBSE Class 10 examination in 2025 with at least 70% marks. For renewal (for those who received the scholarship earlier), must secure 70% in Class 11 and be promoted to Class 12. |
| Tuition Fee Cap | Monthly tuition fee in Class 10 should not exceed ₹2,500, and for Classes 11 & 12 not more than ₹3,000. For Non-Resident Indian (NRI) applicants, a higher cap of ₹6,000 per month applies. |
| Family Income | Gross annual family income must not exceed ₹8 lakh. |
| School Affiliation & Verification | Must be studying in a CBSE-affiliated school; applications must be verified by the school. Incomplete or unverified applications will be rejected. |
Scholarship Details
- Benefit Amount: The scholarship provides ₹1,000 per month to selected students.
- Duration: Awarded for a maximum of two years, covering Classes XI and XII. Renewal is possible for the second year if the student meets performance criteria.
Why It Matters
This scheme addresses multiple challenges:
- Gender equity in education: By focusing on single girl children, the scholarship aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage retention in secondary schooling.
- Financial burden: The support helps alleviate costs of fees and related educational expenses during the critical Classes XI and XII years.
- Academic motivation: Through requirements of merit (70%) and school verification, the scheme also encourages consistent academic effort.
How to Apply
- Students who passed Class 10 in 2025 (meeting eligibility) should apply via the CBSE scholarship portal.
- Upload required documents, including Class 10 mark sheet, proof of single girl child status (often via affidavit or declaration), income proof, fee slip, and bank account details for ECS/NEFT transfer.
- Ensure the application is verified by the school. Applications not verified will face rejection.
What to Watch Out For
- Students must ensure that their tuition fees do not exceed the specified limits; otherwise they may be disqualified.
- Renewal depends on achieving required marks in Class 11. Failing to meet that can mean loss of benefit in the second year.
- Family income documentation and application verification should be in order before submission.
