"SHREYAS" An Umbrella Scheme Comprised 4 Central Sector Scheme

The SHREYAS umbrella scheme includes four central sector sub-schemes: Top Class Education for SCs, Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs, National Overseas Scheme for SCs, and National Fellowship for SCs.

What is SHREYAS Scheme?

SHREYAS was launched on 27 February 2019.

• The Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) aims to provide industry apprenticeship opportunities to graduates who will be completing their studies in April 2019. 
• This will be done through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) under the guidance of three Central Ministries - the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and the Ministry of Labour & Employment. 
• SHREYAS includes various initiatives such as the National Career Service (NCS).

Sub schemes:

1. Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs:

Objective: To offer coaching services to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates and economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) 

Its aim is to help them prepare for competitive and entrance exams, enabling them to secure appropriate jobs in both the public and private sectors. Additionally, to assist these candidates in gaining admission to renowned technical and professional higher education institutions.

Limit: Under this scheme, the maximum annual family income allowed is 8 lakhs. Each year, 3500 slots are assigned. 

The proportion of SC to OBC students is 70:30, and 30% of the slots are reserved for females in both categories. If there aren't enough SC candidates, the Ministry can adjust this ratio. Nevertheless, at least 50% of the students admitted must be SC.

1. Top Class Education for SCs:

Objective: The aim of this scheme is to encourage and facilitate quality education for students belonging to SCs. It offers complete financial assistance for pursuing studies beyond 12th class. 

Limit: To be eligible for the scheme, the total family income of the student should not exceed 8 lakhs per annum.

1. National Overseas Scheme for SCs:

Criteria: This program offers financial support to eligible students from SCs, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural laborers, and traditional artisan categories who wish to pursue Masters and Ph.D. level courses abroad. 

Limit: To qualify, the student's total family income, including their own, should not exceed Rs. 8 lakhs per annum. Additionally, they should have secured admission in one of the top 500 QS ranking foreign Institutes/Universities, be below 35 years of age, and have scored more than 60% marks in their qualifying examination.

1. National Fellowship for SC Students:

Criteria: SC students pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D in Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences at UGC-recognized Indian Universities/Institutions/Colleges receive fellowship under this scheme.

What is an umbrella scheme in India?

The Umbrella Scheme aims to simplify the distribution of funds and avoid duplicate benefits among different programs. This initiative provides financial aid to different sectors including education, healthcare, skill development, social security, and other welfare schemes, all with the goal of supporting those in need.