No, PM’s Scholarship Scheme is Not for Class 10 and 12 Students

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

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CLAIM

A viral message doing the rounds on WhatsApp claims that the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme beneficiaries, comprising of Class 10 and Class 12 students, will get money based on their marks – categorised into three brackets.

1. 50-60% - Rs 5,000
2. 60-80% - Rs 10,000
3. Above 80% - Rs 25,000

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The message reads:

"*प्रधानमंत्री छात्रवृति योजना 2018*

*Scholarship Form for 10th or 12th Open Now*

*Scholarship Amount*

1.50-60% - Rs 5,000

2.60-80% - Rs. 10,000

3.Above 80% - Rs 25,000

*सभी 10th और 12th के बच्चो व उनके अभिभावकों को ये SMS भेजे ताकि सभी बच्चे इस योजना का लाभ ले सके*

*Click Here for Apply:*

https://bit.ly/2l71tWl"

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VERDICT: TRUE OR FALSE?

The message is false.

Firstly, the PM's Scholarship Scheme is a scheme that falls under the purview of the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare.

However, the link in the message redirects to a phony website – the url of which reads: http://crazyzone.net/apply-scholarship/

(Photo Courtesy: Screenshot of the website)

Here, the user is required to fill out their personal details – including their mobile number.

At first glance, the message appears to be a variation of earlier viral messages which claimed that the PM would be giving away free bicycles, or would give Rs 10,000 to girls – on 15 August. These messages too were busted as fake.

Further, a government-run or government-sponsored scheme is generally hosted on a website with the url extension gov.in or nic.in.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE SCHEME?

Secondly, the scheme is applicable exclusively to the students "who are dependent wards/widows of ex-servicemen and ex-coast guard personnel."

According to the Kendriya Sainik Board Secretariat, the scholarship eligibility is two-fold.

• Students who have taken admission in 1st year (except lateral entry and integrated course)
• Student who have scored above 60% and above in minimum educational qualification i.e 10+2/diploma/graduation

The actual link to apply for the scheme is www.ksb.gov.in.

Further, the website clearly states that "wards of civilians including paramilitary personnel are NOT ELIGIBLE."

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