Too many girls in Gujarat who are perfectly capable of science drop the idea after Class 10, often for reasons that come down to cost and encouragement rather than ability. The Namo Saraswati Yojana is the state's answer to that. It pays a girl student up to ₹25,000 over her two years of higher secondary science, with the money going directly to her mother's bank account, specifically to keep more girls in the science stream and moving towards careers in science and technology.
This guide explains who qualifies, exactly how the ₹25,000 is paid out across Class 11 and 12, the income rule for self-financed school students, the documents you need, and how to apply through your school.
Quick summary
- What it is: a Gujarat scholarship (Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana) that supports girl students taking science in Classes 11 and 12.
- Amount: up to ₹25,000 in total across the two years, paid by DBT.
- Eligibility: girl students who scored 50% or more in Class 10 and are enrolled in the science stream.
- Income rule: for self-financed school students, family income must be within ₹6 lakh a year.
- Money goes to the mother's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer.
- Apply through your school, coordinating with the school's nodal officer.
What the Namo Saraswati Yojana is
The Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana is a Gujarat government scheme created to encourage more girls to choose and complete the science stream in higher secondary school. The goal is practical: reduce the number of girls who drop science after Class 10 because of cost or lack of support, and build a larger pool of young women heading into science, technology and related fields. The scholarship is a direct financial incentive attached to staying in and passing science.
Who is eligible?
- Girl students only, taking the science stream in Class 11 and 12.
- Class 10 marks: you must have scored 50% or more in your Class 10 board exam.
- School: enrolled in a recognised government, grant-in-aid or self-financed school (GSHSEB or CBSE).
- Income: for students in self-financed schools, the annual family income must not exceed ₹6 lakh. (Government and grant-in-aid school students are covered without that income cap.)
How much you get and when
The scholarship is spread across your two science years and rewards you for completing them:
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class 11 | ₹1,000 per month for 10 months = ₹10,000 |
| Class 12 | ₹1,000 per month for 10 months = ₹10,000 |
| On passing the Class 12 board exam | a one-time incentive of ₹5,000 |
| Total | up to ₹25,000 |
All of it is paid by Direct Benefit Transfer into the mother's bank account, so that account needs to be active and correctly linked. Exact amounts and rules are set by the scheme notification, so confirm the current details on the official portal.
Documents you need
- Class 10 marksheet (to prove the 50% criterion)
- Proof of admission in the science stream for Class 11/12
- Aadhaar card of the student and the mother
- Mother's bank passbook copy (for the DBT account)
- An income certificate, where the income rule applies (self-financed school students)
- Proof of Gujarat residence and a photograph
How to apply
Namo Saraswati is largely handled through your school, so the process is simpler than many portals:
- Talk to your school's nodal officer as soon as you take admission in science, so you do not miss the registration window.
- Fill the application with the student's and mother's details, entered exactly as on the documents.
- Submit the required documents through the school for verification.
- Ensure the mother's bank account details are correct for the DBT payment.
- Track the status with your school and keep your acknowledgement safe.
Apply only through the official process; never pay an agent who claims to arrange the scholarship.
A companion scheme worth knowing
Namo Saraswati is specifically for girls in the science stream. There are other Gujarat schemes aimed at girls' education more broadly, and meritorious students continuing to professional courses later should also look at the MYSY scholarship. It is worth checking every scheme you qualify for rather than relying on just one.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the school registration window because you contacted the nodal officer too late.
- Giving wrong or inactive mother's bank details, which block the DBT.
- Not keeping the Class 10 marksheet and income certificate ready.
- Assuming the ₹5,000 comes automatically, it is tied to passing the Class 12 board exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Namo Saraswati Yojana?
It is a Gujarat government scholarship (Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana) that gives girl students up to ₹25,000 across Classes 11 and 12 to encourage them to take and complete the science stream.
Who is eligible for the Namo Saraswati Yojana?
Girl students who scored 50% or more in Class 10 and are enrolled in the science stream at a recognised government, grant-in-aid or self-financed school. For self-financed school students, family income must be within ₹6 lakh a year.
How much money does the scheme give?
Up to ₹25,000 in total: ₹10,000 in Class 11, ₹10,000 in Class 12, and a ₹5,000 incentive on passing the Class 12 board exam, all paid by DBT.
Whose bank account does the money go into?
The scholarship is paid by Direct Benefit Transfer into the mother's bank account, so it must be active and correctly linked.
How do I apply for the Namo Saraswati Yojana?
Apply through your school. Coordinate with the school's nodal officer after taking science admission, fill the application, submit your documents, and make sure the mother's bank details are correct for the DBT.
Is there an income limit?
An income limit of ₹6 lakh a year applies to students in self-financed schools. Government and grant-in-aid school students are generally covered without that cap, but confirm the current rule on the official portal.
Official sources
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Confirm the current details on the official source before you act.
