The Free Books Scheme for SC Students is a Haryana Government initiative implemented by the Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana. It provides eligible Scheduled Caste students studying in Government Colleges with ₹2,000 annually to purchase books for their studies. The scheme does not specify a family income limit, and the grant is scheduled for payment in October through PFMS. Students applying for the 2026–27 academic session must submit their applications by 31 December 2026.
Haryana Free Books Scheme for SC Students Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Free Books Scheme for SC Students |
| Announcement Date | 1 July 2008 |
| Implementing Department | Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Scheduled Caste students studying in Government Colleges in Haryana |
| Annual Book Grant | ₹2,000 per eligible student |
| Family Income Limit | No income ceiling specified |
| Attendance Requirement | No separate minimum attendance condition specified for this grant |
| Academic Requirement | Must have passed the previous qualifying examination |
| Required Identification | Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID) |
| Payment Method | PFMS transfer to an Aadhaar-seeded bank account |
| Application Deadline (2026–27) | 31 December 2026 |
| Helpline Number | 0172-2565530 |
| Online Application | Har Chhatravratti Student Registration Portal |
Introduction of Haryana Free Books Scheme for SC Students: A Brief Insight
Access to the right textbooks plays an important role in college education, but buying books every year can put pressure on family budgets. To reduce this burden, the Haryana Government introduced the Free Books Scheme for SC Students, which provides financial assistance to eligible Scheduled Caste students studying in Government Colleges.
The scheme was announced on 1 July 2008 by the then Chief Minister of Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, to encourage SC students to pursue higher education. The Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana, implements the scheme across Government Colleges in the state to help students meet their book expenses.
Under this scheme, each eligible student receives ₹2,000 per year to purchase books for their studies. The amount is scheduled for payment in October through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) into the student’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account, after verification by the college, university and Directorate. Students who receive the grant for all three years of a degree course can receive a total of ₹6,000.
To qualify, applicants must belong to a Scheduled Caste recognised in Haryana, meet the state’s domicile requirements, study in a Government College and pass the previous qualifying examination. The official eligibility chart does not specify a family income ceiling or a separate attendance requirement for this grant.
For the 2026–27 academic session, students can apply through the Har Chhatravratti Portal or its official Android app. Applicants must keep their Family ID and supporting documents ready and submit their applications by 31 December 2026. For assistance, students can contact their college Principal or call the scholarship helpdesk at 0172-2565530.
Students who need additional financial support for their college expenses can explore the Consolidated Stipend Scheme for SC Students. Grandchildren of freedom fighters studying in eligible institutions can also check the Consolidated Stipend Scheme for Grand Children of Freedom Fighters.
For students planning to meet higher education expenses, the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme provides access to education loan support, while the PM Internship Scheme offers opportunities to gain practical work experience through internships.
Students, parents and other readers looking for education assistance and welfare programmes can explore more initiatives on our List of Welfare Schemes of Haryana Government page.
Important Application and Payment Updates
- Application Deadline for 2026-27: Eligible SC students studying in Government Colleges in Haryana should submit their applications for the Free Books Scheme by 31 December 2026.
- Check Aadhaar-Bank Linking Before Payment: The book grant is transferred to an Aadhaar-seeded bank account. Students who have recently completed Aadhaar seeding should confirm the updated status with their bank and inform their college if any verification is pending.
- Selected the Wrong Scheme? If you accidentally selected another scholarship, contact your college and follow the correction process available through your portal account. If the college must clear the incorrect entry, request its assistance before applying under the Free Books Scheme for SC Students.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
Buying textbooks and reference materials can add to the education expenses of college students. Under Haryana’s Free Books Scheme for SC Students, eligible students receive an annual grant of ₹2,000 to purchase books required for their studies. The scheme provides financial support directly to the student’s bank account, helping them arrange essential study materials without depending entirely on family resources.
Annual Book Grant Details
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Assistance | ₹2,000 per eligible student |
| Payment Frequency | Once every academic year |
| Expected Payment Month | October |
| Purpose | Purchase of books required for higher education |
| Payment Method | Direct Benefit Transfer through PFMS to an Aadhaar-seeded bank account |
Total Assistance Over the Duration of a Course
Students who continue to meet the eligibility conditions can receive the book grant in each eligible academic year. The total assistance depends on the duration of the course and the student’s continued eligibility.
| Course Duration | Potential Total Book Grant |
|---|---|
| 2 years | ₹4,000 |
| 3 years | ₹6,000 |
| 5 years | ₹10,000 |
The amounts above represent the total possible assistance when the student receives ₹2,000 for each eligible academic year. Actual benefits depend on continued eligibility under the scheme.
What Students Can Purchase
- Textbooks: Books required for the subjects included in the course syllabus.
- Reference Materials: Additional books recommended by teachers to support learning.
- Practical and Project Books: Study materials needed for practical classes, assignments and academic projects.
How the Scheme Supports Students
- Direct Bank Transfer: The grant reaches the eligible student’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account through the prescribed payment system.
- Annual Financial Support: Students can use the assistance to arrange essential books at the beginning of the academic session.
- Verification Before Payment: The application undergoes verification by the concerned college, university and Directorate before payment processing.
- No Prescribed Income Ceiling: Students do not need to fall below a specified family income limit, provided they meet the other eligibility conditions.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Free Books Scheme for SC Students supports eligible Scheduled Caste students pursuing their studies in Government Colleges across Haryana. Applicants must meet the scheme’s basic residency, caste and academic requirements. The eligibility rules do not specify a family income ceiling, minimum marks percentage or separate attendance requirement for this book grant.
Who Is Eligible for the Scheme?
| Eligibility Criteria | Required Condition |
|---|---|
| Caste Category | The applicant must belong to a Scheduled Caste recognised in Haryana. |
| Domicile | The applicant must be a resident of Haryana and meet the state’s domicile requirement. |
| Type of Institution | The student must be enrolled in a Government College in Haryana. |
| Academic Performance | The student must have passed the previous examination required for admission to the current class or course. |
Income, Attendance and Marks Requirements
- Family Income: No income ceiling is specified in the scheme’s eligibility conditions.
- Attendance: The eligibility chart does not prescribe a minimum attendance requirement for this book grant.
- Minimum Marks: No separate percentage requirement is specified. The applicant must have passed the previous qualifying examination.
Who Is Not Eligible?
- Students who do not belong to the Scheduled Caste category recognised in Haryana.
- Students who do not meet the Haryana domicile requirement.
- Students studying in aided, private or self-financing colleges instead of eligible Government Colleges.
- Students who failed the previous qualifying university examination.
Requirements to Complete the Application
- Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID): Keep your Family ID ready for registration on the Har Chhatravratti Portal.
- Aadhaar-Seeded Bank Account: Maintain an active bank account in your own name and confirm that it is linked with Aadhaar for receiving the grant.
Documents Required to be Attached
Students applying for the Free Books Scheme for SC Students in Haryana must submit a few essential documents to establish their eligibility. The college uses these records to verify the student’s caste, domicile and academic performance before processing the application. Applicants should also keep their Family ID, Aadhaar and bank details ready for online registration and payment.
Documents to Submit to the College Principal
Applicants must provide photocopies of the following documents to the Principal of their respective colleges for verification:
- Scheduled Caste (SC) Certificate
- Haryana Domicile Certificate
- Marksheet or result of the last examination passed, based on which the student secured admission to the current class
Information Required for Online Application
Keep the following details and documents available before starting registration on the Har Chhatravratti Portal:
| Document or Detail | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID) | Required to begin registration on the Har Chhatravratti Portal |
| Mobile number linked to the Family ID | Used to receive the OTP required for login or verification |
| Aadhaar Card | Helps establish the applicant’s identity and access application-related services |
| Bank account in the student’s own name, seeded with Aadhaar | Required to receive the annual book grant through the designated payment system |
| Scanned copies of the SC certificate, domicile certificate and previous examination result | Required for uploading the supporting documents during the application process |
Check These Details Before Applying
- Ensure that the SC certificate belongs to the applicant and contains the correct details.
- Check that the previous examination result confirms a pass. Students who failed the preceding university examination are not eligible for the book grant for that academic year.
- Confirm with the bank that the account is active and Aadhaar seeding has been completed.
- Verify that the Family ID-linked mobile number is accessible to receive the required OTP.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Eligible SC students studying in Government Colleges in Haryana can apply for the Free Books Scheme through the official Har Chhatravratti Portal. The process involves registering with your Family ID, selecting the correct scheme, entering your academic and bank details, uploading the required documents and submitting the application for verification. For the 2026-27 academic session, the application deadline is 31 December 2026. Follow the steps below carefully to complete your application without avoidable mistakes.
Phase 1: Keep Everything Ready Before Applying
Step 1: Check whether your college and course are eligible. First, confirm that you are studying in a Government College in Haryana. Then open the official List of Courses and check whether your course appears there. Do not proceed until you have confirmed these details.
Step 2: Check the scheme’s eligibility conditions. Visit the official Scheme-Wise Eligibility page. Find the Free Books Scheme for SC Students and read its conditions carefully. Make sure you meet the requirements before filling out the form.
Step 3: Collect your documents and Family ID. Keep your Scheduled Caste certificate, Haryana domicile certificate and result of your last qualifying examination ready. You will also need your Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID) and access to the mobile number linked to it. Keep clear scanned copies of the documents on your phone or computer so you can upload them when asked.
Step 4: Check your bank account. The scheme provides financial assistance through the prescribed payment system. Contact your bank or check with it through its available banking services to confirm that your account is active and seeded with Aadhaar. If the Aadhaar link is incomplete, ask the bank to complete the process before applying.
Phase 2: Register on the Har Chhatravratti Portal
Step 5: Open the official student registration page. If you have never registered on the portal, visit the Har Chhatravratti Student Registration page. This is where you begin creating your student account. If you already have an account, you can move to Step 9 and log in instead of registering again.
Step 6: Enter your Family ID. Type your Parivar Pehchan Patra number in the field provided. Check the number before proceeding, because an incorrect Family ID can prevent the portal from retrieving the correct family details.
Step 7: Select your name and verify your mobile number. Once the portal displays the family members linked to your Family ID, select your own name. The portal will then ask you to complete the required OTP verification. Enter the OTP received on the registered mobile number and follow the instructions shown on the screen.
Step 8: Complete your registration. Follow the remaining instructions on the registration page and create your login credentials, including a password if requested. Keep your login details safe. You will need them to access your account and complete the scholarship application.
Phase 3: Fill Out the Free Books Scheme Application
Step 9: Log in to your student account. Open the official Har Chhatravratti Portal. Enter your registered login details and sign in. If you have forgotten your password, use the recovery option available on the portal, if provided.
Step 10: Select the correct scheme. After logging in, open the section where the available scholarship schemes are listed. Select Free Books For SC Students. Read the scheme name carefully before continuing. Do not select another SC scholarship by mistake, because different schemes may have different eligibility conditions and benefits.
Step 11: Enter your college and course details. Fill in the academic information requested by the portal, such as your college name, course, current class, roll number and other admission-related details. Use your college records or admission documents to enter the information accurately. If you are unsure about a roll number or course detail, confirm it with your college instead of guessing.
Step 12: Enter your bank account details. Provide the bank information requested in the application form. Make sure the account belongs to you and that the details match your bank records. Carefully check the account number and any other information before moving to the next section.
Step 13: Upload the supporting documents. Upload the scanned copies of your SC certificate, Haryana domicile certificate and last qualifying examination result in the fields provided. Select the correct file for each document and check that the text is readable. If the portal specifies a file format or size limit, follow those instructions before uploading.
Step 14: Review the complete application. Before submitting the form, check your name, Family ID, college, course, examination result, bank details and uploaded documents. Correct any spelling mistakes or incorrect entries. Make sure you have selected the Free Books Scheme for SC Students and not another scheme.
Step 15: Submit the application and save the acknowledgement. Once you have checked all the details, submit the form using the button displayed on the portal. Wait for the confirmation message or application reference number. Save the acknowledgement or take a screenshot so you can refer to it later. If the portal does not confirm submission, check your application dashboard before trying again.
Can You Apply Through the Mobile App?
Students who prefer using a smartphone can check the official Har Chhatravratti Android App on Google Play. The app provides another way to access the scholarship platform. Follow the instructions displayed in the app, and make sure you select the correct scheme before submitting your details.
Step 1: Install the official app. Open the Google Play link above and check that you are downloading the Har Chhatravratti app published for the Haryana Higher Education scholarship service.
Step 2: Open the app and sign in. Follow the on-screen instructions to access your account. If the app asks for Family ID or OTP verification, enter the requested details and complete the verification process.
Step 3: Find the Free Books Scheme. Open the available schemes section and select Free Books For SC Students. Check the scheme name before proceeding.
Step 4: Complete the application. Enter the required academic and bank details. Upload clear photographs or scanned copies of the requested documents, following the file instructions shown in the app.
Step 5: Submit and save the confirmation. Review all entries, submit the application and save the acknowledgement or confirmation details for future reference.
Phase 4: Submit Documents to Your College and Track Verification
Step 1: Give photocopies of the required documents to your college Principal. After submitting the online form, provide photocopies of your SC certificate, Haryana domicile certificate and last qualifying examination result to the Principal of your college, as required under the scheme guidelines. Keep a copy of each document for your own records.
Step 2: Wait for college verification. The college will check the information and documents submitted by you. If the college identifies an error or asks for clarification, respond promptly and provide the correct information or supporting documents.
Step 3: Allow the university and Directorate to complete their checks. After the college-level process, the application proceeds through the prescribed verification stages, including the university and Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana. Submission alone does not guarantee approval or payment; the application must satisfy the scheme conditions and complete the required verification.
Step 4: Track your application status. Open the official Application Status Tracking page and follow the instructions displayed there. Keep your application details ready. If the page asks for a particular identification number or login, provide the requested information rather than assuming that Aadhaar alone will always be sufficient.
Step 5: Check your bank account for the grant. Once the application receives approval and the payment is processed, check your bank account for the ₹2,000 book grant. The scheme information specifies October as the payment month, but the actual credit depends on verification and payment processing. If the amount does not arrive, first confirm your application status and Aadhaar seeding, then contact your college for assistance.
What to Do If You Face a Problem
| Problem | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| You selected the wrong scheme | Contact your college and follow the correction procedure available through your portal account. If the incorrect application must be removed by the college, request that action before submitting the correct scheme application. |
| Your application remains pending | Check the application status and contact the college or authority responsible for the pending verification stage. |
| The grant has not reached your bank account | Check the application status, confirm that your bank account is active and Aadhaar-seeded, and ask your college to help identify the reason for the delay. |
| You need to submit a complaint | Use the official Har Chhatravratti Grievance Portal to lodge a complaint, then check its progress through the Grievance Tracking page. |
Application Deadline for 2026-27
Eligible students should complete the application process by 31 December 2026, as specified for the 2026–27 session in the scheme information provided. Do not wait until the final day. Allow enough time to correct errors, upload documents and complete any verification required by your college.
Official Scheme Details: For a centralised summary of the scheme, visit the Government of India’s myScheme page for the Free Books Scheme for SC Students. You can also consult the official scheme document available on the Har Chhatravratti Portal for scheme-related guidance. Follow the latest instructions displayed on the official portal while applying.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- Register for the Free Books Scheme on Har Chhatravratti
- Free Books Scheme for SC Students on myScheme, Government of India
- Official guideline covering the book grant (PDF)
- Check book grant application status
- Courses covered on the portal
- Har Chhatravratti app for Android phones
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Scheme Run By: Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana
- Office: Shiksha Sadan, Ground and 1st Floor, Sector-5, Panchkula, Haryana – 134105
- Helpdesk Number: 0172-2565530
- Helpdesk Email: helpdeskscholarship@highereduhry.ac.in
- First Point of Help: Principal of your Government College
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. The Haryana Government provides eligible Scheduled Caste students studying in Government Colleges with an annual grant of ₹2,000 to purchase books required for their studies.
Ans. The scheme was announced by the Chief Minister of Haryana on 1 July 2008.
Ans. The Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana, manages the scheme.
Ans. An eligible student receives ₹2,000 per academic year to meet book-related expenses.
Ans. The scheme specifies October as the payment month. The amount is transferred through the prescribed Public Financial Management System (PFMS) process after the required verification.
Ans. No family income ceiling is specified in the scheme’s eligibility conditions. Applicants must still meet all other requirements.
Ans. The scheme’s eligibility chart does not specify a separate minimum attendance requirement for the annual book grant.
Ans. No. According to the stated eligibility conditions, the scheme covers eligible SC students studying in Government Colleges in Haryana.
Ans. No. Students must pass the previous qualifying examination. A student who fails the relevant examination does not meet this academic eligibility condition.
Ans. Register or log in through the official Har Chhatravratti Portal, select Free Books For SC Students, enter the required details, upload the supporting documents and submit the application. For the 2026–27 session, the stated deadline is 31 December 2026.
Ans. Yes. Keep your Family ID and access to its linked mobile number ready to complete the registration and verification process on the portal.
Ans. Visit the official Track Application page and follow the instructions displayed there. Keep your application details ready and provide the identification information requested by the portal.
Ans. Check your application status first. Then confirm with your bank that your account is active and seeded with Aadhaar. If the payment remains pending, contact your college to identify the issue and the next steps.
Ans. The Free Books Scheme and the Post Matric Scholarship are separate schemes. Check the official rules of both schemes to determine whether you can receive both benefits and whether any restrictions apply.
Ans. Submit your complaint through the official Har Chhatravratti Grievance Portal. You can then follow its progress through the Grievance Tracking page.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.