Free Coaching Scheme – Status, Gaps and Way Forward
The Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has tabled a report on 10 August 2026 highlighting that the Union government has enrolled only 2,790 out of the targeted 10,500 economically‑disadvantaged candidates for free coaching in the last three years – a mere 26 % of the goal.
Key Developments (Bullet Points)
- Enrollment shortfall: Target of 3,500 new candidates each year was not met; only 223 students received coaching in 2023‑24, 2,136 in 2024‑25 and 431 in 2025‑26.
- Budget utilisation: Out of an estimated ₹47 crore for 2023‑24, only ₹7.76 crore was spent. Expenditure rose to ₹17.68 crore in 2024‑25 but fell again to ₹7.11 crore (Ministry’s reply cites ₹9.86 crore) in 2025‑26.
- Scope of exams covered: Coaching is meant for UPSC, SSC, railway recruitment, state PSCs, bank & PSU officer exams, IIT‑JEE, NEET, CAT, CLAT, SAT, GRE, TOEFL, NDA and CDS exams.
- Beneficiary categories: Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and children covered under PM CARES for Children Scheme are eligible.
- Target for 2026‑27: Ministry proposes 7,000 slots – double the earlier target – despite past under‑achievement.
Important Facts
The scheme currently operates through 14 Central universities. Several institutions (e.g., NEHU, Central University of Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Central Tribal University) have not submitted funding proposals, limiting enrolment. HNB Garhwal University enrolled 193 candidates, while Allahabad and Manipur Universities each enrolled 100.
The committee identified the annual family‑income ceiling of ₹8 lakh as a major barrier. It urged the Ministry to revisit the ceiling, noting that PM CARES beneficiaries face no such limit.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the implementation gaps of welfare schemes is crucial for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 3 (Economy). Aspirants should note how policy design (target setting, budget allocation, monitoring) affects outcomes. The role of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation as the central nodal agency illustrates inter‑ministerial coordination challenges.
Way Forward
- Re‑examine and raise the income ceiling to include more OBC/SC families.
- Expand coaching centres to State universities and Dr. Ambedkar Centres of Excellence for regional balance.
- Ensure timely funding proposals from all selected universities.
- Set realistic enrollment targets linked to actual budget utilisation.
- Introduce a transparent, student‑centric online platform as promised by the Prime Minister.
Addressing these issues can improve the scheme’s reach, ensure better utilisation of the ₹20 crore allocation for 2026‑27, and strengthen the government’s commitment to equitable education.