CBSE Udaan Yojana: Empowering Girls in STEM

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), under the Ministry of Education’s guidance, launched the Udaan Yojana—a transformative scholarship and coaching initiative aimed at empowering girls in STEM. The program, active since 2014, is tailored for economically-disadvantaged female students in Class XI and XII who are passionate about engineering and technical education.

🎯 Objectives & Vision

1. Bridging the Gap: Udaan specifically targets the disparity between school-level Science & Mathematics learning and competitive engineering exams like JEE Main and Advanced.
2. Boosting Girl Enrollment: Currently, enrollment of girls in premier technical institutes remains low. Udaan aims to enhance this metric by offering access and encouragement.
3. Strengthening Foundations: By focusing on PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths), the scheme establishes a firm STEM foundation, fostering long-term interest in science and technology.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The initiative is open exclusively to Indian girl students enrolled in CBSE (or other recognized) schools, including KVs, GOVTs, NVS, and CBSE-affiliated private schools. Eligibility requirements include:

• Studying in Class XI or XII (PCM stream).
• Achieving 70%+ in Class X overall, and 80% in Science & Maths, or equivalent CGPA (8 overall, 9 in PCM).
• Family income must be less than ₹6 lakh annually.
• Reserved category quotas (OBC, SC, ST, PwD) per JEE norms.

This ensures the scheme reaches deserving girls with strong academic potential but limited financial means.

📚 Key Benefits & Components

Udaan offers a robust package of academic and financial support:

1. Free Coaching: Online & offline weekend classes by CBSE-appointed tutors help bridge gaps and reinforce PCM concepts.
2. Study Material & Preloaded Tablets: Students receive high-quality notes, assessments, prerecorded lectures via tablets with preloaded content.
3. Assessment & Mentoring: Regular tests, feedback, mentoring sessions, and helplines support improvement .
4. Peer Interaction & Motivation: Discussion forums and motivational events build confidence and community .
5. Financial Aid for IIT/NIT Admission: Upon securing admission, selected girls receive fee waivers and scholarships.
6. Support Infrastructure: With over 65 centres nationwide, students can attend coaching locally, ensuring accessibility .

📅 Implementation Timeline & Updates

Udaan continues annually with rolling applications. While specific dates vary, here’s a recent guideline:

• As of February 2024, Udaan 2024–25 application forms were yet to be released, but anticipated between Feb–Mar, with merit lists by April, and the program kicking off in May.

Historically, deadlines have fallen around July/August for selections via merit and income screening —students should regularly check the official CBSE scholarship portal for latest notices.

📝 How to Apply

1. Visit the CBSE internship/scholarship portal.
2. Register an account and complete the Udaan application (includes DOB, photo, school details).
3. Upload essential documents: Class X marksheet, income & caste proof, ID proof, parental undertakings.
4. Print the form and submit it with documents at the nearest city-coordinator centre.
5. Await confirmation via SMS/email and subsequent merit selection.

🎙️ Student & Expert Perspective

Educational platforms like Jagran Josh emphasize Udaan’s role as a “helping hand” providing tuition and study material to girls with PCM in Class 11, streamlining their path toward engineering aspirants. The initiative removes coaching cost barriers, giving students equal footing in competitive preparation.

🌟 The Impact

• Closing the gender gap in STEM: By targeting girls at critical junctures, Udaan fosters more representation in technical fields.
• Academic excellence: Regular assessments and mentoring ensure students build sound PCM foundations aligned to JEE demands.
• Economic empowerment: Scholarships and course waivers allow girls from lower-income families to pursue coveted technical degrees.
• Future leadership: The program nurtures girls into STEM leaders—critical for both individual progress and national development.

🔎 What You Should Know

• Check CBSE’s official scholarship portal regularly for Udaan cycle announcements.
• Collect and prepare documents ahead of time—X class marksheet, income proofs, ID documents, etc.
• Ensure consistent attendance and participation; many benefits (like waivers) tie to attendance and test performance.
• Use peer forums and helplines actively—Udaan thrives on community and support ecosystems.

📌 Final Word

CBSE’s Udaan Yojana is more than a scholarship—it’s a launchpad for girls aspiring to shine in STEM. By combining free coaching, quality content, mentoring networks, financial aid, and modern learning tools, it targets academic and economic hurdles comprehensively. For deserving girls who meet the criteria, this program can be a game-changer.