CBSE Udaan Scheme: Complete guide 2025 – eligibility, benefits, how to apply, important dates & expert tips for girl students aspiring for engineering.

CBSE Udaan Scheme: Complete guide 2025 – eligibility, benefits, how to apply, important dates & expert tips for girl students aspiring for engineering.

Subtitle: How Udaan Gives Wings to Girl Students’ Dreams of Engineering

Introduction

Education is the key to opportunity—and in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), girls in India still face significant hurdles. Recognising this, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (previously MHRD), launched the Udaan Scheme (also sometimes called the “Udaan Scholarship Program” for girls). This programme is designed to support meritorious female students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are studying in Class XI in the Science (PCM) stream, and to prepare them for engineering & technical education.

In this blog we cover: What Udaan is, its objectives, eligibility, benefits, application process, key dates, tips for success, etc. Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher or school administrator, this guide will help you understand and make the most of the Udaan scheme.

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What is the Udaan Scheme?

The Udaan scheme is a girls-only initiative by CBSE. It offers free online and offline study resources, mentoring, virtual classes and other support for female students in Class XI and Class XII so that they can prepare for engineering entrance exams, improve their performance in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, and ultimately improve their chances of admission into premier technical institutes.

Typically:

• Students are provided virtual contact classes (approx. 60 centres across India) and study material.
• The focus is to bridge the gap between school education and engineering/technical entrance requirements.
• The scheme gives special attention to students from modest economic backgrounds and under-represented groups.

For example, one source says: “The Udaan scheme can help numerous (currently the limit set by CBSE is 1000) chosen female students free of cost to attend the engineering entrance exams.”

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Why the Udaan Scheme Matters

• Promoting gender equity in STEM: Girls have historically been under-represented in engineering and technical fields. Udaan helps reduce that gap.
• Access to quality resources: Coaching, study material, virtual classes—many girls, especially from rural or economically weaker backgrounds, do not have access to these otherwise.
• Financial relief & confidence boost: By providing structured support, the scheme gives girls confidence and removes some barriers of cost, travel, lack of guidance.
• National development impact: Increasing the number of well-trained female engineers strengthens India’s STEM workforce and promotes inclusive growth.

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Key Objectives of the Scheme

The core aims of Udaan include:

• Encouraging girls to pursue technical education (engineering and related disciplines).
• Providing free educational resources and mentoring support to eligible girl students.
• Bridging the gap between school curriculum and engineering entrance exam demands.
• Enhancing the enrolment of girls in premier institutions such as IITs, NITs by improving their readiness.
• Creating a supportive ecosystem (study materials, virtual classes, mentoring, helpline, parents’ orientation) so that girls can make the academic transition smoothly.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Udaan scheme, the applicant must meet certain criteria. Below is a summary (always check the latest CBSE official notification for any updates).

Basic eligibility

• The applicant must be a female student (girls only).
• The applicant should be Indian citizen living in India.

Academic criteria

• The student should be enrolled in Class XI, in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) in a school recognised by the government or CBSE-affiliated private school. Schools include: Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs), government schools, CBSE-affiliated private schools.
• The student should have passed Class X with minimum marks:
  • At least 70% overall in Class X.
  • Minimum 80% in Science and Mathematics (for those with marks-based system) OR if using CGPA/GPA, a minimum CGPA of 8 overall and GPA of 9 in Science/Mathematics.

Reservation & income criteria

• Reservation for different categories: SC (15 %), ST (7.5 %), OBC (NCL) (27 %), PWD (3 %) seats.
• Family annual income of the applicant should not exceed ₹6 lakh (approx) per annum.

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What Benefits Does the Scheme Offer?

Here are the main advantages of participating in the Udaan scheme:

Free access to resources

• Free online/offline study material: tutorials, videos, reading material especially for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
• Virtual contact classes (around 60 centres across India) for weekend or regular sessions.
• Assignments, assessments, remedial classes to fill learning gaps. Additional support

• Peer-learning and mentoring opportunities for meritorious students.
• Student helpline, progress tracking and feedback for both students and parents.
• Motivation sessions for students and parents to boost confidence and awareness.
• Some schools are provided or students may receive tablets / digital resources to access the material.

Potential financial & institutional benefits

• While the scheme is primarily about academic support, selected students who perform well may receive further assistance with tuition/admission/hostel fees if they secure seats in premier technical institutes (IITs/NITs), provided they meet criteria (for example 75% in Udaan classes) according to some sources. (

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How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Application for the Udaan scheme is usually done online through the CBSE portal (or via the school, depending on the implementation). Here are the typical steps:

1. Visit the official website of CBSE (or Udaan section) and check for the latest notification.
2. Read the detailed instructions, eligibility criteria, important dates carefully.
3. Register on the portal with basic details (name, school, class, contact details).
4. Fill the application form: include academic details (Class X marks), schooling information, stream (PCM), select the city for virtual contact classes, etc.
5. Upload required documents: Class X mark sheet, income certificate of parents/guardian, caste certificate (if applicable), proof of address, photograph, Aadhaar of student.
6. Submit the application before the deadline, and note down the registration number for future reference.
7. School/Coordinator verifies the application and forwards to CBSE (or coordinating body).
8. Short-listing is done based on merit, city selection, category reservation and other criteria. Selected students receive confirmation and can access the study material and virtual classes.

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Important Dates & Timeline

• The application period typically opens around July/August each year.
• The last date is usually the first week of August (though this may vary).
• Because each year may have different dates, always check the latest notification on the CBSE website.
• Once selected, classes and resources are made available for the remaining part of Class XI and into Class XII.

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Tips for Students & Parents to Maximise the Benefit

• Start early: Prepare Class X board exams well so that you meet the eligibility marks and have a strong base in Science and Maths.
• Choose your subjects wisely: The Udaan scheme is for students in the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) stream; ensure your school offers this track and you have interest in engineering/technical education.
• Pick the correct city for virtual classes: As there are around 60 centres, choose a location that’s feasible for you to attend regularly (virtual or offline).
• Stay consistent with classes and assignments: Since the scheme provides structured material and mentoring, frequent attendance and timely assignments will help you benefit fully.
• Use the helpline and mentoring: If you face difficulties in any topic, don’t hesitate to ask for guidance.
• Engage parents: Parents should attend the motivational/orientation sessions (if provided) and monitor progress; parental support boosts student commitment.
• Track your progress: Many resources offer feedback, remedial classes—use them to identify weak areas and improve.
• Be aware of deadlines: Ensure your documents (income certificate, mark-sheet, caste certificate) are ready ahead of time.
• Aim for high performance: While the scheme supports access, your own performance will determine how much you gain from it (especially if you want to convert this to admission in top institutions).
• Stay updated with CBSE announcements: Dates, criteria or processes may change—keep checking the official CBSE site.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. Is this scheme only for Class XI students?
Yes — primarily the scheme targets girls entering Class XI in the Science stream (PCM) in recognised schools.

Q2. Can boys apply for Udaan?
No. The scheme is specifically for female students.

Q3. Do I have to pay any application fee?
There has been no confirmed application fee publicly specified in recent sources; however you should check the current year’s notification.

Q4. What if my family income is above ₹6 lakhs?
Then you may not meet the income eligibility criterion for the scheme, so you might not be eligible. Always check the exact criteria in the year you apply.

Q5. Do I get guaranteed admission into an engineering institute if selected?
No. The scheme primarily gives academic support and resources. Admission to engineering or technical institutes still depend on entrance exams, performance and available seats. The scheme may assist you in preparation and access.

Q6. Are there offline tuition centres or only online?
There are virtual contact classes (which may involve offline sessions in city centres) and study material online/offline. Around 60 designated city centres are used.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving document preparation (income certificate, caste certificate) for the last minute.
• Choosing the wrong stream (for example opting non-PCM when the scheme expects PCM).
• Not attending classes/assignments regularly, thereby losing out on mentoring and progress tracking.
• Ignoring the parent/guardian role in monitoring progress.
• Not selecting feasible city or centre for contact classes.
• Assuming admission to engineering is guaranteed—entrance exam performance still matters.
• Relying on outdated information without checking latest CBSE notification for changes.

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Latest Updates & How to Stay Informed

• Visit CBSE’s official scholarship/scheme page: Central Board of Secondary Education – “Scholarships” section. (cbse.gov.in)
• Follow announcements in your school/college and encourage the school to share scheme details with eligible students.
• Keep an eye on official circulars from CBSE and your state government.
• Regularly check deadlines and monitor your application status.
• Join peer groups (with previous year Udaan students) for insights and motivation.

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Conclusion

The Udaan scheme by CBSE is a transformative opportunity for bright girl students who wish to pursue engineering/technical education but face economic, resource or motivational barriers. By providing access to high-quality study materials, virtual classes, mentoring and progress tracking, Udaan aims to level the playing field and give deserving girls the wings to fly into STEM fields.

If you (or your daughter) are eligible, don’t hesitate to apply. Prepare early, meet the criteria, follow the application process carefully, stay committed to the programme, and make the most of the resources offered. With dedication and support, this scheme can be a significant stepping stone in your educational journey.

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