The Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana is a unique scholarship program launched by the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, to promote the fascinating hobby of stamp collecting, or philately, among school children. This scholarship, which stands for “Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude & Research in Stamps as a Hobby,” provides financial support to young, deserving students to help them nurture their interest in this educational hobby. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about the scheme, including eligibility, the two-level selection process, and how to apply.
What is the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana Scholarship?
In an era dominated by digital hobbies, the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana aims to revive the classic hobby of philately. The scheme recognizes that stamp collecting is more than just a hobby; it’s a window into history, geography, science, art, and culture. The program provides a scholarship of ₹6,000 annually to students who demonstrate a keen interest and knowledge in the field. This money helps them build their stamp collections and pursue their passion.
Key Highlights of the Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana |
| Administered By | Department of Posts, India |
| Objective | To promote stamp collecting (philately) among students |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹6,000 per year (₹500 per month) |
| Eligible Classes | Class VI to IX |
| Selection Process | Two-level process: Written quiz and Philately Project |
| Last Date for Application | August 30, 2025 |
| Quiz Date | September 20, 2025 |
Detailed Eligibility Criteria: Can You Apply?
To be considered for this scholarship, you must meet a specific set of eligibility criteria. This ensures the scholarship goes to students who are genuinely interested in philately and have a good academic record.
- Academic Standing: The student must have secured a minimum of 60% marks or an equivalent grade in their recent final examination. A special 5% relaxation is given for students belonging to the SC (Scheduled Castes) and ST (Scheduled Tribes) categories.
- Philately Connection: This is the most crucial requirement. The applicant must be a member of a School Philately Club. If their school does not have a club, the student can still apply if they have a Philately Deposit Account (PDA) with the Post Office.
- School and Class: The applicant must be a student of a recognized school within India and be studying in Class VI, VII, VIII, or IX during the academic year of the scholarship.
- Account Requirement: The student’s Philately Deposit Account or club membership must be valid on the date of application.
Why is the Philately Connection Important?
The entire purpose of the scholarship is to foster the hobby of philately. By requiring applicants to be part of a club or have a PDA, the scheme ensures that only those who are actively involved in stamp collecting can apply. A Philately Deposit Account allows you to receive new stamps and other philatelic items automatically as soon as they are released by the Department of Posts.
The Two-Level Selection Process in Detail
The selection process for the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana is unique and designed to test both knowledge and passion for philately.
Level 1: The Written Philately Quiz
- Quiz Date: The written quiz is conducted on September 20, 2025.
- Syllabus: The quiz is designed to test a student’s general knowledge with a focus on philately. The questions cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Indian History and Geography
- Science and Current Affairs
- Questions specifically related to stamps, famous philatelists, and postal history.
- Screening Test: The quiz serves as a screening test. Only students who qualify in this quiz will proceed to the next stage of the selection process.
Level 2: The Philately Project
- Project Submission: Students who qualify in the written quiz will be asked to submit a philately project. The topics for the project will be provided by the postal circle authorities.
- Evaluation: A committee of postal officers and eminent philatelists will evaluate these projects. The final selection is based solely on the quality and creativity of the project. The marks from the written quiz are not considered in the final evaluation.
This two-stage process ensures that the scholarship is awarded to students who not only have theoretical knowledge but also the creative and research skills needed to excel in the hobby.
How to Download and Submit the Application Form
Unlike many other scholarships, the application for the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana is done offline. You must download the form, fill it out, and submit a hard copy.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Download the Form: Visit the official India Post website to find and download the application form for your specific postal circle. You can also get it from your local Post Office.
- Fill the Form Carefully: The application form will ask for detailed information, including:
- Your personal details (name, date of birth, etc.).
- Your academic details and marks from the last exam.
- Details of your Philately Deposit Account or Philately Club membership.
- Contact information.
- Attach Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents mentioned earlier. This includes your mark sheet, proof of philately membership, and a recent passport-size photograph.
- Final Submission: Once the form is completely filled and all documents are attached, you must submit it. The application form, along with the documents, must be sent by registered post, speed post, or in person to the concerned Divisional Head or Regional Head of the postal circle. The last date for submission is August 30, 2025.
Important Note: Make sure your application form is attested by your school’s principal. This is often a mandatory step to verify your details.
Helpline and Contact Details
For any queries or clarification, you can contact the postal circle’s philately division. The helpline number and email for the Kerala Postal Circle provided in the original article can be used as a reference, but it’s best to look for the specific contact details for your state’s postal circle on the India Post website.
Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana Scholarship 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions :
Q1. What is the main objective of the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana?
The primary goal is to promote philately, which is the hobby of collecting and studying stamps, among school children. The scholarship encourages students to engage in this hobby, which also helps them learn about history, science, art, and culture.
Q2. How much scholarship money will I receive and how is it paid?
The scholarship amount is ₹6,000 per year, which is equivalent to ₹500 per month. The money is disbursed quarterly (in payments of ₹1,500) directly into a joint bank account of the student and their parent/guardian. This account must be in either an India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) or a Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) that has a core banking facility.
Q3. How many scholarships are awarded in total?
A total of 920 scholarships are awarded across India. Each Postal Circle selects a maximum of 40 students (10 students from each of the Classes VI, VII, VIII, and IX).
Q4. Can a student apply for the scholarship again next year if they win this year?
Yes. The scholarship is awarded for one year. A student who has won the scholarship can re-apply the following year, provided they still meet all the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility and Application Questions :
Q5. What is the minimum academic score required for the scholarship?
You must have scored at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade in your most recent final examination. A 5% relaxation is provided for SC and ST students, meaning they need to score a minimum of 55%.
Q6. What if my school does not have a Philately Club?
If your school does not have a Philately Club, you can still apply. However, you must have your own Philately Deposit Account (PDA) with the Post Office. The membership or PDA details must be mentioned in the application form.
Q7. Is the application process online or offline?
The application process is offline. You need to download the application form from the official India Post website, fill it out, and then submit the hard copy along with all the required documents.
Q8. What is the last date to submit the application?
The last date for submitting the application form for the 2025 scholarship is August 30, 2025.
Selection Process Questions :
Q9. How are students selected for the scholarship?
The selection is a two-level process:
- Level 1 (Written Quiz): A written multiple-choice quiz is conducted to screen applicants. It covers topics like current affairs, history, science, and philately.
- Level 2 (Philately Project): Students who clear the quiz are asked to submit a project on a philatelic topic. The final selection is based solely on the evaluation of this project by a committee of postal officials and renowned philatelists.
Q10. What kind of questions are asked in the Philately Quiz?
The quiz consists of 50 questions with no negative marking. It tests your knowledge of general subjects as well as local and national philately.
Q11. What is the Philately Project?
The project is a creative work that demonstrates your passion for stamp collecting. You will be given specific topics to choose from. A typical project might be 4-5 pages long, use no more than 16 stamps, and have a word count of under 500 words. The project’s evaluation is the final step in the selection process.