Making it easier for meritorious students from low income background to avail benefits of a central scholarship scheme, the government today changing the eligibility criteria for it.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, approved changes in the eligibility norms for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students, an official spokesperson said.

Under the existing eligibility criteria, students who secure above 80 per cent marks in Class-XII can avail the assistance.

According to the modified norms, students figuring above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the relevant scheme of a particular board examination can take advantage of the scheme.

This will especially help students from the Hindi heartland who faced difficulty in securing 80 per cent marks in Class-XII. Many meritorious and poor students from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh failed to avail the scholarship since they could not get the requisite percentage.

However, under the percentile system, the highest marks secured by a student in a particular subject will be considered as the 100th percentile. Accordingly, the percentile of other students would be decided.

Even if a student secures less than 80 per cent marks, he can still figure above 80th percentile.

The amended eligibility criteria will be applicable from the current academic year.

The HRD Ministry had started the scheme two years ago with the objective to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from non-creamy layer families to meet day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher studies.

Nearly 82000 fresh scholarships per annum, including 41,000 for boys and 41,000 for girls, are supposed to be awarded for graduate and postgraduate studies in colleges and universities and for professional courses.

The total number of scholarships are divided amongst the State School Education Boards based on the state's population in the age group of 18 to 25 years, after segregating share of CBSE and ICSE.

The scholarship amount is Rs 1000 per month at Graduation level for first three years of college and university courses and Rs 2000 per month at post graduation level. Students pursuing professional courses would get Rs 2000 per month in the 4th and 5th year. The scholarship would be paid for 10 months in an academic year.