The Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana is an innovative scholarship program launched by the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India. SPARSH stands for Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude & Research in Stamps as a Hobby. This initiative aims to foster a love for philately – the study and collection of postage stamps – among school students across India.
Introduced in 2017, the scheme has gained significant traction over the years. For the 2025 academic year, the program continues to offer exciting opportunities for students in classes 6 to 9 who have a passion for stamp collection and maintain good academic records. By providing financial support and encouragement, the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana seeks to nurture young philatelists and promote this educational hobby that offers insights into history, culture, and global affairs.
Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana
| Scheme Name | Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana |
| Launched By | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications |
| Target Group | Students from Classes 6 to 9 |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹6,000 per annum (₹500 per month) |
| Number of Scholarships | 920 scholarships pan-India annually |
| Selection Criteria | Academic performance and philately knowledge |
| Application Mode | Offline through schools or post offices |
| Official Website | www.indiapost.gov.in |
Objectives of the Scheme
- Promote philately: Encourage students to take up stamp collection as a hobby.
- Enhance knowledge: Use philately as a tool to improve understanding of history, geography, and culture.
- Develop skills: Foster research aptitude, patience, and organizational skills through stamp collection.
- Support education: Provide financial assistance to meritorious students interested in philately.
- Create awareness: Increase understanding of the postal system and its significance.
Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana Eligibility Criteria
- Class: Must be studying in classes 6 to 9 in a recognized school in India.
- Academic performance: Should have secured at least 60% marks or equivalent grade in the previous final examination (5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates).
- Philately involvement: Must be a member of the School Philately Club. If the school doesn’t have a club, the student should have a Philately Deposit Account.
- Age: There is no specific age limit mentioned for the scheme.
Scholarship Details
- Amount: ₹6,000 per annum, disbursed at ₹500 per month.
- Duration: The scholarship is awarded for one year.
- Disbursement: Payments are made quarterly through the India Post Payments Bank or Post Office Savings Bank.
- Renewal: Students can reapply for the scholarship in subsequent years if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Application Process
- Form acquisition: Obtain the application form from the school or nearest post office.
- Form completion: Fill out the form with accurate details and attach necessary documents.
- Submission: Submit the completed form to the school authorities or directly to the post office.
- School’s role: Schools can submit applications on behalf of multiple students in a single envelope.
- Deadline: Ensure submission before the announced last date (typically in September or October).
Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana Selection Procedure
- Initial screening: Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility.
- Philately quiz: Shortlisted candidates participate in a quiz to test their knowledge of stamps and postal history.
- Project evaluation: Students submit a philately-related project, which is assessed by experts.
- Final selection: Based on quiz performance and project quality, the final list of awardees is prepared.
- Result announcement: Selected students are notified through their schools or post offices.
Impact and Statistics
- Total scholarships: 920 scholarships awarded annually across India.
- Coverage: All postal circles in India participate, ensuring nationwide representation.
- Gender distribution: Approximately 45% of recipients are girls, promoting gender equality in philately.
- Regional spread: About 60% of scholarships go to students from rural and semi-urban areas.
- Academic improvement: Many recipients report enhanced academic performance due to the research skills developed through philately.
Benefits of Philately
- Historical knowledge: Stamps provide insights into historical events and figures.
- Geographical awareness: Collecting stamps from different countries improves geographical understanding.
- Cultural appreciation: Stamps often depict cultural elements, fostering cross-cultural awareness.
- Organizational skills: Maintaining a stamp collection enhances sorting and cataloging abilities.
- Patience and attention to detail: The hobby cultivates these important life skills.
- Networking: Philately connects students with like-minded individuals across the country.
Conclusion
The Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana 2025 continues to be a unique and valuable initiative that combines educational support with the promotion of a enriching hobby. By encouraging young minds to explore the world of philately, the scheme not only provides financial assistance but also fosters skills that are beneficial for academic and personal growth. As it evolves, the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana stands as a testament to the power of innovative educational programs in shaping the next generation of informed and curious citizens.
