Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana, Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude and Research in Stamps as a Hobby, is a flagship scholarship initiative of the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, launched in 2017-18 to encourage Philately among school students. Under this scheme, eligible students studying in Classes VI to IX can receive a scholarship of Rs. 6,000 per year for pursuing stamp collecting and related research activities as a hobby. The scholarship is awarded through a competitive selection process conducted by Postal Circles across the country.
Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana (Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude and Research in Stamps as a Hobby) |
| Launched In | 2017-18 |
| Implemented By | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India |
| Scheme Objective | Promote Philately among school students and encourage aptitude, research, and learning through stamps |
| Eligible Students | Students studying in Class VI, VII, VIII, and IX |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | 60% marks in the previous final examination |
| Scholarship Amount | Rs. 6,000 per annum |
| Scholarship Disbursement | Rs. 1,500 per quarter (Rs. 500 per month) |
| Scholarship Duration | One academic year (fresh application required every year) |
| Maximum Scholarships Per Postal Circle | 40 scholarships annually |
| Class-wise Allocation | Up to 10 students each from Class VI, VII, VIII, and IX |
| Philately Requirement | Member of School Philately Club or holder of an active Philately Deposit Account (PDA) |
| Minimum PDA Deposit | Rs. 200 |
| Selection Process – Stage 1 | Written Quiz (50 MCQs, 1 Hour, No Negative Marking) |
| Selection Process – Stage 2 | Philately Project (4-5 Pages, Maximum 16 Stamps, 500 Words) |
| Application Mode | Offline – By Registered Post, Speed Post, or Hand Submission |
| Application Submission Authority | Concerned Postal Division / Senior Superintendent of Post Offices / Superintendent of Post Offices |
| Application Period | Usually between July and September (varies by Postal Circle) |
| Payment Mode | Direct transfer to bank account (preferably joint account of student and parent) |
| Official Scheme Portal | Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana Portal |
| Department Website | India Post Official Website |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Communications, Government of India |
Introduction of Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana: A Brief Insight
Long before smartphones, social media, and digital entertainment became a part of everyday life, a simple postage stamp often served as a window to the world for young minds. Through stamps, students could learn about history, geography, science, culture, freedom fighters, important events, and national achievements. Philately, or stamp collecting, has long been recognised as an educational hobby that encourages observation, research, and curiosity. To revive interest in this unique hobby among school students and reward those who combine academic excellence with philatelic knowledge, the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, launched the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana during the academic year 2017-18.
The scheme is implemented by the Department of Posts, Government of India. SPARSH stands for Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude and Research in Stamps as a Hobby. As the name suggests, the scheme aims to promote Philately among school students by encouraging them to explore the educational value of stamps while developing research, analytical, and learning skills. By linking scholarship support with philatelic activities, the Department of Posts seeks to bring stamp collecting back into mainstream student life and inspire a new generation of young philatelists across the country.
Under the scheme, students studying in Class VI, VII, VIII, and IX can receive a scholarship of Rs. 6,000 per year, which is paid in quarterly instalments of Rs. 1,500. The scholarship is awarded through a competitive selection process conducted by individual Postal Circles. Each Postal Circle can select up to 40 students annually, with a maximum of 10 students from each eligible class. The selection process generally includes a Philately Written Quiz comprising 50 multiple-choice questions, followed by the evaluation of a Philately Project based on a prescribed theme. This structured approach ensures that students are rewarded not only for academic performance but also for their interest, knowledge, and creativity in Philately.
To become eligible, a student must be studying in a recognised school in India and must have secured at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade in the previous final examination. The student should also be associated with a School Philately Club. In cases where a school does not have a Philately Club, an active Philately Deposit Account (PDA) with the Department of Posts can be used to fulfil this requirement. Applications are submitted through the concerned Postal Division, with notifications generally issued between July and September every year. Students can submit their applications through Registered Post, Speed Post, or by hand, as specified in the notification issued by their Postal Circle.
Beyond financial assistance, the scheme plays an important role in nurturing curiosity, research aptitude, and awareness about India’s postal heritage among young learners. Through stamps, students gain exposure to subjects ranging from science and technology to art, culture, wildlife, sports, and national history. In this way, Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana goes beyond a conventional scholarship programme and serves as an initiative that promotes learning through exploration and hobby-based education.
Students looking for other savings and scholarship opportunities can also explore the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, one of India’s most popular small savings schemes for the girl child, offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits. Students preparing for higher education and career opportunities may additionally check the PM Internship Scheme, which provides internship opportunities with leading companies across various sectors.
Students, parents, teachers, and anyone looking for more scholarship, education, savings, and welfare schemes offered by the Government of India can explore all available programmes on our Central Government Welfare Schemes page.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, offers the following benefits to students selected under the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana:
Scholarship Amount
- Each selected student receives a scholarship of Rs. 6,000 per year
- The scholarship is released in quarterly instalments of Rs. 1,500 each (equivalent to Rs. 500 per month)
- The scholarship remains valid for one academic year only; students must apply afresh and qualify again to receive the benefit in subsequent years
- The scholarship amount is credited directly to the student’s bank account, preferably a joint account held with a parent or guardian
Number of Scholarships Available
- Up to 40 scholarships are awarded in each Postal Circle every year
- A maximum of 10 students each from Class VI, VII, VIII, and IX can be selected under a Postal Circle
- With participation from Postal Circles across the country, the scheme supports and rewards hundreds of young philatelists every year
Additional Benefits
- Promotes interest in Philately, helping students learn about stamps, postal heritage, history, culture, and geography
- Encourages students to strengthen their research, observation, and analytical skills through stamp collection and study
- Recognises students who combine academic excellence with a meaningful and educational hobby
- Supports the growth and development of Philately Clubs in schools, creating greater awareness about postal history and stamp collecting among students
Note: The number of scholarships, selection process, and payment schedule are governed by the annual notification issued by the concerned Postal Circle. Students should refer to the latest notification for year-specific details.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, has prescribed the following eligibility conditions for students applying under the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana:
- Applicant must be studying in Class VI, VII, VIII, or IX in a recognised school in India
- Must have secured at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade in the most recent final examination
- Must be actively pursuing Philately (the study and collection of postage stamps) as a hobby
- Should preferably be a member of the school’s Philately Club
- If the school does not have a Philately Club, the student must maintain an active Philately Deposit Account (PDA) with a Post Office, and the account should remain live without any break
Who Is Not Eligible
- Students studying in classes other than VI to IX
- Students who have not secured the prescribed minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in the previous final examination
- Students who are neither members of a school Philately Club nor holders of an active Philately Deposit Account
- Applications submitted after the last date prescribed by the concerned Postal Circle
- Incomplete applications or applications with mandatory information left blank
Note: Students whose schools do not operate a Philately Club can open a Philately Deposit Account (PDA) at a nearby Post Office with a minimum deposit of Rs. 200. Applicants should also verify the latest year’s eligibility conditions, marks requirement, and any category-specific relaxation mentioned in the notification issued by their respective Postal Circle.
Documents Required to be Attached
Students applying for the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana must attach the prescribed documents along with the completed application form. These documents help the Department of Posts verify the student’s eligibility, academic performance, and philately-related participation before awarding the scholarship.
- Duly filled application form
- School Bonafide Certificate
- Latest annual examination mark sheet
- Philately Club membership proof
- Philately Deposit Account (PDA) passbook copy
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Bank account details
- Aadhaar Card
Important: Students should carefully check that all documents are clear, self-attested (where required), and attached in the prescribed format before submission. Incomplete applications or applications submitted without the required supporting documents may be rejected during scrutiny.
Note: The envelope containing the application should be clearly superscribed with “Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana [Academic Year]” – for example, “Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana 2026-27”. Applications received after the prescribed deadline are generally not considered. Students are advised to verify the latest document requirements and submission instructions with their concerned Postal Division or Postal Circle before applying.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Applying for the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana involves a structured selection process that includes application submission, a Philately Quiz, and a Philately Project. Students can follow the steps below to apply for the scholarship:
Step 1: Check with your school, local Post Office, Philately Bureau, or the official website of your Postal Circle to see whether the notification for the current academic year has been released. Most Postal Circles generally issue the notification between July and September.
Step 2: Obtain the prescribed application form from the concerned Postal Division, Philately Bureau, or Postal Circle website, wherever available. Carefully fill in all required details, including personal information, school details, academic performance, and Philately Club or Philately Deposit Account (PDA) information.
Step 3: Ensure that every column in the application form is completed correctly. If any field is not applicable, write “N/A” instead of leaving it blank, as incomplete applications are liable to be rejected during scrutiny.
Step 4: Attach all required supporting documents, including the school bonafide certificate, latest mark sheet, Philately Club membership proof or PDA passbook copy, recent passport-size photograph, and bank account details.
Step 5: Place the completed application form and supporting documents in an envelope and clearly superscribe it with “Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana [Academic Year]” so that it can be identified and processed without delay.
Step 6: Submit the application before the prescribed deadline through Speed Post, Registered Post, or by hand to the office of the Senior Superintendent of Post Offices (SSPOs) or Superintendent of Post Offices (SPOs) of the concerned Postal Division. Applications received after the last date are generally not considered.
Step 7: Eligible applicants are invited to appear for the Philately Written Quiz conducted at the regional level. The examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed within one hour. Questions are typically asked from General Knowledge, Current Affairs, History, Geography, Science, Sports, Culture, and Philately. There is generally no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Step 8: Students who qualify in the written quiz are shortlisted for the next stage, which involves preparing a Philately Project. The project is generally required to be 4-5 pages long, contain not more than 16 stamps or stamp images, remain within 500 words, and focus on the theme prescribed by the concerned Postal Circle.
Step 9: The final merit list is prepared on the basis of the Philately Project evaluation. Selected students receive the scholarship amount of Rs. 6,000 per year, which is released in quarterly instalments and credited directly to the registered bank account.
Important: Every Postal Circle publishes its own schedule for applications, quiz examinations, project submission, and final selection. Students should apply only through the Postal Division that covers their school’s location and regularly check updates issued by their concerned Postal Circle. For any assistance, contact the Postmaster General, the concerned Postal Division, or the nearest Head Post Office.
Quiz Syllabus at a Glance – What Students Should Prepare
Students applying for the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana must appear in a Philately Written Quiz as part of the selection process. The quiz consists of 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), carrying 1 mark each, and must be completed within 1 hour. There is no negative marking, so students should attempt all questions.
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge & Awareness | 5 |
| Current Affairs | 5 |
| History | 5 |
| Geography | 5 |
| Sports, Culture & Famous Personalities | 5 |
| Science | 5 |
| General Philately | 10 |
| National Philately | 15 |
| Total | 50 |
The syllabus clearly shows that Philately-related topics carry 25 out of the total 50 marks. Therefore, students should focus not only on general subjects such as GK, current affairs, history, geography, and science, but also spend adequate time learning about Indian stamps, postal history, famous commemorative stamps, philatelic terminology, and important milestones of the Indian postal system.
Since there is no penalty for incorrect answers, students should make sure to attempt every question. A strong understanding of Philately combined with basic preparation in general subjects can significantly improve the chances of qualifying for the next stage of the scholarship selection process.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Department: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India
- Central Office Address: 4th Floor, NeGD, Electronics Niketan, 6 CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003
- Official Portal: indiapost.gov.in/sparsh-philately
- Circle Level: Contact the Postmaster General of your respective Postal Circle for the current year’s notification, application form, and quiz schedule
- Division Level: Contact the Senior Superintendent of Post Offices or Superintendent of Post Offices of your Postal Division for application submission and status queries
- Local Level: Visit your nearest Philately Bureau or Head Post Office for guidance on Philately Deposit Account and Philately Club membership
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana?
Ans. Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana (Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude and Research in Stamps as a Hobby) is a scholarship scheme launched by the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India in 2017-18. The scheme encourages students to pursue Philately as a hobby and provides financial assistance to deserving young philatelists studying in Classes VI to IX.
Q. Who can apply for the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana?
Ans. Students studying in Class VI, VII, VIII, or IX in a recognised school in India, who have secured at least 60% marks or equivalent grade in their previous final examination and are associated with a school Philately Club or possess an active Philately Deposit Account (PDA), can apply for the scholarship.
Q. How much scholarship is provided under this scheme?
Ans. Selected students receive a scholarship of Rs. 6,000 per year, which is disbursed in quarterly instalments of Rs. 1,500 each.
Q. How many students are selected every year?
Ans. A maximum of 40 scholarships are awarded in each Postal Circle annually, with up to 10 students each from Class VI, VII, VIII, and IX.
Q. What is a Philately Deposit Account (PDA)?
Ans. A Philately Deposit Account (PDA) is a special account maintained with the Department of Posts for stamp collectors. Students whose schools do not have a Philately Club can use an active PDA to fulfil the philately-related eligibility requirement of the scheme.
Q. How can I open a Philately Deposit Account?
Ans. A PDA can be opened at a nearby Post Office with a minimum deposit of Rs. 200. The account should remain active and operational to be considered valid for scholarship eligibility.
Q. How do I apply for the scholarship?
Ans. Students must obtain the prescribed application form, fill it carefully, attach the required documents, and submit it to the concerned Postal Division before the notified last date through Speed Post, Registered Post, or by hand.
Q. What is the selection process under Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana?
Ans. The selection process generally consists of a Philately Written Quiz followed by a Philately Project. Students who qualify in the quiz are shortlisted for project evaluation, and the final merit list is prepared based on the prescribed selection criteria.
Q. What is the pattern of the Philately Written Quiz?
Ans. The quiz usually contains 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed within one hour. Questions are asked from General Knowledge, Current Affairs, History, Geography, Science, Sports, Culture, and Philately. There is generally no negative marking.
Q. Is the scholarship renewed automatically every year?
Ans. No. The scholarship is awarded for one academic year only. Students must submit a fresh application and qualify again if they wish to receive the scholarship in subsequent years.
Q. What happens if my application form is incomplete?
Ans. Incomplete applications may be rejected during scrutiny. Any field that is not applicable should be marked “N/A” rather than being left blank.
Q. Is there a single application deadline for the entire country?
Ans. No. Each Postal Circle issues its own notification and application schedule. Students should follow the timeline announced by the Postal Circle covering their school’s location.
Q. How is the scholarship amount paid?
Ans. The scholarship amount is credited directly to the student’s bank account, preferably a joint bank account with a parent or guardian, in quarterly instalments.
Q. What documents are required while applying?
Ans. Applicants generally need to submit the application form, school bonafide certificate, latest mark sheet, Philately Club membership proof or PDA passbook copy, passport-size photograph, and bank account details.
Q. Where can I get help regarding the scholarship?
Ans. Students can contact the Postmaster General of their Postal Circle, visit the nearest Head Post Office or Philately Bureau, or refer to the Official Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana Portal for the latest information and notifications.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.