Guide to the 2026 Scooty Schemes for Students in India
In an effort to boost female literacy and provide easier access to higher education, several Indian state governments have rolled out ambitious “Sarkari Scooty” programs for 2026. These initiatives, such as the Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana in Uttar Pradesh and the Kali Bai Bheel Medhavi Chhatra Scooty Scheme in Rajasthan, aim to bridge the geographical gap between home and college for meritorious girl students.
By providing free motorized two-wheelers, the government is not only rewarding academic excellence but also fostering independence among young women.
Key Highlights of the Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana 2026
The Uttar Pradesh government, under the 2026-2027 state budget, has allocated ₹400 crore specifically for the distribution of free scooters to meritorious girls. This scheme is designed to ensure that distance or lack of resources does not force bright students to drop out after secondary school.
- Target Beneficiaries: Meritorious girl students who have completed Class 12 and are currently enrolled in graduation or post-graduation courses.
- Merit Criteria: Applicants typically need to have secured between 75% and 85% marks in their 12th-grade board exams, depending on their category.
- Income Limit: The family’s annual income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh to qualify for the benefit.
- Residential Requirement: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh.
Rajasthan’s Kali Bai Bheel and Devnarayan Scooty Schemes
Rajasthan remains a leader in student mobility incentives through its long-standing scholarship and scooty distribution programs.
- Diverse Categories: The state offers various sub-schemes, including the Kali Bai Bheel Medhavi Chhatra Scooty Yojana for EBC, SC, and Minority categories, and the Devnarayan Girls Scooty Scheme for the MBC category.
- Academic Performance: For students under the Rajasthan Board, a minimum of 65% in Class 12 is required, while CBSE students need at least 75%.
- Comprehensive Support: Beyond the vehicle, many of these schemes in Rajasthan also provide a helmet and a small initial quantity of petrol to help students get started.
Electric Scooty Subsidy: The PM E-DRIVE Initiative
For students not covered under state-specific “free” schemes, the Central Government’s PM E-DRIVE Scheme (which replaced FAME-II) offers significant financial support for purchasing electric two-wheelers. This is particularly relevant for students from Class 9 to 12 in states like Gujarat, where a specific student subsidy of ₹12,000 is provided for battery-operated vehicles.
- Subsidy Amount: Under PM E-DRIVE, the subsidy is approximately ₹2,500 per kWh of battery capacity, capped at 15% of the vehicle’s ex-factory price.
- Upfront Discount: Unlike some state refunds, the central subsidy is often deducted directly from the invoice price at the dealership.
- Environmental Impact: These schemes exclusively support vehicles with advanced battery chemistry (LFP or NMC) to promote green mobility.
Required Documentation for 2026 Applications
To ensure a smooth digital registration process, students should have the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card (Mandatory for e-KYC).
- Mark Sheets (10th and 12th grade certificates).
- Domicile Certificate (To prove state residency).
- Income Certificate (Self-certified and issued by a competent authority).
- Admission Receipt (Proof of current enrollment in a college or university).
- Passport Size Photographs.
How to Apply Online
Most states have migrated their application processes to centralized scholarship or “Sarkari Yojana” portals. For instance, Rajasthan applicants use the HTE Rajasthan portal via their SSOID, while Uttar Pradesh students will use the dedicated WCD or Higher Education Department portal once the 2026 window officially opens.
Conclusion
The 2026 scooty schemes represent a significant investment in the future of India’s youth. Whether through a 100% free distribution for top-performing girls or through substantial electric vehicle subsidies for all students, these programs drastically reduce the cost of ownership and commute. Eligible students are encouraged to monitor their state’s official educational portals to avoid missing the application deadlines for the 2026-27 academic session.