Government Schemes
This domain tests whether you can match a person's situation to the correct scheme and state the eligibility conditions, documents and limits. Questions are usually case-based: a profile is given, and you identify the scheme and the next step.
Skill and employment schemes
- Skill India Mission / PMKVY - short-term skill training with certification and a reward on assessment.
- NAPS - apprenticeship training with stipend support, registered on Apprenticeship India.
- National Career Service (ncs.gov.in) - job matching, counselling, information on occupations.
- e-Shram - registration of unorganised workers with a UAN card.
Enterprise finance
- PMEGP - subsidy for new micro-enterprises: 15% urban general, 25% rural general, 25% urban special category, 35% rural special category.
- Mudra - collateral-free loans in Shishu, Kishor and Tarun bands.
- Stand-Up India - loans from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs, at least one per bank branch.
Maharashtra-specific support
MahaDBT hosts scholarships such as the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulkh Shishyavrutti Yojana (tuition fee support for economically weaker students) and the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Vasatigruh Nirvah Bhatta Yojana (hostel allowance). The Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation funds self-employment for Maharashtra youth; MSSDS runs state skill programmes.
Worked example
A rural woman from the SC category needs ₹8 lakh for a tailoring unit. Reasoning: Stand-Up India covers SC/ST and women, but its floor is ₹10 lakh, so it is the wrong size. PMEGP fits best - rural special category attracts 35% subsidy - and the balance can come from a Mudra loan. Match eligibility first, then amount, then combine schemes.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming a scheme applies automatically.
- Missing caste, income or domicile criteria.
- Confusing a subsidy with a loan.
- Ignoring MahaDBT deadlines and document uploads.
- Applying through unofficial portals that charge fees.
Summary
Read the eligibility line first; the amount and the benefit come second.