The merit-cum-means scholarship scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2007. It is being implemented through State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. The entire expenditure is being borne by the Central government. Scholarships are available for pursuing professional and technical courses, at under-graduate and postgraduate levels, in institutions recognized by the appropriate authority Under the scheme 20,000 scholarships are proposed to be awarded every year in addition to the renewals. 2. 30% of these scholarships are earmarked for girl students, which may be utilized by boy students, if an adequate number of eligible girl students are not available. 3 Seventy institutes for professional and technical courses have been listed in the scheme. Eligible students from the minority communities admitted to these institutions are reimbursed full course fee. A course fee of Rs.20,000/- per annum is reimbursed to students studying in other institutions. 4. To be eligible, a student should have secured admission in any technical or professional institution, recognized by an appropriate authority. In case of students admitted without a competitive examination, students should have secured not less than 50% marks. The annual income of the family from all sources should not exceed Rs.2.50 lakhs.