Is it really free? No hidden charges?

100% free. No in-app purchases, no subscriptions, no forced ads. Play immediately from the shared question bank — no setup needed. Optional extras stay optional: watch a rewarded ad only if you want +5 coins, and add your own free Gemini API key only if you want unlimited AI-generated questions.

What is a Gemini API key and do I need one?

You don't need one — the shared question bank works without it. A Gemini key is a free key from Google AI Studio that unlocks unlimited freshly generated AI questions tuned to your exam and branch. Takes 2 minutes, no billing: aistudio.google.com → Get API Key → Create → copy and paste.

Should I install from Google Play or the APK?

Both give you the same app — Aspirant Arcade is live on Google Play. Play Store is the easiest route: standard install, automatic updates. The direct APK is for anyone who prefers to skip the Play Store — it installs in 30 seconds after enabling 'Install unknown apps'. Don't want to install anything? The web version runs straight in your browser.

Which engineering branches are supported?

Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Computer Science/IT, Electronics, Metallurgy, Mining and Petroleum. Questions generated specifically for your branch — not generic.

Will questions repeat across sessions?

No. The app tracks every question you've seen and tells Gemini to avoid them. Every session has fresh questions.

Does it work offline?

Partially. Bookmarked questions and insights are available offline. AI question generation needs internet to call the Gemini API.

Yes. Stored locally on your device using encrypted secure storage. Never sent to any server — not ours, not anyone's.

Which engineering exams are covered?

GATE, IES/ESE and PSU recruitment exams — HPCL, Coal India, BHEL, ONGC, NTPC, SAIL, IOCL, GAIL, BPCL and more. Interview Simulator available for exams with GD/PI rounds like HPCL, BHEL and IES.

Is Aspirant Arcade only for engineering exam aspirants?

No — engineering (GATE, IES, PSU) is one of five categories. It also covers entrance exams (JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, CUET, BITSAT), govt exams (SSC, Banking, Police), college degrees (BCA, MCA, MBBS, Nursing, B.Pharm and more) and CBSE Class 9–12 boards. Pick your category on the home screen.

Does Aspirant Arcade cover SSC, Banking and Police exams?

Yes. SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD Constable and CPO, IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO/Clerk, UP Police Constable and Delhi Police Constable are all covered with free, section-wise gamified MCQ practice matching each exam's real syllabus, question count and marking scheme.

Is Aspirant Arcade a replacement for Testbook, Adda247, Physics Wallah or Unacademy?

No — it's a free companion, not a competitor. Platforms like Testbook, Adda247, Physics Wallah and Unacademy give you structured courses, live classes and full-length mocks. Aspirant Arcade adds a gamified practice layer on top: streaks, survival rounds, multiplayer challenges and AI interview drills that turn idle scroll time into extra MCQ reps between coaching sessions.

Which college degree exams are supported?

BCA, MCA, MBBS, BMLT/BMLS, BMRIT, BPT (Physiotherapy), B.Sc Nursing and B.Pharm — free subject-wise core practice authored from each degree's real university curriculum, with shared foundational subjects (like Anatomy and Physiology) reused across the medical degrees at the right difficulty band.

Do I need a Gemini API key to play?

No. You can play immediately from our shared question bank — no key or signup required. Adding a free Gemini key (Google AI Studio, 2 minutes, no billing) unlocks unlimited freshly generated questions every session.

How do coins and multiplayer challenges work?

You start with 100 coins, earn +50 per referral, and can watch an optional rewarded ad for +5. Spend 2 coins to unlock a question hint. For multiplayer, create a Synced Challenge lobby, share the invite code with up to 10 friends, and compete under a synchronized 5-minute timer for ranked trophy scorecards.

Focus Mode is an Android-only feature that catches you on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts and makes you clear a few MCQs from your branch and syllabus before you can keep scrolling. You set the scroll limit and how many questions, and you can turn it off anytime. It turns doom-scrolling into drip-fed revision without quitting the app.

Does Focus Mode read my messages or spy on me?

No. It only checks which app is open and the screen name (Reels or Shorts) — like a sign on a door, not what's inside the room. It never reads your DMs, captions, comments or the videos themselves, and nothing leaves your phone. Questions are cached locally on your device.

Is PM-YASASVI applicable to all classes from 9 to 12?

It varies by scheme. For instance, the Pre-Matric Scholarship mentioned covers students in classes 9 and 10. Always verify the specific scheme's class requirements on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) before applying.

Can students from the general category apply for PM-YASASVI?

No, PM-YASASVI specifically targets students from OBC, EBC, and DNT categories. General category students are not eligible for this scheme, as per the mandate to support socially and economically weaker sections.

How does family income affect my eligibility for the scholarship?

Family annual income is a crucial criterion. For schemes like the Pre-Matric Scholarship, it's capped at ₹2.50 lakh. This limit can differ across schemes, so always check the specific scheme's income criteria on NSP to confirm your eligibility.

What is the One Time Registration (OTR) number, and why is it important for PM-YASASVI?

The OTR number is a unique registration ID introduced by NSP for scholarship applications from 2024-25 onwards. It streamlines your application process, acting as a mandatory login credential. You must complete OTR before applying for any scholarship on NSP.

Where can I practice for competitive exams while pursuing my studies with PM-YASASVI?

Aspirant Arcade offers a gamified platform with extensive mock tests and practice questions for various competitive exams, perfect for supplementing your studies and preparing for future career opportunities alongside your academic journey.

If I am an existing PM-YASASVI scholarship holder, do I need to re-apply or renew?

For the 2026-27 academic year, the application process for the renewal of the PM YASASVI Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education in Schools opened on June 1, 2026. Therefore, existing beneficiaries often need to apply for renewal. Always confirm your specific scheme's renewal process and dates on NSP.

PM-YASASVI Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Application, and Benefits

What's Official: PM-YASASVI Scholarship 2026 Overview

Aspirants looking to fund their education have a golden opportunity with the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI) for the academic year 2026-27. Designed to support students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, this scheme provides crucial financial assistance to eligible students from OBC, EBC, and DNT categories.

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) has confirmed that schemes related to PM-YASASVI are available for the 2026-27 academic session. Specifically, the application process for the renewal of the PM YASASVI Central Sector Scheme of Top Class Education in Schools has commenced on June 1, 2026, with the final submission deadline set for August 31, 2026. While these dates primarily cover renewals, the NSP portal is open from June 1, 2026, for the 2026-27 academic year, indicating that fresh application processes for various PM-YASASVI schemes will also be active. It is imperative for all prospective applicants to consult the NSP for the exact scheme-specific timelines.

A significant update from 2024-25 is the mandatory requirement of a One Time Registration (OTR) number for all scholarship applications. Ensure you complete your OTR before proceeding with your scholarship application.

Eligibility at a Glance: Who Can Apply?

Eligibility for the PM-YASASVI Scholarship is strictly dependent on the specific scheme's guidelines. However, a few core criteria universally apply to school-level PM-YASASVI schemes:

First, applicants must belong to the Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Backward Class (EBC), or Denotified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT) categories. This forms the foundational eligibility requirement for the scheme.

Second, students must be enrolled in a specific class as defined by the chosen scheme. For example, as per the Ministry’s 2025-26 annual report, the Pre-Matric Scholarship extends support to full-time students in Classes 9 and 10 attending government schools. For Class 11 and 12 students, it is vital to review the specific scheme's class and institution requirements on the NSP.

Third, a crucial financial criterion is the family's annual income. This income, from all sources, must not exceed the limit stipulated by the scheme. For instance, the Pre-Matric Scholarship sets this cap at ₹2.50 lakh annually. Remember, simply belonging to one of the eligible categories does not guarantee the scholarship; meeting all specific conditions of the chosen scheme is paramount.

Scholarship Benefits: Financial Aid Details

The financial assistance provided under the PM-YASASVI Scholarship varies significantly based on the specific scheme and the academic level of the student. Aspirants should manage their expectations and verify exact amounts directly from the official scheme documents on the National Scholarship Portal.

To provide a clear example, the 2025-26 annual report by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment highlights that the Pre-Matric Scholarship offers a consolidated academic allowance of ₹4,000 per annum to eligible students in Classes 9 and 10. This amount is a direct contribution towards supporting the educational expenses of deserving students.

It is strongly advised to disregard varying figures found on unofficial online sources. The most accurate and current information regarding the scholarship amount for any PM-YASASVI scheme will always be found on the National Scholarship Portal at the time of your application. Always prioritize official sources to avoid misinformation and ensure you have a precise understanding of the benefits you can expect.

Seamless Application Process for PM-YASASVI 2026

Applying for the PM-YASASVI Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year is a streamlined process conducted entirely through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The portal has been operational for the 2026-27 session since June 1, 2026. A critical procedural update effective from the 2024-25 academic year is the mandatory requirement of a One Time Registration (OTR) number for all scholarship applications. Ensure you have your OTR completed before proceeding.

Follow these definitive steps to complete your application:

First, navigate to the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and initiate the OTR registration process as a student. This will generate your unique OTR number.

Second, use your OTR number to log in to the portal. Once logged in, meticulously browse the available schemes and select the specific PM-YASASVI program that aligns with your academic profile and eligibility.

Third, thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and specific terms of the chosen scheme. This ensures you meet all requirements before proceeding. Fill out the application form with accurate and complete information.

Fourth, meticulously upload all necessary supporting documents as specified by the scheme. Finally, submit your form. It is crucial to retain a printout or digital copy of your application receipt for future reference and tracking.

For optimal preparation, students can practice general aptitude and reasoning skills on Aspirant Arcade, which often feature in preliminary exams for various competitive fields, ensuring a holistic development alongside their scholarship-supported studies.

Essential Documents for Your Application

When applying for the PM-YASASVI Scholarship, having all required documents ready is paramount for a smooth submission process. The exact list of documents can vary based on the specific PM-YASASVI scheme you are applying for, so always consult the official guidelines on the National Scholarship Portal for the definitive list.

However, a standard set of documents that applicants are typically asked to provide includes:

Your Aadhaar Card, serving as primary identification. A valid OBC/EBC/DNT Caste Certificate, proving your category eligibility. A recent Income Certificate for your family, verifying you meet the scheme’s financial criteria. Details of your Bank Account, essential for the direct transfer of scholarship funds. Your Marksheet from the previous academic year, demonstrating your academic performance. Relevant School-related Information, which may include admission proof or school certificates. A recent Passport-sized Photograph for identification purposes. Any other specific documents deemed necessary by the particular scheme.

Always cross-reference this general list with the instructions provided on the NSP for your chosen scheme to ensure no document is missed. Incomplete applications will lead to rejection, so precision in document submission is non-negotiable.