What is the Atal Residential Scheme? Daughters to Receive Free Education and Hostel Facilities

The primary objective of the Atal Residential Scheme is to provide residential education to the children of registered construction workers in the state, as well as to children who were orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Uttar Pradesh, the state government’s 'Atal Residential School' (Atal Awas Vidyalaya) scheme is emerging as a vital initiative for the bright future of daughters from economically weaker families and the families of construction workers. The core purpose of this scheme is to provide residential education to the children of registered construction workers in the state and to those who lost their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Modeled after the Navodaya Vidyalayas, this scheme offers eligible female students—across various districts in the state—a completely free education (following the CBSE curriculum) from classes 6 to 12, along with modern hostel accommodation and meals.

Equipped with an excellent academic environment and modern amenities, these schools provide a significant opportunity for girls from families who might otherwise be unable to afford a high-quality education due to financial constraints. The scheme offers a range of complimentary facilities designed to foster the holistic development of the selected students.

This includes free education from classes 6 to 12, accommodation in modern hostels, and nutritious meals—all at no cost. Furthermore, the government provides books, stationery, school bags, uniforms, footwear, and sports equipment.

The schools also feature world-class infrastructure, including digital classrooms, science and computer labs, and sports grounds. Additionally, the program incorporates medical facilities and various educational activities aimed at promoting the personal development of the students.

Specific eligibility criteria have been established for admission to the Atal Residential Schools. The scheme is open to girls whose parents are registered as construction workers with the 'Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board' and who have completed the required registration period. Additionally, children who lost their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as those identified as eligible under the 'Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana' or by the Department of Women's Welfare, are eligible for admission. Furthermore, up to two children of a registered worker can avail the benefits of this scheme. Generally, the beneficiary must be between 6 and 16 years of age. For admission into Class 6, the applicant must have passed Class 5 from a recognized school, and for admission into Class 9, they must have passed Class 8.

Admission to schools under this scheme is conducted transparently through a state-level selection examination rather than through direct enrollment. The examination consists of objective-type questions. For Class 6, the test covers mental ability, arithmetic, and language, while the examination for Class 9 assesses knowledge in Hindi, English, Mathematics, and Science.

Information regarding admission guidelines, dates, and the application process can be obtained from the district-specific websites of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, as well as the official website of the 'Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board'.

Parents can apply for their daughters' admission under this scheme through either online or offline modes. For offline applications, parents may obtain the application form from their nearest Labour Office, the office of the Tehsildar in the relevant Tehsil, or the office of the Block Development Officer (BDO) in the respective development block; the completed form, along with the necessary documents, can then be submitted.