To the financially disadvantaged students, obtaining financial assistance through a scholarship is a big incentive to work harder.  Knowing this and to encourage merit, the government has introduced various scholarships.  The National Merit and Means Scheme is one such which offers Rs. 500 a month for students from classes 8th to 12 Std.   Pratham prepares selected students to undertake the exam and inculcate a spirit of competition among lesser privileged children.