What this scheme offers
This scheme covers two things: compulsory non-refundable institutional fees (tuition and similar charges, reimbursed in full, paid separately from the allowance) and a monthly maintenance allowance to help with living costs, ranging roughly from ₹230 to ₹1,200 a month depending on your course group and whether you're a hosteller or day scholar (hostellers generally receive a higher rate — for example, ₹800/month, ₹9,600/year, is a typical hosteller rate at the Class 11-12 level). It covers every level from Class 11-12 through ITI/polytechnic diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, PhD, and professional courses like CA, ICWA and CS, at any government-recognised institution. Students with disabilities (Divyangjan) receive an additional 10% on top of the standard allowance.
Who is eligible
- Belongs to a Scheduled Caste, with a valid caste certificate.
- Studying any post-matric course (Class 11 onward) at a government-recognised institution — private institutions must be verified and listed on the National Scholarship Portal.
- Family income from all sources must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per year.
- Must be an Indian national studying within India.
Documents required
- Caste certificate
- Income certificate (current financial year)
- Previous year's mark sheet
- Admission/fee receipt from the institution
- Aadhaar-linked bank account details (required for DBT)
How to apply
- Register on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) with your Aadhaar and basic details.
- Select "Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students" and fill in your academic and course details.
- Upload your caste certificate, income certificate, previous mark sheet, and bank details.
- Submit the application for verification by your institute, followed by the state/ministry.
- Track your application status on the portal — the annual application window typically opens around June, with a deadline usually around October (confirm exact dates each year, as they shift).
- Renewal applicants must reapply every year; income certificates are generally required only at first admission, not for every renewal.