Eligibility
Who Can Apply
- SC students: family income below ₹2.5 lakh per annum
- ST students: family income below ₹2.5 lakh per annum
- Students enrolled in Class 11 and above including degree, diploma, and doctoral programmes
- Students in government or recognised private institutions
- Students who have passed the previous qualifying examination
Who Cannot Apply
- Students from non-SC/ST categories
- Students whose family income exceeds ₹2.5 lakh per annum
- Students studying below Class 11 (see Pre-Matric Scholarship)
- Students receiving full scholarship from state or other central scheme for the same course
- Students in correspondence or distance education (for hostel allowance)
Benefits
- Maintenance allowance: ₹380–₹1,200/month for day scholars (varies by course level)
- Maintenance allowance: ₹1,000–₹1,500/month for hostellers
- Study tour, thesis, book allowance as applicable
- Full reimbursement of compulsory non-refundable fees
- Extra coaching and reader allowance for disabled students
Documents Required
- Caste certificate (SC/ST, issued by competent authority)
- Income certificate (below ₹2.5 lakh per annum)
- Aadhaar Card
- Previous year marksheet and passing certificate
- Current institution enrollment/bonafide certificate
- Bank passbook in student's name (Aadhaar-linked)
- Fee receipt from institution
How to Apply
Online
- Visit scholarships.gov.in (National Scholarship Portal)
- Register as a fresh applicant using Aadhaar
- Select 'Post-Matric Scholarship for SC' or 'Post-Matric Scholarship for ST' as applicable
- Fill academic, institution, and income details
- Upload all required documents and submit before the deadline
- Renewal applicants must log in and update current year details annually
Offline / CSC
- Collect application form from your institution or district social welfare office
- Fill the form with all required documents
- Submit through your institution to the district social welfare officer
- Track status on scholarships.gov.in using registration number
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Pre-Matric covers Class 9–10. Post-Matric covers Class 11 and above including graduation, post-graduation, and doctoral programmes.
Yes. Professional and technical courses such as engineering, medicine, law, and MBA are covered under Group I of the scheme with the highest maintenance allowance.
Yes. You apply through the state from which your caste certificate is issued, regardless of where you are studying.
No. Students must renew every year on scholarships.gov.in with updated marksheets and enrollment certificates.
Scholarship is not payable for years repeated due to failure. Contact your institution or district office for reinstatement after clearing the examination.
Related Schemes
CentralEducation
Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
KEY BENEFITS:
- ❖Monthly day scholar allowance
- ❖Monthly hostel allowance
- ❖Annual adhoc grant for books and stationery
View Full Details
CentralEducation
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
Ministry of Education
KEY BENEFITS:
- ❖₹12,000 per year (₹1,000/month) scholarship
- ❖Paid from Class 9 to Class 12 (4 years)
- ❖Direct bank transfer via DBT
View Full Details
StateEducation
Aikyashree Scholarship
West Bengal Minorities' Development & Finance Corporation (WBMDFС)
KEY BENEFITS:
- ❖Pre-Matric: ₹1,100–₹1,125/month (hostellers) or ₹380–₹400/month (day scholars)
- ❖Post-Matric: Up to ₹7,000/month for hostellers depending on course level
- ❖Merit-cum-Means: Up to ₹1 lakh/year for professional courses
View Full Details