The Post-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste (SC) students is one of India’s longest-running and most impactful welfare schemes. Funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and delivered through state governments, it ensures that SC students can continue their studies beyond Class 10 without financial pressure.
Purpose of the scheme
The scholarship covers the cost of education for SC students from Class 11 all the way to postgraduate, professional and doctoral courses. By meeting tuition, maintenance and other costs, it aims to reduce dropout rates and improve representation of SC communities in higher education.
Eligibility
- The applicant must belong to a Scheduled Caste as notified by the government.
- They must be an Indian citizen studying a post-matriculation (Class 11 and above) course at a recognised institution.
- The parents’/guardians’ annual income must be within the prescribed limit, commonly up to ₹2.5 lakh per year.
- Students already receiving another central scholarship for the same purpose are usually not eligible.
What the scholarship covers
Benefits typically include a monthly maintenance allowance (higher for hostellers than for day scholars), reimbursement of compulsory non-refundable fees, study-tour charges, thesis typing costs for research students, and additional allowances for students with disabilities. The amount depends on the course group the student is enrolled in.
Documents required
- SC caste certificate from a competent authority
- Income certificate of parents/guardian
- Previous year’s marksheet and current admission/fee receipt
- Aadhaar card and Aadhaar-linked bank account details
- Passport-size photograph
How to apply
Most states accept applications through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) or their own state scholarship portal. Register, select the Post-Matric SC scheme, fill in your details, upload documents and submit before the deadline. Your institute must then verify and forward the application to the department.
Common reasons for rejection
Applications are often rejected due to an inactive bank account, Aadhaar not linked to the bank, an income certificate that exceeds the limit, or a mismatch between the name on documents. Applying early and getting your institute to verify quickly greatly improves your chances of timely disbursement.
Deadlines and income limits vary by state, so always check your state’s official scholarship portal for the latest 2026 details.